Georgie can fly. Well, she thinks she can. She has, hasn't she? Georgie's desire to fly --to soar gracefully through the clouds--guides this warm and magical story of a young girl who finds her prince, her "Goose Prince," who helps her realize her deepest dream, in spite of her loving but realistic family, meddling neighbors, and boorish townspeople, who want to keep her grounded. Set in and around Walden Pond, and imbued with the gentle reflections of Henry David Thoreau, this story examines the relationships of people living in (and out) of harmony with nature, and the similar relationships found within and without the family. Mary Beth Hurt's narration of this overlooked 1981 Newbery Honor Book is flawless. She brings each character to distinct, vibrant life: from tremulous, eager and gentle Georgie to vociferous Madelyn Prawn; from thoughtful, compassionate Aunt Alex to emotional, caring, but self-centered Eleanor; from the self-serving, narrow-minded Ralph Preek, to the charming, gallant Goose Prince himself. Hurt's gentle, soothing voice moves the story calmly through the glorious flights, quickens and tightens as we move towards the inevitable climax, and fills us, in the end, with wonder and hope. A gem!
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In her clear, expressive voice, bilingual narrator M.L. Sanchez tells the exciting story of mouse siblings Vida and Máximo. The town of Moustepec was once happy, but the threat of a cat forces residents to stay home. There are no more fiestas, no more fireworks, and no more music. When a scary encounter with the cat results in Vida's dream about a fantastical creature called an alebrije, it inspires a plan to get rid of the cat once and for all with the help of the whole town. An extensive author's note offers a history of the Mexican tradition of the alebrije; another note reveals the story's inspiration. Sanchez's pacing adds to this enjoyable adventure for young listeners.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349108686
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robb Moreira summons a mythic tone for this original spinoff of the Aztec creation story. In Higuera's story, the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl's lesser-known brother, Xolotl, recounts "what really happened." Xolo has a dog's head, paws, and, most importantly, a love of humankind. Moreira's declamatory tones suit the epic nature of the story but also sometimes flatten the nuances of Higuera's characterizations. Listeners who don't seek out the print edition to accompany the audiobook will miss illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson's strikingly stylized figures, colorfully lush design, and critical narrative detail that's often communicated only in the illustrations. Those who do read and listen will occasionally find themselves zooming past wordless sequences that demand close attention. Both otherworldly and sweet--and perhaps best enjoyed in print.
(Mythology. 7-10)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9798899735035
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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