Imani Parks's enthusiastic, animated voice fits lovable Ruby, the baby elephant introduced in THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Parks's convincing narration quickly has listeners experiencing Ruby's playful nature and imagining the joy of mud fun and pond play. Parks also articulates Ruby's dislike of her nickname, "Tusky," and her apprehension about her Tuskday celebration speech. As Ruby remeets a keeper from her elephant orphanage in Africa, her memories return. Listeners learn a deeper truth as Parks's narration grows mournful and Ruby recalls her early life, her mother's death at the hands of hunters, and her tusk association with poachers. Parks brings all Ruby's friends, the familiar characters in this series, to life, and Ruby is especially vivid.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063080119
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears.
Joshua Quinn narrates this short book featuring Waffles, a friendly dog who wants a hug, and his haughty housemate, Julius the cat. Quinn gives each a fitting voice—eager and goofy for Waffles, slow and somewhat disdainful for Julius. The two interact in typical cat and dog fashion. Classic cartoon-style sound effects accompany Waffles' attempts to hug his friend. Boings, zings, cymbal crashes, howling, meowing, and more punctuate the music and narration. Julius is not interested in hugs. After a day of trying, Waffles finally settles down for a nap to the sound of a music box lullaby. A tired Julius snuggles in beside him.
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250443540
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
Kelly’s kaleidoscopic voice draws listeners in.
Caitlin Kelly narrates the start of a new children’s fantasy animal series from a powerhouse author. After losing their home to a mysterious fire, cat sisters Willow and Luna stumble upon secretive animals with the ability to communicate with them despite being different species. This means that the sisters are “attuned” and have magical abilities. Luna can control fire, but Willow struggles to realize her own gift. Kelly easily differentiates a wide cast of animal characters. And as Willow and Luna witness their new world clash with human witches, Kelly adds emotional intensity that matches the highly dramatic situations the animals find themselves in.
Kelly’s kaleidoscopic voice draws listeners in. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063449558
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 18, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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