Narrator Emily Beresford vividly portrays Ivy and her life on a Nevada dude ranch in 1949. With Ivy's closest friend leaving for an exclusive camp, Ivy faces summer on her own. Money is tight for her parents, who work on the ranch. So it looks like Ivy will spend the summer being plagued by the annoying and trouble-making Billy Joe. Beresford brings all the characters to life. Ivy sounds tight-voiced and monotone as she faces a summer without her best friend. Her parents are given voices that are loving but firm. And Billy Joe sounds alternately full of bravado and secretive. With the support of the local vet--whose tones are brusque yet friendly--Ivy finds jobs tending animals and begins to build the confidence to negotiate friendships and follow her dreams. As the drama of Ivy's activities increases, Beresford picks up the pace and emphasizes Ivy's determination, especially as she saves the life of a horse bitten by a rattlesnake. A.R.
(Historical fiction. 8-10)Pub Date: Feb. 12, 2013
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken.
Aria Mia Loberti masters the voice of seventh grader Roxie, expressing the jumble of emotions she feels as she struggles to fit in and find acceptance as her unique self. She was bullied at her old school because her parents are blind. Will a fresh start in a new town lead to friends who will see Roxie for who she is? Loberti also gives supporting characters unique voices. She conveys little brother Theo’s excitement, classmate Quinn’s superior attitude, and the wisdom of Charlie, a boy who also has blind parents. Jeff Ebner is outstanding as Nash, Penny’s guide dog, narrating chapters from his perspective and expressing his patience and insight.
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217412556
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: tomorrow
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 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
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