All Ears! Audiobooks for Family Listening

ICEFALL by Matthew J. Kirby, read by Jenna Lamia

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:27:19 -0400

This magnificent blend of Norse mythology and mystery is set in the time of the Vikings. Solveig and her siblings are the king's children, but must protect themselves as they await their father's return. Lamia’s delivery is fully engaging.

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LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver, read by Jim Dale

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:29:15 -0400

This clever cracked fairy tale imagines a ghost named Po, and his pet, Bundle who befriend lonely, young Liesl. A mix of magic and mayhem is brilliantly narrated by the amazing Jim Dale, who delights in the "telling" of this rather dark bedtime story.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:58

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THERE YOU'LL FIND ME by Jenny B. Jones, read by Jeannie Stith

Wed, 09 May 2012 17:43:51 -0400

High school student Finley Sinclair goes to Ireland for her senior year and ends up discovering her true self. Jones’s Christian novel is a great choice for young adults, and Stith’s beautiful handling of the characters makes the story come alive.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:49

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THE MARK OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:02:35 -0400

The 9th Bloody Jack adventure has Jacky lost at sea during a storm, and the Meyer-Kellgren team delivers yet again! A perfect choice for young adult pirate fans everywhere.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:15

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THE SON OF NEPTUNE: The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan, read by Joshua Swanson

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:20:15 -0400

In this latest installment of Riordan’s popular series, Percy Jackson finds new allies and new adventures. Swanson’s narration is delightful. He captures all the characters, excitement, and humor of this wonderful kids’ series. Perfect for ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:06

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ROTTERS by Daniel Kraus, read by Kirby Heyborne

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:30:54 -0400

Kraus’s 2012 Odyssey Award-winning young adult novel tells the story of Joey who discovers that the family business is actually the ancient tradition of grave robbing. Heyborne expertly narrates Joey’s growing fascination with his grotesque new occupation.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:29

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SOPHIE IS SEVEN by Dick King-Smith, read by Bernard Cribbins

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:57:43 -0400

The Sophie series is a delightfully inspiring example of girl power, and in this one, Sophie wants to be a "lady farmer.” Cribbins’ narration is laugh-out-loud funny. A perfect choice for ages 6 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:12

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THE ISLE OF BLOOD by Rick Yancey, read by Steven Boyer

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:11:21 -0400

The second sequel to Yancey's 2010 Printz Honor Book, THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST has Will Henry on the hunt for gruesome monsters. Boyer’s narration is agile and clean―perfect for this clever young adult novel.

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PRECIOUS AND THE MONKEYS by Alexander McCall Smith, read by Adjoa Andoh

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:44:34 -0400

McCall Smith is often asked about the childhood of his beloved heroine Precious Ramotswe. He creates a diminutive Precious as engaging as his adult character, proprietor of the Ladies No 1 Detective Agency. Andoh easily establishes Precious's Botswana homeland.Family listening.

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THE HEART OF A SAMURAI by Margi Preus, read by James Yaegashi

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:37:13 -0400

Fourteen-year-old Manjiro’s is shipwrecked and rescued by Americans. Yaegashi captures all of Manjiro’s loneliness and confidence in Preus’s retelling of a true story. A perfect choice for young adult listeners.

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LOOKING LIKE ME by Walter Dean Myers, read by Dion Graham and Quincy Tyler Bernstine

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:29:54 -0400

This audio-and-picture-book combination creates a seamless collage of color and sound, with a vibrant message of limitless dreams. Narrators Graham and Bernstine, along with the poetry and realistic sound effects, make this audiobook just plain fun. A great choice for listeners ages 6 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:04

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CYRANO by Geralding McCaughrean, read by Cynthia Bishop and a Full Cast

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:55:18 -0500

McCaughrean adapts Edmond Rostand’s original play and makes it accessible to today’s audience. The outstanding cast proves that this story stands the test of time. A perfect choice for young adults.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:00

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FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater, read by Jenna Lamia, Pierce Cravens, Dan Bittner, Emma Galvin, Maggie Stiefvater

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 07:45:32 -0500

The sequel to SHIVER and LINGER recounts Sam’s efforts to relocate his shape-shifting wolf pack. A superb cast of narrators augments Stiefvater’s intimate writing. A great selection for young adults.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:19

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THE EXQUISITE CORPSE ADVENTURE, a project of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, read by Phil Gigante

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:40:39 -0500

Twenty well-known children’s authors (including Katherine Paterson and Jon Scieszka) collaborate on a fantastical serial tale of 11-year-old twins Joe and Nancy thwart evil aliens and put together a top-secret robot. Enjoy each improbable adventure.

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GUYS READ: THRILLER by Jon Scieszka [Ed.] read by Bronson Pinchot, Ramon de Ocampo, Steve West, Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:18:52 -0500

Ten thrilling short stories are included here from authors including: M.T. Anderson, Walter Dean Myers, and James Patterson An equally impressive cast of narrators make this a must listen. Perfect for the most reluctant of readers--especially boys.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:52

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THE FOX INHERITANCE by Mary E. Pearson, read by Matt Brown

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:06:54 -0500

In this stunning sequel to THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX, It's 260 years since the accident that killed Kara and Locke and that nearly killed Jenna. This is science fiction even for those who aren’t sci-fi fans. humans, robots, and other futuristic life forms are part of this world that Matt Brown brings alive for listeners.

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THE UNFORGOTTEN COAT by Frank Cottrell Boyce, read by Sarah Coomes

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:25:40 -0500

Sarah Coomes’s musical Liverpool accent and her reading rhythms are lulling. These make fine contrast to the plot surprises that sixth-grader Julie encounters when she agrees to be a “Good Guide” to the two Mongolian immigrants who are new to her school. Coomes’s convincing first-person narration voices Julie’s enchantment at the boys and their mysterious past and curious present.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:02

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GHETTO COWBOY by G. Neri, read by JD Jackson

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:32:11 -0500

This inspiring story is based on actual urban cowboys and illustrates unique alternatives to bad choices. When Colt's mom can no longer handle him, she sends him to his dad in Philadelphia.JD Jackson is great portraying the street-talking Colt, and other rich & colorful characters around the city stables.

