Sam, who is only 11, has leukemia. His mother cries a lot, and his father is in denial, but Sam doesn’t hesitate to ask hard questions as he faces the end of his latest course of treatment. Mostly, he tries to keep living life instead of waiting for death. This is a first-person point of view story with collections of lists, assorted oddball facts, and poignant, often-funny, observations. Charlotte Parry does a wonderful job with the Brit-accented lads Sam and his querulous friend Felix, who wants to blow something up rather than go quietly into that good night. This is no sad end-of-life tale but rather a gripping how-to-live-forever quest. Parry makes us wish Sam’s voice could be with us at least that long.
Young AdultPub Date: Feb. 4, 2008
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An audiobook that’s sure to spark chuckles of recognition in children and adults alike.
The incomparable Sedaris is always a pleasure to listen to. In a departure from his usual humorous writing for adults, here he narrates his children’s picture book about a selfish sister who claims everything—from the stove to her granddad to her brother’s kidney—for herself. Sedaris’s narration is dramatic and fun, and he adds a slight quaver to his voice for effect. With its rhymes and cadence, the writing is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’. There are both tantrums and pathos, and the ending invites listeners to consider the consequences of the sister's greediness.
An audiobook that’s sure to spark chuckles of recognition in children and adults alike. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898852559
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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