Enchanting. Laurel Merlington transports listeners to a time they might not remember--the time before Santa Claus had his "eight tiny reindeer" to guide his sleigh each Christmas Eve. Enter a storytelling doe and her curious fawn, Dasher, who delights in the stories of a long-ago home under the North Star, where the cold and white snow blanketed the land. Dasher wonders whether she'll ever see this land, how the deer family will escape the hardships of Finnegan's Traveling Circus and Menagerie, and how he will help Santa and Silverbell. Merlington speaks in ethereal and mysterious tones that welcome the magic of this story. She brings kindness to Mama Deer and a warm, mellow richness to Santa Claus. Dasher is childlike and full of wonder as her journey unfolds. What a delight it is when a story, its narration, and its musical score all meld into a seamless production.
(Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2019
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9781974972777
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A thoughtful and surprisingly exciting real-life adventure tale about survival and community.
In June 2023, an unknown person abandoned four pet rabbits in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Heights Park. Over the following weeks, neighbors of all ages came together to track and trap the bunnies. Narrator Amy Jensen seamlessly blends humor with a more serious tone as she guides listeners through the extensive rescue operation as well as the origins of the park, the history of rabbit domestication, and the backgrounds of the folks who spent long, tiring days crawling through ivy and scrub to bring the rabbits to safety. Jensen’s cheerful, child-friendly tones are informative and straightforward, including when she details the highs and lows of animal rescue beyond the immediate thrill of success.
A thoughtful and surprisingly exciting real-life adventure tale about survival and community. (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668659199
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken.
Aria Mia Loberti masters the voice of seventh grader Roxie, expressing the jumble of emotions she feels as she struggles to fit in and find acceptance as her unique self. She was bullied at her old school because her parents are blind. Will a fresh start in a new town lead to friends who will see Roxie for who she is? Loberti also gives supporting characters unique voices. She conveys little brother Theo’s excitement, classmate Quinn’s superior attitude, and the wisdom of Charlie, a boy who also has blind parents. Jeff Ebner is outstanding as Nash, Penny’s guide dog, narrating chapters from his perspective and expressing his patience and insight.
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217412556
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: yesterday
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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