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M IS FOR MAMA'S BOY by Michael Buckley Read by JOHNNY HELLER

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:41:49 -0500

The N.E.R.D.S. (National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society) are back! And Johnny Heller is masterful as narrator yet again. The group of fifth-grade nerds, each with a unique superpower, engage in hilarious spy craft hi-jinx. In this adventure, they battle a former team member, Simon, who jumped ship and has his own plan to take over the world. Heller’s boyish voice is great for the story, and his characterizations are superb.

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THE CAT WHO LIKED RAIN by Henning Mankell, read by Stanley McGeagh

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:42:14 -0500

Swedish author Henning Mankell, who created the Kurt Wallander series, has written a bittersweet story about Lukas, who receives a kitten for his 7th birthday. Narrator McGeagh is masterful, making this a great choice for listeners ages 8 and up.

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JUNONIA by Kevin Henkes, read by Stina Nielsen

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:49:53 -0500

In this touching coming of age novel, 9-year-old Alice returns to Sanibel Island for her annual birthday vacation and discovers that all is not as it was in past years. Nielsen’s narration perfectly complements Alice’s state of mind and her parents' tenderness. A great choice for listeners ages 10 and up.

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CARTER'S BIG BREAK by Brent Crawford, read by Nick Podehl

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:16:51 -0400

Will Carter’s freshman year of high school just ended, and his summer looks fantastic. Podehl narrates Carter’s adventures with boundless energy, making this a great choice for young adults.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:43

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BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray, read by the author

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:28:27 -0400

What would happen if a plane carrying Teen Dream Beauty Queens were to crash on an (almost) deserted island? As narrator, Bray puts her theatrical background to good use, making this a must-listen for any young adult.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:50

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THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS by Marianne Malone, read by Cassandra Campbell

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:47:47 -0400

Set in the Thorne Room miniatures at the Chicago Art Institute, this clever story follows friends Ruthie and Jack as they travel back in time. Campbell takes this endearing story to sublime new heights. A great listen for kids 10 and up.

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OKAY FOR NOW, by Gary D. Schmidt, read by Lincoln Hoppe

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:59:23 -0400

Doug is struggling with an abusive father and trying to figure out who he is. Narrator Hoppe has no trouble finding a voice for this unique hero or accenting the novel’s dark, lyrical tone. A good choice for young adults.

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THE EMERALD ATLAS by John Stephens, read by Jim Dale

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:01:28 -0400

Orphans Kate, Michael, and Emma stumble upon a magical book and embark on a perplexing time-travel adventure. Dale's splendid narration brings vibrancy to this exhilarating new fantasy series. A perfect choice for listeners ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:45

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CHIME by Franny Billingsley, read by Susan Duerden

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:16:13 -0400

17-year-old Briony believes she's a witch who has destroyed her twin sister's mind and caused the death of their stepmother. Narrator Duerden's portrayals of the many characters are all pitch-perfect. A great listen for young adults.

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OPERATION YES by Sara Lewis Holmes, read by Jessica Almasy

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:56:01 -0400

Miss Loupe is an upbeat, inspirational teacher at a run-down school on a North Carolina military base. Almasy engages listeners with her enthusiastic depiction of the teacher and her reluctant students. Great for ages 10 and up.

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HOW ANGEL PETERSON GOT HIS NAME Gary Paulsen, read by Patrick Lawlor

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:33:48 -0400

A group of rural Minnesota boys in the 1940s get into all sorts of zany trouble, and Lawlor embraces his inner 13-year-old to deliver these daredevil tales. A perfect choice for ages 10 and up.

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MASTERS OF DISASTER by Gary Paulsen, read by Nick Podehl

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:50:20 -0400

Henry is bored with his mundane 12-year-old life, so he convinces his friends to follow him on a series of increasingly ridiculous adventures. Podehl's narration maximizes the boys’ humorous exploits. Great for ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:53

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DEATH CLOUD by Andrew Lane, read by Dan Weyman

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:18:38 -0400

This bold depiction of a 14-year-old Sherlock Holmes succeeds splendidly. Weyman excels in introducing an intelligent, warm yet shy boy. Perfect for young adult listeners.

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SATCH AND ME by Dan Gutman, read by Johnny Heller

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:18:33 -0400

Stosh goes back to 1942 to see Satchel Paige pitch. Heller is warm and lively as a narrator.

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EPOSSUMONDAS PLAYS POSSUM by Colleen Salley, read by Cynthia Darlow

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:18:44 -0400

When Epossumondas disregards his mother’s warning about the sneaking into the swamp, he’s in for some real adventure. Darlow’s gentle Southern accent complements Colleen Salley’s distinctive storytelling. A perfect listen for ages 4 to 6

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THE WAKE OF THE LORELEI LEE by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:38:33 -0400

Thanks to Katherine Kellgren’s outstanding performance of Meyer's next Bloody Jack story, Jacky Faber remains a sparkling heroine given to outrageous feats of derring-do. A perfect choice for adventurous young adults (and adults as well).

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REVOLVER by Marcus Sedgwick, read by Peter Berkrot

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:53:17 -0400

This Printz Honor Book is set in the Arctic in 1910. Teenager Sig Anderson is left alone with the body of his father, and Berkrot’s immediate and urgent narration make this one compelling young adult audiobook.

