Narrator Remy Hii balances humor and sorrow in this heartfelt story of new immigrants. Shortly after the death of their father, a baker, 11-year-old Jingwen and his little brother, Yanghao, emigrate from China to Australia, where they bake oodles of fanciful cakes to feel closer to the homeland they left behind. Hii accurately captures Jingwen's frustrations with grief, making friends, and learning English on "Mars." As Yanghao, Hii has the perfect squeal of a sugar-hyped but still lovable 9-year-old boy. Conversations in English that are indiscernible to Jingwen are effectively conveyed as high-pitched garble. Though listeners might miss the expressiveness of the original chapter book/graphic novel, this #ownvoices audio offers moments of self-discovery and sweetness.
(Graphic/fiction hybrid. 10-13)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2019
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593208427
Publisher: Listening Library
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
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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