Author Muon Thi Van narrates this moving story inspired by her own Vietnamese family's perilous journey as refugees. Muon's simple words, delivered in a quiet, solemn voice, are powerfully enhanced by Victo Ngai's evocative illustrations in the companion picture book. Each double-page spread depicts an emotionally charged scene and a wish for something essential: "The path wished it was shorter." "The heart wished it was stronger." Melancholy music and subtle environmental sound effects work in perfect harmony with the narration and pictures as the story progresses from dark and fearful beginnings to a brighter, hopeful future. Muon's deliberate pacing allows for close observation of the detailed illustrations and time for reflection. Author and artist notes add personal and contextual insights.
(Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 5 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
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
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant.
Samara Naeymi beautifully narrates this middle-grade novel about an Iranian American girl. Bullied by her classmates for her frizzy hair and thick eyebrows and criticized by her mother for her weight, Yasmin struggles to be her authentic self in a world that tells her she's not good enough. There are many different perspectives in this story, and Naeymi is true to each: Yasmin’s judgmental mother, with her Persian accent and steely belief in her own harsh parenting; the ruthless teenagers whose hurtful comments cause emotional harm; the younger brother concerned for his sister's unhappiness; and the tried-and-true best friend.
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349114861
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
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