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FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER by Jennifer Erin Valent, read by Kate Forbes

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:56:30 -0400

In 1930s era segregated Virginia, a white family takes in a black girl whose parents are killed in a fire. Forbes is perfect as the hot-tempered, determined 13-year-old Jessilyn who tells this story.

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TRESPASS by Rose Tremain, read by Juliet Stevenson

Thu, 19 May 2011 20:12:48 -0400

Rarely are a book and a narrator as superbly and perfectly matched as TRESPASS and Juliet Stevenson. Even if you’ve read the novel already, you must listen to this audiobook.

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THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT by Kate DiCamillo, read by Juliet Stevenson

Wed, 11 May 2011 17:31:00 -0400

When 10-year-old Peter Augustus Duchene visits a fortune teller, his world is turned upside-down. Stevenson is a perfect match for this charming, whimsical story. Great for listeners ages 8 and up.

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ON THE BLUE COMET by Rosemary Wells, read by Malcolm Hillgartner

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:31:38 -0400

When 11-year-old Oscar visits a very special model train in the basement of his local bank, he is whisked away on a daring adventure across decades. Hillgartner's subtle but energetic narration is perfect. A great choice for listeners ages 10 and up.

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HERE IN HARLEM: Poems in Many Voices, by Walter Dean Myers, read by Muhammad Cunningham, Kevin R. Free, Dion Graham, et al.

Tue, 03 May 2011 17:02:29 -0400

Myers' collection of poems about Harlem is meant to be performed. In this recording, you’ll hear a chorus of voices from different eras and walks of life who shed light on the African-American experience. A great choice for ages 8 and up.

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ZORA AND ME by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon, read by Channie Waites

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:45:53 -0400

Told from the perspective of 10-year-old Carrie, Zora Neal Hurston's childhood friend, this delightful novel is full of tall tales and adventures. Narrator Waites delights in each word of this young adult novel.

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SHIP BREAKER by Paolo Bacigalupi, read by Joshua Swanson

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:56:53 -0400

Bacigalupi’s National Book Award finalist tells the story of teenager Nailer, who struggles to survive as a ship breaker in a tumultuous futuristic world. Swanson's characterizations make this world believable. A perfect choice for young adult listeners.

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RAPTURE OF THE DEEP by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:48:54 -0400

In the 7th in Meyer’s popular Bloody Jack series, Jacky is about to marry her true love, Jamie, when she is unceremoniously scooped up by Royal Intelligence and commanded to carry out a dangerous new mission. Kellgren's talents shine in this young adult volume.

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SHREK! By William Steig, read by Stanley Tucci

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:54:31 -0400

If you liked the blockbuster movie, you'll love Tucci's narration of Steig's delightful fairy tale.

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THE WATER SEEKER by Kimberly Willis Holt, read by Will Patton

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:06:09 -0500

THE WATER SEEKER by Kimberly Willis Holt, read by Will Patton
Holt’s unusual story tells the tale of Amos Kincaid, a boy traveling on the Oregon Trail. Patton’s narration conveys the atmosphere of this epic tale. Great for ages 10 and up.

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THE NIGHT FAIRY by Laura Amy Schlitz, read by Michal Friedman

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:15:45 -0500

When Floury the night fairy loses her wings, her life changes dramatically. Friedman's characterizations of the fairies, animals, and humans are outstanding.

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NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS, written and read by Emma Thompson

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:21:25 -0500

Author and narrator Thompson delights listeners with a diary of the making of the NANNY MCPHEE film. A great listen for ages 8 and up.

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TUMTUM AND NUTMEG by Emily Bearn, read by Bill Wallis

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:37:44 -0500

Reminiscent of WIND IN THE WILLOWS, this tale will charm children and adults alike. Bill Wallis is a perfect match for the material. A wonderful choice for kids 6 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:46

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ZOMBIES VS. UNICORNS edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier, read by Ellen Grafton, Nick Podehl, Kate Rudd, Julia Whelan, and Phil Gigante

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:39:28 -0500

This YA fantasy anthology tackles the question of which mythical creature reigns supreme--zombies or unicorns. Various YA fantasy authors' stories are well matched with strong narrators, making this an audiobook that must be listened to instead of read.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:31

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SPACE STATION RAT by Michael J. Daly, read by Daniel Bostick

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:58:46 -0500

An escaped lab experiment, Rat forms an unlikely bond with Jeff, the only child on Rat's space station home. After hearing Bostick's performance, you may want a pet rat of your own! A great listen for ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:08

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THE ROCK AND THE RIVER by Kekla Magoon, read by Dion Graham

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:23:19 -0500

Set in 1968 Chicago, this is the story of brothers Sam and Stick, sons of a civil rights activists who are drawn to the Black Panthers. Graham’s narration is nothing short of spectacular.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:09

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STARCLIMBER by Kenneth Oppel, read by David Kelly and the Full Cast Family

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:55:25 -0500

In the follow-up to AIRBORN and SKYBREAKER, Matt and Kate are on an outerspace adventure. Kelly and the full cast add wonderful depth to the performance.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:12

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SISTERS RED by Jackson Pearce, read by Erin Moon, Michal Friedman, and Suzanne Toren

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:44:37 -0500

In Scarlett and Rosie March’s world, werewolves in the guise of devilishly handsome men seduce and devour innocent young girls. Narrators Moon, Friedman, and Toren's performances make for great Young Adult listening.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:21

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THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY by Adam Rex, read by Bahni Turpin

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:56:13 -0400

Rex’s hilarious, heartwarming buddy adventure has everything a young listener could want--aliens, a road trip, and a plucky heroine who teams up with a rogue Boov alien named JLo. Turpin's spirited narration can express any emotion, and her timing accentuates every satirical line. Ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:34

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ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN by Karen Cushman, read by Katherine Kellgren

