Hannah Van Der Westhuysen narrates this beautifully crafted biography, which captures the wonder of Jeanne Villepreux-Power's life. Born in 1794 to a dressmaker and a cobbler, Jeanne spent her childhood watching her parents transform scraps into something remarkable. Eventually, she became an acclaimed seamstress herself. However, her deepest passion lay in nature, particularly in the argonaut, a shy and mysterious sea creature now recognized as a type of octopus. Frustrated by its elusive behavior, Jeanne created the first aquarium to study it more closely. This audio also includes a brief explanation of Villepreux-Power's journey to being recognized as the "Mother of Aquariophily" and a timeline of her life. Van Der Westhuysen's precise pacing and emphasis on key moments make the narration both engaging and memorable.
(Picture-book biography. 7-10)Pub Date: Sept. 24, 2024
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217014767
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ken Coleman's expertise as a baseball announcer enriches this history of the Boston Red Sox since the sale of Babe Ruth to the N.Y. Yankees. He leads off with a grim account of this transaction, which started the curse that has plagued the Red Sox ever since. The sermon-like tone will amuse non-believers and comfort listeners who are certain the team is cursed. Like the ups and downs of Boston's play through the years, the narrator's voice fluctuates--exuberant and then despondent--in tone and tempo accurately reflecting the mood of any given baseball season. The narrator is very successful at conveying the emotional roller coaster ride Red Sox fans have endured as a result of the curse of the Bambino.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family.
A talented ensemble cast brings this fictionalized graphic memoir to life in a vivid, fully immersive listening experience. Young Carlos, voiced by Cuban American narrator Giordan Diaz, anchors the story with a performance that captures innocence, fear, and curiosity as revolution begins to shadow his childhood in Cuba. Daniel Miyares narrates in a steady, serious tone, skillfully weaving the historical context of 1950s Cuba into the family’s perilous journey toward Key West, Florida. The contrast between his grounded narration and the emotionally charged family scenes adds depth and authenticity. Cuban music and layered sound design, like rolling waves, hushed conversations, and distant protesters, create a cinematic atmosphere.
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family. (Graphic memoir. 8-12)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346066
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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