Singer-songwriter Randy Preston gives voice to and plays music for the third book in this "how to" series. Opening with guitar music, Preston then provides a nuanced, emotional performance of the text. Speaking with energy and varied volume, pacing, and pitch, he encourages kids to listen to sounds all around them, feel the music inside them, and let it take control as it goes round and round and then leaps into the sky. During his narration, guitar notes are plucked and chords strummed in the background, providing rhythm and structure. At the end are a note from Preston about cowriting this "instruction manual for music making" with Alexander and a note from illustrator Melissa Sweet on how the art for the picture book edition was created.
(Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2024
Duration: 6 mins
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Much has been written on Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking career and legacy, but it's nice to see a well-done synopsis covering the highlights of his life for young people. Narrator JD Jackson carries the story as he conveys the importance of Robinson's life without overdramatization. It covers Robinson's growing up, time in the Army, and deliberate recruitment for the purpose of breaking Major League baseball's color barrier. Jackson gives various players, coaches, and individuals--including Robinson's wife, Rachel--slight accents. His steady, animated narration reflects the well-researched book and is sure to hold the attention of both young and older listeners.
(Biography. 10-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrators John Lithgow and Kate Mulgrew alternately share poems and songs created by Fred Rogers for his long-standing television show. Rogers's messages affirm children and give voice to the myriad feelings, good and bad, that all people feel from time to time. Wonder, joy, questions, exploration, outsides and insides, a new baby, one-of-a-kindness, needs emotional and material are examples of the breadth of Rogers's words. Lithgow's voice has its own richness, reminiscent of Rogers's own. His tone is firm and straightforward. When his voice expresses the anger of a poem, for example, he soon becomes calm as the anger fades. Kate Mulgrew is equally genuine and sets a pace for children's consideration of each message.
(Poetry. 3-8)Pub Date: March 19, 2019
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781683691808
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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