Author and narrator Mac Barnett completely charms in this delightful fairy-tale retelling. Barnett is clearly having a great time relating the story of a hungry troll who waits for tasty morsels to cross the bridge over his head. Young listeners will giggle at Barnett's growly voice for the troll, who rhymes hopefully about a goat flambé with candied yams and a goat clam bake--with goat, not clams. And they'll root for the three goat brothers who try to trick the troll. Jaunty musical interludes and understated sound effects highlight the story's light touch and enhance the mood. Seek out the picture book to appreciate Jon Klassen's illustrations, but they're not necessary to fully enjoy this winning audio presentation.
(Folktale. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022
Duration: 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9781338897609
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
"When suddenly, on an ordinary Wednesday, it seemed to Barney that the world tilted and ran downhill in all directions, he knew he was about to be haunted again." So begins Mahy's classic story of an eight-year-old boy's struggle between family history and individual destiny. Richard Mitchley's supple voice and lively pacing combine to create a middle ground--neither wholly real nor entirely imaginary--where Mahy's characters weave their subtly shifting patterns of relationships imperceptibly changed by death and birth. This story and voice linger in the mind long after the tape is over.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The ghost of Mary Martin's Peter Pan is here in the nasal coyness the narrator gives to Peter. The other characters are gently characterized, and the overall effect is soft and professional. Noone's voice is calming; she sounds as if she has a dozen children sitting at her knees listening intently, and she speaks her story with slow relish. The end of each side is signaled by soft music, a nice touch; there are no other enhancements. This is a good rendition of a familiar classic.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Dercum Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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