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
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears.
Joshua Quinn narrates this short book featuring Waffles, a friendly dog who wants a hug, and his haughty housemate, Julius the cat. Quinn gives each a fitting voice—eager and goofy for Waffles, slow and somewhat disdainful for Julius. The two interact in typical cat and dog fashion. Classic cartoon-style sound effects accompany Waffles' attempts to hug his friend. Boings, zings, cymbal crashes, howling, meowing, and more punctuate the music and narration. Julius is not interested in hugs. After a day of trying, Waffles finally settles down for a nap to the sound of a music box lullaby. A tired Julius snuggles in beside him.
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250443540
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
Kelly’s kaleidoscopic voice draws listeners in.
Caitlin Kelly narrates the start of a new children’s fantasy animal series from a powerhouse author. After losing their home to a mysterious fire, cat sisters Willow and Luna stumble upon secretive animals with the ability to communicate with them despite being different species. This means that the sisters are “attuned” and have magical abilities. Luna can control fire, but Willow struggles to realize her own gift. Kelly easily differentiates a wide cast of animal characters. And as Willow and Luna witness their new world clash with human witches, Kelly adds emotional intensity that matches the highly dramatic situations the animals find themselves in.
Kelly’s kaleidoscopic voice draws listeners in. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063449558
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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