Anyone who struggles with how hard it is to be patient will relate to this comical audiobook about an anxious caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly. Narrator Matt Braver's animated characterization might sound over the top, but it perfectly captures the frantic energy needed to match the picture book's explosive illustrations. The caterpillar's relentless questions and impatient outbursts are difficult to ignore! Fortunately, a fellow caterpillar, nicely voiced with justified exasperation by Sisi Aisha Johnson, is there to guide him. A well-paced musical score, incorporating twittering birds and humorous sound effects, further enhances the narration. The result is a vibrant audio-visual experience and a lighthearted look at the butterfly's life cycle, with built-in lessons on the importance of having patience.
(Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 16 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series.
Mark Bramhall, who read the first two audiobooks in this series, now brings listeners the final installment in a satisfying conclusion. His narration shows his deep understanding of the characters—Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl—as well as their unlikely friendship. He excellently executes grouchy Orris’ outward crabbiness and his more vulnerable interiority. Bramhall portrays young, patient Timble’s affection for the owl and his desire for Orris to experience the joy of flight with him. By the audiobook’s end, both flight and trust are achieved and the pair shares a new level of happiness. The final scene celebrates the magic these tales have brought to devoted fans.
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series. (Early chapter book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593861905
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett, whose heritage includes Blackfeet, narrates Sibert honoree Nelson‘s (Hunkpapa Lakota–Standing Rock Sioux) picture-book presentation of Lakota principles as embodied in the natural world. The name of each animal, from buffalo to frog to horse and more, is presented in both English and Lakota, followed by a sentence or two of description and explanation of how their behaviors inform the Lakota way of life. Taylor-Corbett’s light, earnest voice is a good tonal match with the text, and he smoothly incorporates the Lakota vocabulary into his delivery. His pacing is measured, granting the animals the respect they’re due and allowing little listeners following along with the print book to linger on each page to take in the details of Nelson’s illustrations, which are inspired by traditional Lakota artwork.
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898850357
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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