Narrating a Caldecott Medal-winning book is both an honor and a challenge. Erin Moon rises to the occasion. She is the gentle mother telling a family story to her young son, Cole; she is the wondrous young son himself; she is the adventurous, young Canadian soldier; and she is the storytelling father who takes his son to see a bear at the London Zoo. Listeners will treasure this story of the orphaned bear cub who travels from Winnipeg to London with veterinarian Harry Colburn and his army division bound for WWI and then becomes a much visited, loved, and inspirational bear to one Alan Alexander Milne and his son, Christopher Robin. And, of course, young (and old) listeners will pore over Sophie Blackall’s award-winning illustrations.
(Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501923609
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series.
Mark Bramhall, who read the first two audiobooks in this series, now brings listeners the final installment in a satisfying conclusion. His narration shows his deep understanding of the characters—Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl—as well as their unlikely friendship. He excellently executes grouchy Orris’ outward crabbiness and his more vulnerable interiority. Bramhall portrays young, patient Timble’s affection for the owl and his desire for Orris to experience the joy of flight with him. By the audiobook’s end, both flight and trust are achieved and the pair shares a new level of happiness. The final scene celebrates the magic these tales have brought to devoted fans.
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series. (Early chapter book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593861905
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: today
A life-affirming story filled with empathy and heart.
Warga’s novel introduces listeners to the real, valuable work being done in zoos and in the wild to support endangered species. Early chapters alternate between Chase, an orphaned cheetah, and Finnegan, a dog, who each tell their own stories. Michael Crouch’s well-paced, emotional performance will have listeners rooting for both to thrive. His delivery is heartbreaking as he expresses Chase’s confusion, grief, and fear after the loss of her mother, and Finnegan’s guilt over his past and his eagerness for acceptance are clear. Chase and Finnegan become friends thanks to Basma, who works at the zoo, and her partner, Ryan. Crouch’s narration emphasizes the human characters’ love and patience.
A life-affirming story filled with empathy and heart. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250432315
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