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:42:21 -0400

16-year-old Meggy Swann is lame in leg but certainly not in intellect, and when she is sent to London to live with her father, she tries to win his affection by becoming his alchemy apprentice. Kellgren's high-spirited narration make Cushman’s characters sparkle.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:01

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THE DEAD-TOSSED WAVES by Carrie Ryan, read by Tara Sands

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:27:51 -0400

This companion novel to Ryan’s THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH follows the story of Gabry in her post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world. Sands' narration captures everything it means to be a teenager--from fear and indecision to romance and excitement.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:29

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FOR ALL THE TEA IN CHINA: How England Stole the World's Favorite Drink and Changed History, written and read by Sara Rose

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:03:18 -0400

This history of tea traces how the British stole tea seeds and plants from China and transported them to India where the production could be controlled. Rose's young American voice has a fresh, contemporary appeal

Download the soundreview as an mp3 file. Time 3:07

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THE LOOKING GLASS WAR, by John le Carré, read by Simon Russell Beale, Piotr Baumann, Ian McDiarmid, Philip Jackson

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:08:55 -0400

John le Carré’s Cold War spy novels have become classics in part because of this superb audio dramatization from the BBC. The actors’ narration combines with the subtle sound effects to create a distinct atmosphere.

Download the soundreview as an mp3 file. Time 3:16

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EYES LIKE STARS, by Lisa Mantchev, read by Cynthia Bishop and a Full Cast

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:18:42 -0400

Seventeen-year-old Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has a problem: She's about to lose the only home she's ever known and has only one chance to prove that she can stay. Cynthia Bishop leads this young adult audio’s full cast beautifully, providing a great narrator for Bertie’s comical escapades.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:05

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THE SPECTACULAR NOW by Tim Tharp, read by MacLeod Andrews

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:55:05 -0400

Sutter Keely is a live-for-the-moment high school senior. It takes a special narrator to capture such youthful enthusiasm, and MacLeod Andrews really gets Keely’s happy-go-lucky nature and his Oklahoma accent.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:00

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THE INCORRIGIBLE CHILDREN OF ASHTON PLACE, by Maryrose Wood, read by Katherine Kellgren THE INCORRIGIBLE CHILDREN OF ASHTON PLACE, by Maryrose Wood, read by Katherine Kellgren

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:55:17 -0400

Incorrigible children? Just the challenge for Miss Penelope Lumley, the new governess to three children who were raised by wolves and communicate only in barks and growls! Good choice for listeners age 8 ad up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:54

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MY BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN, by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:26:25 -0400

This is the 6th installment of Meyer’s BLOODY JACK series, and no one can do it better than Katherine Kellgren. She turns 16-year-old magnet-for-trouble Jacky Faber into the most engaging, cheeky girl in YA literature.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:18

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STOP IN THE NAME OF PANTS! by Louise Rennison, read by Stina Nielsen

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:53:17 -0400

Nielsen channels her inner prima donna for Rennison's 9th foray into the teenage mind of Brit Georgia Nicolson.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:08

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FOOTBALL HERO by Tim Green, read by Tim Green and the Full Cast Family

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:13:03 -0400

NFL football player Green utilizes his mighty vocal skills to create a hard-hitting, heartfelt masterpiece. A great choice for young sports-minded listeners ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:55

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LOUISE, THE ADVENTURES OF A CHICKEN by Kate DiCamillo, read by Barbara Rosenblat

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:05:09 -0400

This 2010 Odyssey Winner tells the story of Louise the chicken and her wild escapades. Rosenblat's commanding narration makes Louise's story sparkle.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:22

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SHREK! By William Steig, read by Stanley Tucci

Wed, 26 May 2010 18:51:26 -0400

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GOING BOVINE by Libba Bray, read by Erik Davies

Wed, 19 May 2010 20:09:44 -0400

Bray's quirky young adult novel is as much laugh-out-loud funny as it is poignant, and Davies' narration makes this a standout production.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:48

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A SEASON OF GIFTS by Richard Peck, read by Ron McLarty

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:59:44 -0400

The lovable, quirky Grandma Dowdel is back in Peck's follow up to A YEAR DOWN UNDER. McLarty's pacing, cadence, and tone fit the 1950s small town setting perfectly.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:19

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ARCHENEMY by Frank Beddor, read by Gerard Doyle

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:01:49 -0400

This is the third volume in Beddor's popular Looking Glass Wars series, and it does not disappoint! Narrator Doyle does a bang-up job of bringing both the action and characters to life.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:40

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THIS BOOK IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU by Pseudonymous Bosch, read by Joshua Swanson, Cassandra Morris, et al.

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:03:21 -0400

Cass, Max-Ernest, and Yo-Yogi find themselves swept up in a fantastic escapade chocolate-themed escapade. Dynamic narrators and sound effects make this one of the most entertaining—and delicious—kids' audiobooks of the year.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:00

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THE DAY OF THE PELICAN by Katherine Paterson, read by Tavia Gilbert

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:18:31 -0400

During the Kosovo War, 11-year-old Meli and her Albanian Muslim family are forced to flee their home and immigrate to America. Gilbert's performance makes their struggles with language and culture poignant without resorting to melodrama.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:54

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UNCLE MONTAGUE'S TALES OF TERROR by Chris Priestley, read by Bill Wallis

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:42:20 -0500

Move over, Edgar Allan Poe, Lemony Snicket, and even Neil Gaiman—let Chris Priestley sit in the inner circle of storytellers of spine-tingling tales. Bill Wallis's brilliant performance brings this work to American listeners with enduring shivers. Great for listeners ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:22

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CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE by Phillip Hoose, read by Channie Waites

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:32:12 -0500

This 2009 National Book Award winner introduces listeners to forgotten Civil Rights heroine Claudette Colvin. Waites superbly narrates a text that offers both cogent explanations of history and first-person accounts. A wonderful young adult listen!

