Jean Craighead George is well known in children's literature for her ability to combine fiction and nonfiction stories with lots of information about the natural world. In THERE'S AN OWL IN THE SHOWER, George tells us about the plight of the snowy owl in the disappearing northern redwood forests and what it means to the loggers who have survived for decades by cutting down those very trees the owls need to survive. Intending to shoot the snowy owls so his father can return to work, Borden inadvertently brings an owlet home, and learns about caring for owls, why the forests need to be protected. Ed Sala does a nice job portraying the various characters, using slight changes in intonation and energy level. But he excels as Borden's father--gruff, slow, and angry at first, then mellower and more involved as he comes to understand the owl, and what it will take to keep him alive.
(Ages 8+)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Kirby Heyborne reprises his role as Nandu, a Nepalese boy, in this sequel to WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW. The 13-year-old lives with his adoptive father, Subba-sahib, in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle in 1970s Nepal. His community is tested by earthquake, drought, a dangerous wild bull elephant, and menacing poachers. Heyborne's earnest voice captures Nandu's sincere respect and righteous anger, along with his desire to protect the animals in his care. His passionate voice contrasts with the calm, solemn authority of Subba-sahib and highlights the audiobook's powerful messages of stewardship for the earth's creatures, and kindness, empathy, and harmony among individuals of different faiths.
(Historical fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781980034773
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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