Petunia does not appreciate the moniker “Silly Goose.” And she knows that Mr. Pumpkin has said, “He who owns books and loves them is wise.” So when Petunia finds a book in the meadow, she knows it’s for her. But does just carrying a book make Petunia wise? As she shares her opinions around the barnyard, the other animals come to question Petunia’s wisdom. Diana Canova narrates the barnyard menagerie with verve. She adds a bit of pain as the horse with a toothache, a distraught mew for the kitten marooned in a tree, and the fluster of the mother hen who seeks Petunia’s help to count her chicks. As Petunia, her growing pride is reflected in her voice, but in the end she sounds as contrite and truly wise as a reading goose must be! Barnyard sound effects make a fine backdrop.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 12 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
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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