It's easy to suspend disbelief with Nancy Linari's animated reading of this story. She quickly engages listeners with the authoritative viewpoint of Red, an oak tree who knows the habits of the many animals she shelters. Linari is equally successful in voicing the tenderness Red has for the humans who hang wishes from her branches. Linari marks Red's concern when Muslims move into the neighborhood and someone carves "Leave" into her bark. She responds to human actions with acerbic puzzlement: "Two hundred and sixteen rings, and I still haven't figured them out." Conveying the author's wit and humor, Linari keeps the story from being heavy-handed. Especially memorable are her vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, a sarcastic crow who is Red's best friend. This is a fabulous family listen!
(Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2017
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525500957
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series.
Mark Bramhall, who read the first two audiobooks in this series, now brings listeners the final installment in a satisfying conclusion. His narration shows his deep understanding of the characters—Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl—as well as their unlikely friendship. He excellently executes grouchy Orris’ outward crabbiness and his more vulnerable interiority. Bramhall portrays young, patient Timble’s affection for the owl and his desire for Orris to experience the joy of flight with him. By the audiobook’s end, both flight and trust are achieved and the pair shares a new level of happiness. The final scene celebrates the magic these tales have brought to devoted fans.
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series. (Early chapter book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593861905
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett, whose heritage includes Blackfeet, narrates Sibert honoree Nelson‘s (Hunkpapa Lakota–Standing Rock Sioux) picture-book presentation of Lakota principles as embodied in the natural world. The name of each animal, from buffalo to frog to horse and more, is presented in both English and Lakota, followed by a sentence or two of description and explanation of how their behaviors inform the Lakota way of life. Taylor-Corbett’s light, earnest voice is a good tonal match with the text, and he smoothly incorporates the Lakota vocabulary into his delivery. His pacing is measured, granting the animals the respect they’re due and allowing little listeners following along with the print book to linger on each page to take in the details of Nelson’s illustrations, which are inspired by traditional Lakota artwork.
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898850357
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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