Bilingual narrator Marisa Blake's voice is full of warmth; it pairs perfectly with this beautiful story of familial love. It is Rocio's birthday. She is in a new home in a new country. Now living in the U.S., she misses her old home in Mexico with her abuela and extended family. Rocio misses the grocery store that Abuela owns. She misses the colorful homemade piñatas, chiles, and sweets--the small things. Little does Rocio know that Abuela has a birthday surprise planned for her even though she is far away. Blake's voice is like warm sunshine, making this audiobook a delightful listening experience. Children and adults will enjoy this story with its colorful descriptions and Blake's tenderness.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 8, 2022
Duration: 5 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593504130
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Edwards gives a soulful performance.
Young Juniper visits her grandmother's house, where Grandma tells her about their ancestors from Africa and their practice of hoodoo. Together, Juniper and Grandma tend to the garden, go for walks in the woods, attend church, create herb-filled mojo bags, and visit the cemetery to place offerings for their ancestors, whom Grandma says are always with them. Narrator Janina Edwards conveys Grandma’s wisdom with an earthy and relaxed narration, expressing a clear connection with the natural world, a refuge for both of them. Edwards also handily portrays Juniper's sense of wonder as she navigates this spiritual connection, inspiring listeners to pay attention to the world around them.
Edwards gives a soulful performance. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349168703
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
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