Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
by Kate McMullan ; illustrated by James McMullan ; Read by Andy Richter ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2004
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
It’s a fine night for the garbage truck. It makes its rounds, collecting curbside trash throughout the city and delivering it to the garbage scow. Heard this before? Not the way Kate and Jim McMullan have created it and Andy Richter presents it. For the young trash truck aficionado, this is the definitive recording. As the anatomy of the truck is exposed and its mechanisms explained, probable contents are revealed and cheered. The work of every sanitation department is championed. With a superb musical accompaniment, Andy Richter brings the McMullans’ visual artistry and story to life. Each word has the inflection and pacing that it suggests. Richter’s deep and gravelly voice sounds just like the voice of a proud, no-nonsense garbage truck. Fun from first pickup to last!
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 7 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Lemony Snicket ; illustrated by Seth ; Read by Liam Aiken ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 6, 2015
Narrator Liam Aiken skillfully brings this series finale to a satisfying conclusion. Finally, Lemony believes he has answers to his many questions--but does he really? The story's train setting is unique and adds a thrilling sense of place as Stain'd-by-the-Sea is left far behind. Aiken presents the story's clever wordplay and vocabulary in a lively manner that will appeal to young listeners. Lemony must ascertain who murdered one of his heroes, librarian Dashiell Qwerty. Because he loves libraries, librarians, and books, Lemony's sadness is audibly apparent in Aiken's tone. As Lemony and his associates sift through clues, they share tidbits about their favorite authors and books. It's a challenging listen as the suspects continually shift. Aiken's best creation is Hangfire, whose sarcasm and creepy voice will keep listeners on edge.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2015
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781478959656
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jim Murphy ; Read by Richard M. Davidson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 1998
Murphy has used Robert Louis Stevenson's 1879 trip across America and entries from Stevenson's own journals to recreate this wonderful slice of Americana. Davidson's outstanding ability to capture the sound of early American voices makes this at once interesting and enjoyable for young listeners. Stevenson's horrendous experience crossing the Atlantic and his equally harrowing train trip across the United States are rendered in a style reminiscent of a great teacher or storyteller relaying a tale that modern Americans can barely imagine. Davidson splendidly enhances an interesting story with minimal dramatic flourishes. This excellent and easy way to learn American history is not to be missed.
(Ages 10+)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.