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
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
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