Cherry Jones's expertise shines in a short novel that's long on emotions. Her narration emphasizes 10-year-old Ferris's fundamental belief that "every story is a love story." Jones's nuanced delivery captures the affection of Ferris's large family; listeners will feel the many facets of their love. Central to the story is Charisse, Ferris's beloved grandmother. Each time Jones utters her throaty endearment, "Darling," its tenderness resonates powerfully. Jones voices Ferris's continual concern about Charisse until it becomes a refrain of worry. Jones portrays all the other characters equally strongly. They range from the practicality of Ferris's devoted mother to the fractiousness of Ferris's younger sister, Pinky, whose desire to become an outlaw makes her difficult to love. Still, Jones demonstrates that Ferris manages to do so.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593867938
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
Santana skillfully expresses the brothers’ estrangement as it evolves into love and understanding.
André Santana’s soothing yet strong voice perfectly conveys the action and wide range of emotions in this fantastical horror story. Ryan, a bully, and his gentle younger brother, Teddy, are grieving their dad's death, which Ryan blames on Teddy.When they hear their dad’s voice calling from the dangerous Hungry Forest, Ryan follows his brother’s impulsive run into the forest. They encounter violent and brutal monsters and vines that bind them and learn they must leave the forest before dark or be confined there forever. They also meet Perdida, orphaned and imprisoned in the forest, who helps divert the pursuing monsters.
Santana skillfully expresses the brothers’ estrangement as it evolves into love and understanding. (Horror. 9-13)Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547619542
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: today
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