by Michael B. Kaplan ; illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch ; Read by Katherine Kellgren ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2015
Betty Bunny's intense personality and over-the-top reactions make her a handful. With pseudo-innocence, she's smuggled chocolate cake to school in her sock, blamed others for her missteps, and demanded to have every toy in the store. But Betty Bunny's fans will see a new facet of the popular heroine in her fourth adventure. She's not filled with her usual self-assurance after her first soccer game. The overconfident Betty, who was certain she'd score 10 goals, fails and wants to give up. Katherine Kellgren's crisp, mostly sunny narration matches the lively pictures of author-illustrator Michael Kaplan. Kellgren also captures the roller-coaster emotions of the fiercely competitive bunny. Sound effects enhance the humor as does Kellgren's wry portrayal of Betty's older brother, Bill, who costars in this adventure.
(Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 12 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Duncan Tonatiuh ; illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh ; Read by M.L. Sanchez ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 11, 2025
In her clear, expressive voice, bilingual narrator M.L. Sanchez tells the exciting story of mouse siblings Vida and Máximo. The town of Moustepec was once happy, but the threat of a cat forces residents to stay home. There are no more fiestas, no more fireworks, and no more music. When a scary encounter with the cat results in Vida's dream about a fantastical creature called an alebrije, it inspires a plan to get rid of the cat once and for all with the help of the whole town. An extensive author's note offers a history of the Mexican tradition of the alebrije; another note reveals the story's inspiration. Sanchez's pacing adds to this enjoyable adventure for young listeners.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349108686
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Donna Barba Higuera ; illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson ; Read by Robb Moreira ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 4, 2025
Robb Moreira summons a mythic tone for this original spinoff of the Aztec creation story. In Higuera's story, the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl's lesser-known brother, Xolotl, recounts "what really happened." Xolo has a dog's head, paws, and, most importantly, a love of humankind. Moreira's declamatory tones suit the epic nature of the story but also sometimes flatten the nuances of Higuera's characterizations. Listeners who don't seek out the print edition to accompany the audiobook will miss illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson's strikingly stylized figures, colorfully lush design, and critical narrative detail that's often communicated only in the illustrations. Those who do read and listen will occasionally find themselves zooming past wordless sequences that demand close attention. Both otherworldly and sweet--and perhaps best enjoyed in print.
(Mythology. 7-10)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9798899735035
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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