Graham Rowat’s lyrical performance is immediately engaging, a necessary thing, given the brevity of this book. His lively narration highlights the story’s historical details. Best of all, his sober yet whimsical tone is perfectly suited to this story about a small-town girl who creates her own brand of science after persevering in uncovering the facts behind stories of the creature known as the griffin. Rowat’s modulations convey Adrienne Mayor’s fascination with the natural world, stories, and Greek mythology, which led to her discovery of fossils and other evidence proving that the mythical eagle-lion hybrid, observed and documented by Scythians, was, in fact, related to the dinosaur.
(Nonfiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9781490683614
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nic Davey-Greene delivers this environmental adventure. Listeners meet gamer and fast-food lover Finn and shy genius Milo, called "Prof," who are reluctantly participating in an Alpine class trip. They'd rather be home doing their own thing. Soon they find a 65-million-year-old egg that hatches. Vivid descriptions of Finn's connection to newly hatched, squawking Arty segues into horror as mercenaries attempt to kidnap him. Close behind them is Agent Lara from the British Natural History Museum, whose survival skills often save them. Davey-Greene captures Finn's hilarious expletives and his changing attitude as he nurtures Arty and comes to appreciate Prof's nonstop lectures. The riveting listen includes subtle lessons about nature, ecology, and kindness as we hear Finn and Prof change from couch potatoes to outdoor champions.
(Adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: April 11, 2024
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781038670502
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sophie Dahl narrates her short adventure story featuring Mabel, a girl living in her parents' Mermaid Hotel, and Madame Badobedah (rhymes with "ooh-la-la"), the hotel's quirkiest resident. Madame Badobedah's indeterminate accent suits her mysterious background and eccentricity. Did she really steal a priceless emerald from a museum? Mabel speaks with Dahl's English accent and some well-placed wry skepticism. The two are an unlikely pair of adventurers. Whimsical sound effects and a musical refrain accompany them as they go larking on the Thames and sneak through a magic cupboard to visit London's Natural History Museum after closing. Dahl's narration is lighthearted and freewheeling, much like Madame Badobedah herself. An interview with Dahl follows the story, the second in a series.
(Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: March 1, 2024
Duration: 31 mins
DD ISBN: 9781038667090
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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