Narrator Joshua Swanson's youthful-sounding voice is perfect for Nashville, a 10-year-old boy who hatched from an egg but is being raised by humans. He has feathers and a beak, but, to his dismay--no wings! What starts off as fantasy soon becomes an allegory about children who are different. Swanson captures Nashville's vulnerability as he goes to school among "normal" children, knowing that he doesn't fit in. He also captures Nashville's deep longing to learn how to fly. The language of the story is poetic, bringing unusual, delightful images to the mind's eye. Swanson doesn't quite convey the mystical ambiance of those passages. He sounds uncomfortable imitating bird calls and speaks rather than sings the birthday song. But overall, this is a fitting performance of a touching story.
(Magical realism. 8-11)Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2014
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780698175891
Publisher: Penguin Audio
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: tomorrow
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