by Jennifer Richard Jacobson ; illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis ; read by Laura Hamilton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 4, 2008
This gentle chapter book highlights the challenges and delights of summer camp, where, as Winnie discovers, "you can be someone else for a while." Laura Hamilton's low-key narration explores the consequences of reinventing oneself. For example, Winnie capriciously decides to have her deceased mother become a famous—living—artist. Hamilton has a knack for creating a large and appealing cast of characters that includes kids and grown-ups alike. She invites listeners of all ages to consider whether “not telling” is the same as lying. Imbuing the production with a genuine summer camp ambiance, Hamilton shares chants, camp songs, and counselor names (like Spunky, Dolphin, and Picasso) that ring true to the ear.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2008
Duration: 1 hr, 15 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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by Jacqueline Woodson ; read by Denée Benton , Marley Dias , Dominique Fishback , Big Freedia , Montego Glover , Nicole Ari Parker , Tika Sumpter , Lena Waithe & Jacqueline Woodson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2026
A fresh, dynamic interpretation of Woodson's poetry.
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Woodson originally narrated her memoir in 2014, and this updated production features a lively chorus of voices, a new bonus chapter, and testimonies about the legacy of Brown Girl Dreaming. The audiobook opens with spare guitar music, and Woodson narrates her new, emotion-filled introduction. The chorus—Denée Benton, Marley Dias, Dominique Fishback, Big Freedia, Montego Glover, Nicole Ari Parker, Tika Sumpter, and Lena Waithe—then jumps in, each contributor delivering one poem and passing the mic to another voice for the next. The variety of voices adds a little spice, as their narration styles are very different from one another. Snappy musical interludes by Toshi Reagon feature before each section.
A fresh, dynamic interpretation of Woodson's poetry. (Memoir/poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: May 12, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217175611
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: May 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
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by Maryrose Wood ; read by Chris Devon ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2026
Devon warmly depicts a quirky and loving family with his engaging performance.
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Narrator Chris Devon returns for a bravura performance of this sweet, silly, and poignant second installment in Wood’s series. Seagull Gully and badger Septimus are busy raising their three chicks, and an already hectic household becomes that much more chaotic when a group of forest badgers comes for an extended visit. They want to dig a den where?! With his British accent and excellent pronunciation of Italian words, Devon immerses listeners in their various adventures and misadventures and conjures the many delights of the seaside town where they live. Gully’s dialogue consists exclusively of “Caw,” and Devon injects impressive variation and emotion into each utterance.
Devon warmly depicts a quirky and loving family with his engaging performance. (Fiction. 7-10)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349115998
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
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