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
A life-affirming story filled with empathy and heart.
Warga’s novel introduces listeners to the real, valuable work being done in zoos and in the wild to support endangered species. Early chapters alternate between Chase, an orphaned cheetah, and Finnegan, a dog, who each tell their own stories. Michael Crouch’s well-paced, emotional performance will have listeners rooting for both to thrive. His delivery is heartbreaking as he expresses Chase’s confusion, grief, and fear after the loss of her mother, and Finnegan’s guilt over his past and his eagerness for acceptance are clear. Chase and Finnegan become friends thanks to Basma, who works at the zoo, and her partner, Ryan. Crouch’s narration emphasizes the human characters’ love and patience.
A life-affirming story filled with empathy and heart. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250432315
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
Ladji’s appealing performance gives an extra spark as both girl and horse rise from those mythical ashes.
Emma Ladji brings empathy and authenticity to this tale of a kid whose life blows up when her dad cheats with her best friend’s mom. Harper and her mom move to a new town and into a teeny house next to a barn. Although Harper has no particular interest in horses, that changes when a kill truck dumps a neglected, almost-dead horse in her yard. As Harper finds a new purpose in saving her horse—whom she names Phoenix, of course—she connects with her barn neighbors. Ladji has fun creating voices for the quirky and diverse group—fiery little Emma, Puerto Rican Dante, and Night, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns.
Ladji’s appealing performance gives an extra spark as both girl and horse rise from those mythical ashes. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280902
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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