Bronson Pinchot’s exhilarating performance is filled with versatile and evocative character voices. Archer Benjamin Helmsley—grandson of renowned explorers who he believes perished in Antarctica—discovers that they may still be alive. Besides his trusty friend, Oliver, who better to search for them than the French girl who lost her leg in a crocodile attack? With a delightful French accent, Pinchot captures Adelaide’s soft voice and gentle personality. His eclectic assortment of voices, full of personality, reveal the characters’ larger-than-life attributes—especially those of the brash, boisterous, somewhat unhinged Mrs. Murkley. Pinchot’s effervescent performance and spot-on character portrayals highlight not only the irony and humor but also the poignant themes of this heartwarming story.
(Adventure. 7-11)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2015
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062395740
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
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