This absorbing tale mixes scientific detail (explaining echo-location and bug-catching from a bat's perspective) with the world of fantasy (creatures can speak, and a war is brewing between the owl and bat kingdoms). SILVERWING also depicts the sometimes brutal reality of a wild world in which creatures may die of cold or be eaten by one another, and is better suited to older children or those listening with an adult. But adults and young listeners alike will appreciate John McDonough's outstanding narration, which creates great depth of character in the main cast while managing to distinguish the story's many "extras." McDonough makes the hours of listening fly.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen.
Sophie Amoss flawlessly narrates this splendid middle-grade audiobook set in New Orleans. Twelve-year-old Basil is shocked when the ghost of her Grandpere—who founded their family’s Cajun restaurant—appears at his own funeral and asks her to visit the bayou where he grew up. When Basil and her energetically rendered friend Tommy discover that the bayou has suffered from damaging erosion, they decide to work to save it. Spirited descriptions of family, friendship, the environment, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in a restaurant add atmosphere. A moving, beautiful author’s note includes ways for listeners to help save Louisiana’s coast.
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen. (Paranormal. 8-12)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063325463
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 28, 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
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