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:51

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THE 10PM QUESTION by Kate De Goldi, read by Stig Wemyss

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:05:15 -0500

Frankie Parsons isn't your average Kiwi kid. He worries about everything—the smoke alarm may be out of batteries, the cat could have worms. Narrator Wemyss' tone and enthusiasm maximize the humor and are pitch-perfect for voicing kids. A great young adult listen.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:28

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THE ENTERTAINER AND THE DYBBUK by Sid Fleischman, read by Banna Rubinow and The Full Cast Family

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:12:02 -0500

The sobering humor of Fleischman's story honoring the unnamed children killed by the Nazis is balanced and leavened by a fine cast of young actors. A great listen for ages ten and up!

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:52

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CATCHING FIRE: The Hunger Games, Book 2 by Suzanne Collins, read by Carolyn McCormick

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:11:24 -0500

Following victory in THE HUNGER GAMES, teen "tributes" Katniss and Peeta adjust to their new status, learn survival under the demands of the Capitol, and must plan for the next combat tournament. Narrator McCormick's style embodies Katniss's secretive, wary attitudes. A great listen for teens.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:52

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RETURN TO THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD by David Benedictus, read by Jim Dale

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:19:58 -0500

Listeners who settle in to hear these new Winnie-the-Pooh stories will find good friends, good food (including lots of honey, of course), and good adventures. David Benedictus, who dramatized A.A. Milne’s Pooh stories for audio, succeeds admirably in staying faithful to the spirit of the originals. Jim Dale is a marvel, and listeners ages 6 and up will agree.

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IN THE BELLY OF THE BLOODHOUND by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:00:02 -0500

Labeled a pirate by the King of England, Jacky, heroine of the ongoing young adult Bloody Jack series, is lying low. Kellgren delivers a bravura performance of the many characters, as with the other adventures, and she's fully dialed in to Jacky's irrepressible spirit.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:57

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RED GLASS by Laura Resau, read by Emma Bering

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:35:56 -0500

Sixteen-year-old Sophie's family adopts a young Mexican boy who was orphaned in a border crossing gone bad. Narrator Bering faces a performance challenge but admirably delivers the voices and emotions of Sophie's multi-national family.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:58

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THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, read by the author

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:05:19 -0500

Gaiman's clever, dark fantasy about an orphaned boy raised by ghosts in an old graveyard has been showered with nearly every award for children's literature and science fiction, in print, and audio. A stunningly good author-reading, bringing his understanding of his own story and characters to a mesmerizing listening experience. Great for listeners 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:41

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SPOOKY CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN edited and read by Jim Weiss

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:28:56 -0500

Storyteller Weiss is a master at engaging both young and adult listeners. He retains just the right blend of literary heritage and contemporary details.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:33

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LUCKY BREAKS by Susan Patron, read by Cassandra Campbell

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:21:33 -0500

In this sequel to the Newbery Award-winning HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, the endearingly eccentric residents of Hard Pan (population, 43) join to celebrate Lucky's eleventh birthday. Campbell does a great job with this both old-fashioned and modern story.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:11

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THE GOONEY BIRD COLLECTION by Lois Lowry, read by Lee Adams

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:29:02 -0500

Each of Gooney Bird Greene's four adventures in Mrs. Pigeon's second-grade class included here has much to teach about writing. Parents as well as listeners ages 8 and up are going to chuckle along with these stories from favorite author Lois Lowry.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:08

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DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS written and read by Mo Willems

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:39:36 -0500

This whimsical picture book charges young listeners with carrying out the title task, despite being confronted by a pigeon who will do anything to get the wheel of the bus in his wingtips.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:54

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SPOOKY CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN edited and read by Jim Weiss

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:09:46 -0500

Storyteller Weiss is a master at engaging both young and adult listeners. He retains just the right blend of literary heritage and contemporary details.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:37

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SCAT by Carl Hiaasen, read by Edward Asner

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:55:07 -0500

Hearing Ed Asner’s narration is a bit like hearing a great tall tale told by a favorite grandfather. His gruff tone and quirky interpretations of Hiaasen's usual over-the-top oddballs make a fine program for listeners ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:56

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BATS AT THE BEACH by Brian Lies, read by Chris Sorensen

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:42:44 -0400

What do bats do at the beach? The same thing you and I do! Join the bats for a wonderful beach day—well, actually, night. Sorensen's clear voice along with his cadence and pacing allow the listener to enjoy the story's rhyme scheme. A great addition to a listening library for listeners ages 4 to 6.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:30

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ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Raleigh Baskin, read by Tom Parks

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:28:57 -0400

Jason Blake is a 12-year-old autistic boy who is trying to be understood in a "neurotypical" world. Baskin lets us see inside the mind of a bright young man struggling to be accepted for who he is and be heard in his own voice. Tom Parks brings to life an inspiring new hero, and audio is a great medium to make it even more powerful. Ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:56

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ANDY SHANE AND THE VERY BOSSY DOLORES STARBUCKLE by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, read by Rachel Lillis

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:17:45 -0400

How does one deal with a bully? Andy Shane's Granny lends a hand to keep the bossy Dolores at bay. Narrator Lillis narrates with an undercurrent of humor in her tone—as if we are in on some inside joke. Ages 8 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:35

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THE GOONEY BIRD COLLECTION by Lois Lowry, read by Lee Adams

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:54:29 -0400

Each of Gooney Bird Greene's four adventures in Mrs. Pigeon's second-grade class included here has much to teach about writing. Parents as well as listeners ages 8 and up are going to chuckle along with these stories from favorite author Lois Lowry.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:07

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HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA AND THE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE by James Howe, read by Peter Pamela Rose

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:02:45 -0400

Narrator Rose captures a charming cat and a thoughtful dog—two friends who attempt to cheer each other up with birthday surprises. A great listen for kids ages six and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:36

