Ron McLarty is always a pleasure to listen to, and he doesn't disappoint in this story about six-foot three-inch seventh-grader, Tree. Tree and his family are learning to deal with his parents' recent divorce while his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, learns to cope with an amputation and new prosthetic leg. The story itself is told primarily from Tree's viewpoint, although the narrative occasionally shifts awkwardly to another character. McLarty carries the listener through with his gravelly voice and moments of brilliance. When Tree's grandfather's friend describes Christmas in Vietnam, he sings just a few words of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and makes the scene come alive. His rapid and edgy voice for Tree's friend Sophie is perfect. A compelling listen.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nayeri has done a stellar job of adapting his own unique work to the audiobook format.
Nayeri narrates this hero’s journey from Nothing to purpose. Ing (short for Nothing) heeds the advice of his friend, Nana, and sets out with his dog, Pöppy, and the wise mouse, mOmO, to find his name, parents, and purpose. Among Ing’s adventures, he traverses the Land of the Dead and aids the questing Wander Prince. Background music and sounds, like Pöppy’s bell ringing and echo effects in the Land of the Dead, stand in for the artistically arrayed text of the print version. Nayeri’s narration is crisp and matter of fact, presenting sorrow, joy, and even death with a reassuring pragmatism. The exception is his characterization of Pöppy as joyfully silly and distracted.
Nayeri has done a stellar job of adapting his own unique work to the audiobook format. (Adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 47 mins
DD ISBN: 9781628864595
Publisher: Sourcebooks Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
A fabulous family listen.
Shannon Nicole Locke presents the innocence and timidity of Kitty, a formerly feral feline who’s adopted by a boy named Max. Kitty attempts to be perfect to win Max’s love and avoid a return to the shelter. Locke narrates both human and animal characters with a strength that brings alive a home haunted by the recent mysterious death of Licorice, Max’s first cat. Particularly notable is Locke’s portrayal of the parrot, Duchess, whose erudite, authoritarian tones are both commanding and chilling. Gradually, however, the truth becomes clear, and Kitty’s devotion to Max triumphs. Adults will marvel at this retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca while children will enjoy a spooky yet safe introduction to the gothic genre.
A fabulous family listen. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 20, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225078904
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 20, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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