Narrator Todd Haberkorn paints a memorable picture of the quirky DuPont family, who live on a Louisiana estate that time seems to have forgotten. August, who is homeschooled by his high-strung Aunt Hydrangea, longs for friends. Just as he starts to make some, he unintentionally reanimates a friendly zombie who then won't leave him alone. Hilarious situations ensue as August tries to sort out his problems--both supernatural and real. Haberkorn gives August an innocent, raspy voice that contrasts with the Southern accents of the eccentric characters around him. Listeners will laugh at Haberkorn's flamboyant portrayal of southern belle Aunt Hydrangea even as they sympathize with sweet, lonely August.
(Supernatural mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: June 4, 2019
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984884640
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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