Michael Crouch delivers an impressive narration of this whimsical children's story. Abe is one of five children and is sick of sharing everything. When he finds a loophole in a doughnut shop coupon, he demands 6,000 doughnuts, and his demand spirals into disaster. Worse, he develops a crush on the shop owner's daughter, Marlene, who absolutely despises him. Crouch recounts a story of a boy who must choose between selfishness and doing the right thing. He makes Abe a likable yet flawed character who is still finding his place in his family. The relationship between Marlene and Abe is quite comical and bombastic, which is perfect for young listeners. This entertaining audiobook rewards its audience with a wholesome ending.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Dooney Press
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
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 18, 2026
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