Siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma have survived a string of increasingly miserable orphanages since being mysteriously whisked from their parents’ home 10 years ago. Now, alone in a strange home for unwanted children, they stumble upon a magical book and embark on a perplexing time-travel adventure. Jim Dale’s splendid narration provides extra vibrancy to this exhilarating new fantasy series. Dale’s portrayal of the evil witch is spine-tingling, but the listener is reassured by the avuncular wizard who provides advice to the children as they seek to undermine the witch. They encounter spunky dwarves and terrifying monsters, brought to life by Dale’s inspired reading, as they eventually discover that their love for each other, not magic, is the key to their survival.
Ages 10+Pub Date: April 5, 2011
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307879776
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
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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