“Tutto va bene,” says Granny Torrelli, and all is well for Rosie and her neighborhood friends, but not without angst and a deeper appreciation of the vicissitudes of friendship. Creech is masterful as she weaves the parallel lives of Rosie and her grandmother into a warm kitchen fabric with all the smells, companionship, and healing powers of the cooking experience. Each of Rosie’s acquaintances passes through the kitchen to help and add a distinct flavor. Donna Murphy takes Creech’s pacing and conversation and creates something more. She sparkles in her characterizations: Granny Torrelli exudes spunk and wisdom; Rosie personifies impetuousness and eventual understanding. Murphy’s Italian inflection and storytelling delight the ear. This is a listening treasure.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 2 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
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
Author Daniel Nayeri voices his story of a grandmother who is guiding her grandchild through the steps of weaving a traditional Persian rug. The eager child tells the story with an eye toward creating the perfect rug, but Grandma encourages her young assistant to recognize that perfection is not the goal. Instead, the rug needs to be right for its purpose. Young listeners unfamiliar with Persian rug designs who read the print edition alongside this audiobook will benefit from seeing its vivid watercolor illustrations. But all listeners will hear what Nayeri's warm tones clearly convey. This sweet family story is told with Nayeri's affection for his culture and its intergenerational traditions.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Nov. 25, 2025
Duration: 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217156924
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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