Justine Eyre's gentle, expressive voice is well suited to Holt's quiet story of what it's like to be the new kid in the neighborhood and the difficulty of dealing with life's changes. When 9-year-old Daniel's parents divorce, he and his mother must leave his well-loved home on a busy city street for a new house across the county on tranquil While-a-Way Lane. Eyre conveys Daniel's foul mood with punchy pacing and a sometimes forceful tone, making him quite annoying. The boy's older neighbor, Tilda Butter, whose special gift is the ability to talk with animals, is voiced in a warm, melodious tone. Eyre's understated style allows the story's little bits of magic to seem perfectly matched to the quirky goings on at While-a-Way Lane.
(Fantasy. 9-11)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 3 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250212917
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken.
Aria Mia Loberti masters the voice of seventh grader Roxie, expressing the jumble of emotions she feels as she struggles to fit in and find acceptance as her unique self. She was bullied at her old school because her parents are blind. Will a fresh start in a new town lead to friends who will see Roxie for who she is? Loberti also gives supporting characters unique voices. She conveys little brother Theo’s excitement, classmate Quinn’s superior attitude, and the wisdom of Charlie, a boy who also has blind parents. Jeff Ebner is outstanding as Nash, Penny’s guide dog, narrating chapters from his perspective and expressing his patience and insight.
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217412556
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 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
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