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ON THE JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta, read by Rebecca Macauley

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:41:22 -0400

Taylor Markham, an Australian high school student, spends her senior year trying to make sense of her personal history in this well-crafted coming-of-age story. Narrator Macauley is adept at getting the full, riotous range of teen emotions, and makes the narration feel intimate and authentic.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:58

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HENRY'S FREEDOM BOX by Ellen Levine, read by Jerry Dixon

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:01:48 -0400

When a picture book has won a Caldecott Honor Medal for illustration it takes a particularly skilled narrator to capture the story’s words AND the visual elements that were celebrated. Jerry Dixon manages both with his gentle, intimate presentation for this readalong book & recording program. Kids ages 8 and up will love this one.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:35

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GRACELING by Kristin Cashore, performed by David Baker and a Full Cast

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:25:33 -0400

Cashore's well-developed characters and fantasy adventure are completely realized in this full-cast production. Graceling Katsa is gifted with special talents that include the "grace" to fight and kill. A perfect Young Adult listen.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:22

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READING MAGIC: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox, read by the author

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:22:44 -0400

Australian children's book author Mem Fox is also an international literary specialist. She uses her sparkling vocal personality to promote reading aloud to children.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:13

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GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES! by Laura Amy Schlitz Performed by Christina Moore and a Full Cast

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:39:38 -0400

Life in a medieval village comes alive through monologues and dialogues as a full cast performs the 2008 Newbery Medal winner in a real theater of the mind. Great for ages 8 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:47

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BROOKLYN BRIDGE by Karen Hesse, read by Fred Berman

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:08:09 -0400

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:12

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ONE-HANDED CATCH by M.J. Auch, Performed by Ryan Sparks and a full cast.

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:07:42 -0400

When 11-year-old Norm loses his hand, his lifelong dream of playing baseball seems impossible. This full cast performance is family-friendly, heartfelt, but never sappy. A great listen for kids over 8.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:46

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THIS FULL HOUSE by Virginia Euwer Wolff, read by Heather Alicia Simms

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:08:25 -0400

In this powerful conclusion to Wolff's Make Lemonade trilogy, Heather Simms uses extraordinary rhythm to project the free-verse form of the book. And, she excels at the up-and-down emotions of 17-year-old LaVaughn, who imagines a life for herself in medicine, and then discovers a secret that threatens her future. Great for young adult listeners.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:46

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THE CROSSROADS by Chris Grabenstein, read by J.J. Myers

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:37:37 -0400

Vengeful spirits haunt eleven-year-old Zack's world when he realizes his neighbors aren't normal—or even alive. Narrator Myers brings these ghostly characters to life with spine-tingling effect. Young teens will like this creepy story best.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:19

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GREAT JOY by Kate DiCamillo, read by Jane Curtin

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:38:49 -0400

In this gentle, poignant tale, an organ-grinder and his monkey play music outside little Frances's window just before Christmas. Frances stays up one night and discovers that the two sleep on the street. Jane Curtin's insightful narration is expressive yet elegant.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:47

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A COLLECTION OF RUDYARD KIPLING'S JUST SO STORIES by Rudyard Kipling, performed by Jim Weiss

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:35:42 -0400

Would you like to know how the whale got his throat or the camel his hump? Well, best beloved, this production's for you. Weiss's playful narration gives ample opportunities to present different animal personas. He fills these classics with the fresh approach of a dynamic storyteller.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:48

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THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG by Rodman Philbrick, read by William Dufris

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:33:37 -0400

A Civil War setting frames an array of eccentric characters as Homer spins "mostly-true" tales of his rescue of his young brother. Dufris's folksy, playful approach complements this tall-tales narrative.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:36

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WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson, read by Jeannie Stith

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:39:03 -0400

Two best friends had been competitors in anorexia, and now one is dead. Still alive, Lia hides her self-starvation and cutting from the perplexed adults who want to save her. In print the author uses visual textual representations of Lia's torment. Stith has just her voice.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:36

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ART by Patrick McDonnell, read by Bobby McFerrin

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:13:36 -0400

Art, a little boy who loves to draw, shares his art. Author/illustrator McDonnell's story takes flight with the innovations of Bobby McFerrin's narration. Listeners don't get just one narration and, true to McFerrin's celebrated style, each has different trills, vocal jazz, and improv.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:42

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TEENS, 2009 Audies Performance

Wed, 27 May 2009 16:55:55 -0400

Today's Audies category is TEENS. This special edition of AudioFile's Audiopolis celebrates the 2009 Audies competition, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 8:02

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CHILDREN'S TITLES, AGES UP TO 8

Wed, 20 May 2009 15:00:58 -0400

Today's Audies category is CHILDREN'S TITLES, AGES UP TO 8. This special edition of AudioFile's All Ears Family Listening celebrates the 2009 Audies competition, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 7:29

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CHILDREN'S TITLES, AGES 8-12

Wed, 13 May 2009 16:05:22 -0400

Today's Audies category is CHILDREN'S TITLES, AGES 8-12. This special edition of AudioFile's All Ears Family Listening celebrates the 2009 Audies competition, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 7:31

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THE SHOE BIRD: A Musical Fable, by Samuel Jones adapted from a story by Eudora Welty, performed by Jim Dale with the Seattle Symphony, Northwest Boychoir, Vocalpoint! Seattle

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:19:52 -0400

This is not your ordinary audiobook, but a wonderful program joining music, narration and chorus. Think PETER & THE WOLF, and you'll get the idea of what’s in store for listeners. Jim Dale, marvelous master of voices, creates clever, whimsical, and always-memorable portraits of the birds who visit a shoe store to be fitted for shoes. Destined to be a new classic of family listening!

