In this quirky story, Great Uncle Matthew (known as “GUM”) broke his leg and could no longer collect fossils, so he began a new hobby. As he traveled around the world, he adopted orphans. Pauline, Petrova, and Posy declared themselves sisters and took Fossil as their family name. The BBC has created a full-cast dramatization, with Rosemary Leach the star as Nana. Sound effects and music add to the pleasure. Each girl tries in her own way to help make the name Fossil important and respected since it's her very own name. The dramatization is outstanding as the girls discover Pollyanna-like lessons without ever coming across as preachy. An excellent introduction to a full-cast listening experience.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/BBC Radio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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