Young listeners enchanted by the holiday magic of DASHER will be delighted with this audiobook sequel, narrated once again by Laural Merlington. Impatient for the arrival of the night before Christmas, reindeer Dasher secretly flies off to experience the sounds and lights of holiday celebrations. But when a snowstorm delays her return, she must rely on a child’s unique gift to navigate back to the North Pole with enough time to help Santa on Christmas Eve. Merlington’s narrative style gently conveys Dasher’s childlike impatience, her mother’s wisdom, and the child’s kindness. Merlington’s rich voice enhances a wintry landscape glittering with jingle bells, angelic choral singing, and an evocative musical score. Pair this with the illustrated book to capture the spirit of seasonal anticipation.
(Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666647228
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
While holiday books for children abound, there seem to be too few that have an audio component. The seven-day festival of Kwanzaa, celebrated in December, lends itself to the read-along format with the Pinkneys' appealing picture book. Alfre Woodard introduces the African-American holiday and reads the story by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Clearly enunciating the African words for the foods, gifts and elements of the celebration, Woodard projects a welcoming tone that any listener can share. Traditional African music accompanies the tape--one side with page-turn signals, one without--but remains appropriately in the background. The vivid colors and contrasts of the illustrations make the picture book a standout, but the recording is nicely effective alone.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kishnani’s bright turn as the inquisitive Nadia brings this exploration of community and climate change to life.
Narrator Nikhaar Kishnani creates an effervescent personality for a small but mighty 8-year-old in this middle-grade audiobook. Nadia Islam has big plans for Ramadan this year, especially since it will be her first chance to fast alongside her best friend, Yasmin. When Nadia’s parents decide to visit family in Bangladesh instead, she has to pivot toward this new experience. Kishnani perfectly pitches Nadia’s mix of disappointment at the change, nervousness at traveling abroad, and rising interest in her journalist aunt Khalamoni’s reporting on climate refugees near their home village. The thoughtful narration substitutes for the extensive illustrations of the print edition.
Kishnani’s bright turn as the inquisitive Nadia brings this exploration of community and climate change to life. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063286016
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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