Michi Barall's warm narration of this poetic and imaginative children's book about colors will appeal to young listeners, especially those who continually marvel at the natural world around them. Throughout, Barall's narration echoes the emotion in the text, whether it's a quiet whisper at the end of the day or a joyful call to the sun and sky. Listeners will recognize the enthusiasm in Barall's voice as the world warms in the summer, and her tone of acceptance at fall's chill and winter's embrace. Tamaki's imaginative illustrations are worth seeking out to pair with listening, though they aren't essential to appreciating the meaning behind these moving words.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 4 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980012481
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Barnett’s genius brand of offbeat humor is dampened somewhat by the foreboding accompaniment to his deadpan delivery.
In this humorous dispatch, author and narrator Barnett offers a glimpse into the future and its customs. Speaking directly to the listener in a deep, sonorous voice accompanied by eerie space-age music and effects, Barnett imparts tidbits from an age in which many people are named Charlie Cheeseface, day is called night, and night is called day. “Forgive me, Susan!” is the response to sneezing, and the polite way to express thanks is to gently place a fish on a person’s head. Along with Barnett, the picture book’s illustrator, Shawn Harris, contributes an auto-tuned, robotic echo of sentence-ending words or phrases.
Barnett’s genius brand of offbeat humor is dampened somewhat by the foreboding accompaniment to his deadpan delivery. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217284061
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Author Drew Daywalt serves as primary narrator of this first book in a new Crayon series. Daywalt describes Duncan's surprise when he learns his errant crayons have left again. They all send back letters that recount their adventures and discoveries, and the new friends they've met. A large cast, including narration luminaries like Michael Crouch and Tara Sands, portray the 10 crayons. Music, sound effects, and the accents and attitudes of many different voices individualize the crayons, starting with Red, who extinguishes fires and makes the acquaintance of his toy fire truck, and ending with Brown, who falls in love with a stick. At the end, Daywalt gathers all the crayons together, and against a loud party background, the crayons speak up with final words.
(Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 3, 2025
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217169573
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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