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:36

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THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH by Norton Juster, read by David Hyde Pierce

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:02:22 -0400

Young Milo is unenthusiastic about life, until one day when he comes home from school and finds a mysterious gift—a tollbooth that becomes his portal to strange lands. David Hyde Pierce transports listeners on Milo's adventures and through the wordplay of this classic story.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:49

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SHADOWS IN THE TWILIGHT by Henning Mankell, read by Francis Greenslade

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:34:40 -0400

The Swedish author of the Inspector Wallender mysteries turns to a young audience in this unusual coming-of-age story. Twelve-year-old Joel Yule has miraculously escaped injury after being run over by a bus, and he sets about showing his gratitude. Greenslade perfectly conveys Joel's fantasy life, creating a richly rewarding listening experience.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:55

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SWINDLE by Gordon Korman, read by Jonathan Todd Ross

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:27:41 -0400

This author has mapped out the terrain of "boy fiction," and narrator Ross draws out the cliffhangers, double crosses, and humor. Perfect for family listening.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:32

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IT'S TIME TO SLEEP, MY LOVE & ON THE NIGHT YOU WERE BORN by Nancy Tillman and Eric Metaxas, read by Orlagh Cassidy

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:23:24 -0400

With this production, children can shut their eyes and imagine a world that revolves around them, where bears dance at news of their birth, where the moon smiles at them and the night wind whispers their name. Orlagh Cassidy's narration and the music by Sally Taylor (daughter of Carly Simon and James Taylor) make this into a treat to help little ones off to sleep. Destined to be a family favorite. Ages 4+

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:19

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THE SEER OF SHADOWS by Avi, read by Steven Boyer

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:38:55 -0400

Set in New York City in 1872, this historical is novel about photographer's apprentice 14-year-old Horace Carpetine. Narrator Boyer reinforces the atmosphere of magical mystery and otherworldliness that lures the listener through this tale.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:59

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MARCH ON! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris, read by Lynn Whitfield

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:06:33 -0400

Making the remarkable day in 1963 fresh again for young listeners, Christine Farris shares intimate details of her brother, Martin Luther King, Jr. Whitfield's narration creates an immediate connection to her memoir.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:18

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THEN by Morris Gleitzman, read by the author

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:04:23 -0400

A moral, honest, and exciting story of children during the Holocaust. Gleitzman's narration combines hopeful innocence tempered by the sound of a child who has seen too much for his years.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:28

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FAIREST by Gail Carson Levine, performed by Sarah Naughton and a Full Cast

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:53:27 -0400

Set in a land where beautiful singing is highly prized, the story offers a combination of singing and speaking roles for a rich cast of characters. Sarah Naughton and the supporting full cast bring this story to new musical and audio heights. Perfect for ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:01

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BROOKLYN BRIDGE by Karen Hesse, read by Fred Berman

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:43:55 -0500

This moving story of Russian immigrants is set in 1903 Brooklyn. Fred Berman's strong Brooklyn accent and use of Yiddish inflection will transport listeners right into 14-year-old Joseph's neighborhood, making this a great listen for kids 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:12

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DO UNTO OTTERS by Laurie Keller, Performed by Jack Sundrud and a Full Cast

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:23:27 -0500

The Golden Rule of treating each other with kindness is interpreted by playful otters and their rabbit neighbors. Sundrud leads the cast with song and humor, making an engaging program of a half hour. Great for ages 6 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:00

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THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, read by the author

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:20:54 -0500

In this latest of Gaiman's dark YA fantasies, an orphaned boy, Nobody Owens, is raised by ghosts in a local graveyard who protect him from the man who murdered Nobody's family. Gaiman creates perfect mood and pacing in his narration—thrilling for young adult listeners!

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:55

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THE DRAGONFLY POOL by Eva Ibbotson, read by Tracy-Ann Oberman

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:15:28 -0500

Tally discovers that the school she's been sent to is not a fearful place, but a wonderful sanctuary of self-expression—even adventure. Narrator Oberman connects perfectly with the charming location and characters. A great listen for ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:56

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ONE-HANDED CATCH by M.J. Auch, Performed by Ryan Sparks and a full cast.

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:26:16 -0500

When 11-year-old Norm loses his hand, his lifelong dream of playing baseball seems impossible. This full cast performance is family-friendly, heartfelt, but never sappy. A great listen for kids over 8.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:48

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PRINCESS ACADEMY by Shannon Hale Read by Laura Credido and a full cast

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:55:41 -0500

Learning to be a princess can be hard, but Hale has crafted this young adult fantasy with an imaginative twist on the traditional prince-charming tale. The talented full cast is an added reason to listen to this 2006 Newbery Honor book.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:02

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SPIRITWALKER by Michele Paver, read by Ian McKellen

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:23:43 -0500

The second Chronicle of Ancient Darkness follows 12-year-old Torak through a world of Stone Age spirits and mysticism. Guided by master storyteller, Ian McKellen, listeners easily follow ancient rituals and meet a cast of exotic characters. The fast-paced action follows Torak's quest, surrounded by magic and danger--all beautifully crafted by McKellen's vocal skills. Ages 10+

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:13

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MAXIMUM RIDE: School's Out--Forever by James Patterson, read by Valentina de Angelis

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:55:14 -0500

Bird-kid Max and her flock are ready for more adventure as they flee the scientists who created them and develop strange new powers. Patterson's well-tuned storytelling is sprinkled with humor and plenty of action. Narrator de Angelis keeps the pace revved. Young Adult

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:39

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VOYAGE TO THE BUNNY PLANET by Rosemary Wells, read by Maggie Gyllenhaal

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:28:39 -0500

Three young rabbits, who are each having a bad day, take a trip to the Bunny Planet, where Queen Janet helps them see a better day. Gyllenhaal's beautiful, nurturing voice, and a careful production make this one-hour program great listening for ages 6 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:30

