by Mordicai Gerstein ; illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein ; read by Mordicai Gerstein ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2006
What happens when the last giant on earth is unrequited for thousands of years in his quest to marry the moon? The townspeople of Pupickton see the legendary giant reflected in a nearby landform and believe they must be as quiet as can be, lest the giant be disturbed. Along comes Carolinda Clatter--the very personification of NOISE. Sound is the focus of this recording. Whispers of townspeople, banging pots, moaning caves, throaty grumblings, soothing lullabies, and joyous song abound. Mordicai Gerstein's narration floats above this backdrop. He speeds and slows to highlight moments of emotion. One senses that he's having as much fun crafting this recording as he had creating the original story and illustrations.
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2006
Duration: 30 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
by Lois Lowry ; read by Elise Arsenault ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 29, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
by Katherine Rundell ; read by Samuel West ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2026
Simply marvelous.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Samuel West gives a riveting performance of this thrilling, action-packed adventure. When scholar Irian Guinne is kidnapped, Christopher and Anya, along with Jacques the dragon and Ratwin the ratatoska, embark on an odyssey across the Glimouria Archipelago to collect various magical objects and ransom Irian’s release. Christopher is also trying to master his new ability to connect directly to the minds of magical creatures. West doesn’t have a youthful voice, but he’s still completely convincing as the young characters, and he deftly captures every moment of humor, fear, peril, and wonder. In his telling, a dangerous race becomes breathless and impossible to pause, and the themes of love, bravery, and kindness ring true.
Simply marvelous. (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 4 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593830123
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.