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
Solid middle-grade horror.
Kaipo Schwab performs this fourth outing in the Tales From Cabin 23 series. In this entry, a Lipan Apache middle schooler finds himself trapped in a house that’s slowly falling into the ocean off coastal Massachusetts. Sean’s been uprooted from his Texas home to live temporarily with his cousin, Zeke, and Schwab convincingly captures his hesitancy and earnestness. Little Badger’s story is propulsive, and Schwab matches its pacing easily. His characterizations also include brash and confident Zeke as well as lonely schoolmate Jenny and “Many Names,” a monster who’s as displaced as Sean—and very hungry. Each character comes alive for listeners as Sean desperately works to rescue himself, his cousin, and their new friend from both Many Names and the Atlantic.
Solid middle-grade horror. (Horror. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063298286
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
Knowelden's proper English accent has a hint of a wink and a smile throughout.
Elizabeth Knowelden narrates another of Millie Fleur’s enchanted gardening adventures. This time, Millie plants a pumpkin patch with magic soil to brighten Garden Glen for the fall. As she works, her cheerful chatter can be heard in the background. When Millie’s garden shed escapes the yard, it dances through town to a quaint country music tune, accidentally spilling seeds and soil wherever it goes. Listeners will enjoy nature sound effects, orchestral music, and the grumblings of the locals as the enchanted pumpkins overrun Garden Glen. Eventually, the townsfolk work together to find unique uses for the extreme variety and abundance of pumpkins.
Knowelden's proper English accent has a hint of a wink and a smile throughout. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225073169
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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