Between Yee’s charming performance and a breezy 60-minute run time, this is a satisfying family listen.
Rita Yee’s warm narration makes this audiobook a standout listen for families. Yee’s pacing and performance are engaging without being over the top as she guides listeners through the story of Ivy and her brother, Ezra, trained “critter couriers” who set out to rescue an injured baby river otter. At the same time, Ivy navigates a shifting social life and the tricky work of making new friends, and the story balances Ivy’s personal journey with themes of conservation and animal facts.
Between Yee’s charming performance and a breezy 60-minute run time, this is a satisfying family listen. (Chapter book. 7-10)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547621385
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Kirby Heyborne reprises his role as Nandu, a Nepalese boy, in this sequel to WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW. The 13-year-old lives with his adoptive father, Subba-sahib, in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle in 1970s Nepal. His community is tested by earthquake, drought, a dangerous wild bull elephant, and menacing poachers. Heyborne's earnest voice captures Nandu's sincere respect and righteous anger, along with his desire to protect the animals in his care. His passionate voice contrasts with the calm, solemn authority of Subba-sahib and highlights the audiobook's powerful messages of stewardship for the earth's creatures, and kindness, empathy, and harmony among individuals of different faiths.
(Historical fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781980034773
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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