In 1950s Pittsburgh, Franny Katzenback has been stricken with polio. As she grapples with that reality, she creates a fantasy world, courtesy of a literature-spouting flea with whom she corresponds, converses, and schemes. Julie Marcus is an animated narrator. Imaginative travels at night on a flying horse are a bit interruptive, but Franny's love for the book CHARLOTTE'S WEB and her interactions with her family, caregivers, neighbors, and school friends reverberate with spunk and believability. Marcus uses speed and intonation to create a Franny's emotions, especially as she befriends Fleabrain and rages about unfairness. As Fleabrain, Marcus is equally animated but with a high-pitched voice, which some listeners may find grating. An author's note, which includes a history of polio, concludes the production.
(Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2014
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780553396645
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Gosage delivers these scientifically-sound oceanic anecdotes with an easy-listening appeal.
Narrator Ellie Gosage speaks to middle-grade listeners as a friend, her tone changing with each ocean-themed topic. Gosage’s conversational narration reflects the book’s plain language. Her tone ranges from amused, as in “Blubber Blunder,” about a town’s attempt to destroy an 8-ton whale carcass with a half-ton of dynamite, to impressed, as in “The (Dog’s) Nose Knows,” about one dog’s unique ability to locate floating whale poop from a half-mile away while on a boat. (The excrement is used to capture DNA information.) In a chapter about a grieving orca, Gosage’s narration is especially soulful.
Gosage delivers these scientifically-sound oceanic anecdotes with an easy-listening appeal. (10-12)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217172764
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
By honoring Mungo’s earned confidence, this cozy episode boosts young listeners’ own.
Taisha Cameron voices this tale of a young fox on his first solo adventure. It’s November, and the red berries are calling out to young Mungo. With a nod of assent from his mother, the kit ventures out into the countryside. Menaces, both real and imagined, faze Mungo but do not stop him, and the reward for both fox and listeners is pure joy. Children who listen as they page through the print edition will see both in Julie Benbassat’s winsome illustrations. Burgess’ text is subtly rhythmic and powerfully sensory; Cameron nimbly navigates both aspects. Her gentle voice carries listeners along with sensitive precision.
By honoring Mungo’s earned confidence, this cozy episode boosts young listeners’ own.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 6 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063478251
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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