Narrator Kevin R. Free's spirited characterizations and enthusiastic pacing heighten this endearing spooky adventure. Esther Gold can't wait for this year's festivities, but she's not the only being who wants Halloween to last forever. The Queen of Halloween and her henchpeople have trapped Esther's hometown in their curse, and they will kill, enchant, and kidnap as many villagers as it takes to keep the night from ending. Free's delivery and range are commendable. He chills listeners with his cruel villains, then cheers audiences with courageous Esther, kindhearted best friend Agustín, brash enemy-turned-ally Sasha, and not-as-mundane-as-he-seems dentist, Mr. Gabler. Free blends otherworldly danger and real-life issues to stirring effect.
(Horror. 11-14)Pub Date: July 27, 2021
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063021006
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An energetic performance brings this world to life.
Narrator Elizabeth Knowelden beautifully captures the whimsy of Millie Fleur’s world as well as her frustrations, or “morgenmuffels,” as she tries to navigate “the worst day ever.” Knowelden establishes a youthful, high-pitched voice for Millie as she prepares for Butterbloom Fest, which is the most exciting day of the year in Garden Glen, her new hometown. The lively background voices and sounds give the audience a sense of busyness and heightened emotion as Millie’s cake and plant for the competition don’t turn out as well as she hoped. Knowelden creates unique voices for the many friends that come to Millie’s rescue in her time of distress.
An energetic performance brings this world to life. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225080907
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
Smith’s spunky delivery keeps this quirky friendship story plausible.
Ina-Marie Smith’s charming performance captures the sweetly bewitching story of Greta, the only human member of her family, and Agnes, her new human neighbor. Greta lives in a haunted castle with parents who are dragons and brothers who are a ghost, a vampire, and a zombie, respectively—and they all get humorous voices from Smith. Greta longs for a friend and decides to audition Agnes for the job. However, her gift to Agnes—a monster ferret—puts their budding friendship to the test. Amusing wordplay and fairy tale references are upbeat, not scary, and a glimpse of Greta’s monster family out shopping and encountering “normal people” is moving.
Smith’s spunky delivery keeps this quirky friendship story plausible. (Fantasy. 7-11)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 35 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547617371
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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