In the Moody household, preparations are underway for the holiday season—lists, decorations, and practice for the Holly Joliday Holiday Happening at school. Judy wants to do something Hawaiian for her class’s piece; younger brother Stink is fixated on snow. Virginia is due for a snowstorm, and the eager Stink is ready with his very own dendrite costume. Barbara Rosenblat does it all—singing in a childlike voice, squawking like a parrot, dripping bossiness when Judy berates Stink, whining as Stink responds to his sister. She also produces credible teacher voices for Mr. Todd and Mrs. D. Rosenblat sets a fast pace but also highlights pivotal moments, including the many seasonal references to books, songs, and sayings. “Cool Yule!” A.R. 2011 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
Ages 8+Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2010
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9781441889386
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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