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
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series.
Mark Bramhall, who read the first two audiobooks in this series, now brings listeners the final installment in a satisfying conclusion. His narration shows his deep understanding of the characters—Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl—as well as their unlikely friendship. He excellently executes grouchy Orris’ outward crabbiness and his more vulnerable interiority. Bramhall portrays young, patient Timble’s affection for the owl and his desire for Orris to experience the joy of flight with him. By the audiobook’s end, both flight and trust are achieved and the pair shares a new level of happiness. The final scene celebrates the magic these tales have brought to devoted fans.
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series. (Early chapter book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593861905
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett, whose heritage includes Blackfeet, narrates Sibert honoree Nelson‘s (Hunkpapa Lakota–Standing Rock Sioux) picture-book presentation of Lakota principles as embodied in the natural world. The name of each animal, from buffalo to frog to horse and more, is presented in both English and Lakota, followed by a sentence or two of description and explanation of how their behaviors inform the Lakota way of life. Taylor-Corbett’s light, earnest voice is a good tonal match with the text, and he smoothly incorporates the Lakota vocabulary into his delivery. His pacing is measured, granting the animals the respect they’re due and allowing little listeners following along with the print book to linger on each page to take in the details of Nelson’s illustrations, which are inspired by traditional Lakota artwork.
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898850357
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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