Brian Amador’s narration, space-age music, and a multitude of sound effects come together fantastically in this audio and picture book pairing about the life of sound artist Juan García Esquivel, known as “Esquivel!” Listeners learn of Esquivel’s childhood and love of music, and all the ways he discovered to imitate the world through sound. The audiobook is perfect for children who are interested in exploring the world of making music creatively, as each “boobam,” “rooooom,” and “blop-bleep-bloop-bloop” leaps off of the page and into their ears. Amador’s narration, the lively music and sound effects, and the joyful Mixtec codex-inspired illustrations from Duncan Tonatiuh combine to inspire young listeners. Susan Wood reads her author’s note and Tonatiuh his illustrator’s note, explaining their interpretations of Esquivel’s story. E.E.C. 2019 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
(Picture book/biography. 6-9)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 16 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ken Coleman's expertise as a baseball announcer enriches this history of the Boston Red Sox since the sale of Babe Ruth to the N.Y. Yankees. He leads off with a grim account of this transaction, which started the curse that has plagued the Red Sox ever since. The sermon-like tone will amuse non-believers and comfort listeners who are certain the team is cursed. Like the ups and downs of Boston's play through the years, the narrator's voice fluctuates--exuberant and then despondent--in tone and tempo accurately reflecting the mood of any given baseball season. The narrator is very successful at conveying the emotional roller coaster ride Red Sox fans have endured as a result of the curse of the Bambino.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family.
A talented ensemble cast brings this fictionalized graphic memoir to life in a vivid, fully immersive listening experience. Young Carlos, voiced by Cuban American narrator Giordan Diaz, anchors the story with a performance that captures innocence, fear, and curiosity as revolution begins to shadow his childhood in Cuba. Daniel Miyares narrates in a steady, serious tone, skillfully weaving the historical context of 1950s Cuba into the family’s perilous journey toward Key West, Florida. The contrast between his grounded narration and the emotionally charged family scenes adds depth and authenticity. Cuban music and layered sound design, like rolling waves, hushed conversations, and distant protesters, create a cinematic atmosphere.
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family. (Graphic memoir. 8-12)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346066
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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