Great music, sound effects--particularly of appreciative onlookers--and Marilyn Singer's spirited narration will have even the most confirmed non-dancer getting up to move to this music! Lively poems capture the beat of the dances described, inspiring beginners and more seasoned hoofers alike. Singer's lovely pronunciation adds atmosphere as she takes listeners to each dance's country of origin. Original music by Jonathon Roberts is the perfect addition to performances that range from hip-hop to the waltz, the square dance, and Bhangra. Singer closes with informative notes on the accompanying instruments and the traditions associated with each dance. For example, the hora is for Jewish celebrations, including bar and bat mitzvahs. Listeners will find her exuberant manner of counting beats delightful.
(Picture book/poetry. 6-11)Pub Date: March 7, 2017
Duration: 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524777173
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Vega’s performance conveys strength and pride befitting this ode to the island and its people.
Jenyvette Vega narrates these poems, which chronicle Puerto Rico's struggle for self-determination. She shifts seamlessly between Spanish and English as listeners learn about the history of the flag and what it represents to the Puerto Rican people, as well as about key events in Puerto Rican history and the Puerto Rican diaspora. Vega reads at a gentle pace appropriate for young listeners. A preface provides background on Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, and an included PDF details the history of the people and events portrayed in the poems.
Vega’s performance conveys strength and pride befitting this ode to the island and its people. (Picture book/poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 33 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577176
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2026
The audio format brings something extra to these musical stories.
An ensemble of 11 narrators brings the stories in this collection to life. The stories from 17 authors showcase different Latin American musical styles and the ways that tweens connect to these cultures and traditions. Speaking in both English and Spanish, the narrators match the rhythms of these stories in verse. Alejandro Antonio Ruiz and Michelle Veintimilla sing and rap in “Magic in the Grooves.” Some authors read their own stories—Rico Pabón performs his “All the Heart in Harlem” with infectious enthusiasm. The production also includes music and sound effects: Guitar and other instruments, drumbeats, and the ambient sounds of the city and countryside all help set the scene and round out the performances, giving the collection a vibrant soundtrack.
The audio format brings something extra to these musical stories. (Verse anthology. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593864333
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 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.
