Narrator Reena Dutt whisks listeners into a heroic tale set in the Himalayas. As the heroine, young Asha, Dutt narrates in pure, sweet tones, relaying the girl's innocence and imagination. Set on finding her father after not hearing from him in months, Asha enlists the help of her dearest friend, Jeevan. His practical personality is portrayed by Dutt in calm, sometimes serious notes. As the two journey together, guided by the spirit of Asha's Nanijee, Dutt's tempo keeps listeners engaged. Moments of reflection find Dutt slowing Asha's words, while her cadence increases during tense scenes. Listeners both young and old will cheer for Asha and Jeevan as they traverse the mountain range to bring her father home and save her family from greedy moneylenders.
(Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781338630046
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
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
Tiedemann perfectly captures Queso’s emotions as he deals with family and loss in this time-travel adventure.
Narrator Gary Tiedemann creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Queso, who, after making a wish to see his deceased dad one more time, travels back in time to 1985. He meets his dad, Pancho (also 12 years old), whose easygoing voice matches his friendly personality, and they become fast friends. As Queso learns more about his dad's childhood, he becomes determined to help him with school to alleviate some of the struggles Pancho will face later in life. Then Queso must make the difficult decision to leave his father behind and return to his own time—if that’s even possible.
Tiedemann perfectly captures Queso’s emotions as he deals with family and loss in this time-travel adventure. (Science fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063092273
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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