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THE SWORD IN THE STONE by T.H. White, read by Neville Jason

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:11:21 -0500

Wizards, boys, quests, and mixed-up magic. Sound familiar? Before Harry Potter, we had the boy named Wart—who would grow up to be King Arthur. Narrator Jason presents this classic story with fluidity and enthusiasm. Good family listening, especially for young teens.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:03

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I'M DIRTY! by Kate McMullan and Jim McMullan, read by Steve Buscemi

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:49:59 -0500

With a digger in back and a bucket up front, there’s not a task this backhoe doesn't find "as easy as (mud) pie." Steve Buscemi narrates with gusto, delighting in the escapades of this hard-working vehicle. This 20-minute program is great fun for kids 4 to 6.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:16

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THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt Read by Gabra Zackman

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:38:09 -0500

An unlikely family of animals star in this enduring yet ancient ballad. Gabra Zackman’s perfect cadence transports the listener back a thousand years and interweaves today’s tale. This National Book Award Finalist will appeal to listeners ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:42

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GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES! by Laura Amy Schlitz Performed by Christina Moore and a Full Cast

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:06:22 -0500

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HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS Kadir Nelson Read by Crystal Taliefero

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:43:23 -0500

This picture book and audio program celebrates our connections to our world, our families, and our communities. Taliefero's voice weaves and climbs, changing rhythm to match each verse and illustration. A delight for listeners of all ages, but especially ages 4-6.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:00

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EPOSSUMONDAS SAVES THE DAY by Coleen Salley Read by Cynthia Darlow

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:35:46 -0500

Folklore of the Louisiana swamps sets the tone for Epossumondas to confront a giant snapping turtle. Narrator Darlow is an old hand with tales of this charming possum. Listeners ages 4-6 will be delighted.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:59

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THE GRANNY PROJECT by Anne Fine Read by Christian Rodska

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:35:10 -0500

When Mum and Dad decide to put Granny in a home, the kids protest and decide to take care of Granny themselves. British narrator Christian Rodska portrays each character's strong and appealing personality. The realistic conclusion is a great lesson for families coping with this sad but all too common situation.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:49

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ALADDIN AND THE ENCHANTED LAMP by Philip Pullman Read by James Goode

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:39:05 -0500

From the opening moments in China when Aladdin's future is unknown to him to the final moments of the sorcerer's demise, James Goode brings high drama to this story, his breathless narration infusing the action with suspense and immediacy.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:01

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AIRMAN by Eoin Colfer Read by John Keating

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:42:46 -0400

Conor Broekhart is born in a hot-air balloon, framed for murder, and ends up in a terrible island prison. Part adventure and part modern fairy tale—John Keating reads with an Irish lilt that reflects its setting on an island off the coast of Ireland. His character portraits and narrative are equally engaging. Young Adult • 11.25 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:01

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GIVE PEAS A CHANCE Morris Gleitzman Read by the author and Ruth Schoenheimer

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:29:24 -0400

These zany stories, complete with Australian accents, bring together humor, current events, whimsy, and food for thought—from germs going on vacation to a creative solution for global warming. Gleitzman brings nuances of voice, inflection, and timing to each of his characters. This 3 ¾ hr. audio is good for listeners ages 8 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:06

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Support for AudioFile's podcasts comes from Harper Audio, Hachette Audio, Full Cast Audio, Scholastic Audio, and Simon & Schuster Audio.

DRACULA VS. GRAMPA AT THE MONSTER TRUCK SPECTACULAR Kirk Scroggs Read by Johnny Heller

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:21:08 -0400

This oddball story is just right for a spooky night, combining strange elements from vampire monster-trucks to an F-5 tornado. Narrator Heller's exuberant voicing enhances the wacky humor of this tale and the characters. Good listening for children Ages 8 and up, the program is 30 mins. long

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:51

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THE GENIUS Jesse Kellerman Read by Kirby Heyborn

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:45:08 -0400

An art dealer's recovery of an astonishing collection of sketches is the centerpiece of this intriguing thriller. Throughout a convoluted tangle of backstories, Heyborne's performance will keep listeners chained to their earphones.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:53

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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE AND OTHER STORIES by Maurice Sendak, read by Tammy Grimes

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:26:25 -0400

Hear the wild things "roar their terrible roars" with this dynamic and enthusiastic performance by Tammy Grimes. These classic tales soar to a new height. Ages 4-6 Reviewed by Lilia Murray

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:01

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FRANKENSTEIN MAKES A SANDWICH by Adam Rex read by L.J. Ganser

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:55:45 -0400

Listeners of all ages will appreciate this collection of poems featuring monsters. Narrator Ganser clearly relishes Rex’s oddball setups and clever wordplay. Fun for listeners ages 6 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:54

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DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin Read by Randy Travis

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:20:01 -0400

Narrating with a drawl that fits the wacky farm where all animals are musical, Randy Travis may inspire a sing-along. Music, voice, and soundscape blend into a story symphony in this charming and award-winning audiobook good for listeners ages 4-6

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:03

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ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis read by Mirron Willis

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:54:48 -0400

This Newbery Honor book tells the story of Elijah, an 11-year-old boy who is the first freeborn black in his Buxton, Canada, settlement. A rich story and authentic-sounding dialect are the hallmarks of this dynamic audio for listeners ages 10 and up

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:09

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THE BAPTISM by Shelia P. Moses Read by Muhammad Cunningham

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:26:55 -0400

Set in racially-charged 1940s North Carolina, this children's story is dialect-rich and protagonist-strong--perfect for listening. Cunningham’s spunky, saucy reading shines and carries us along. Great for listeners Ages 10 and up.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:16

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THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie, read by Sheman Alexie

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:33:58 -0400

In this 2007 National Book Award winner, Alexie's rhythmic reading beautifully captures the daily exhilarations, ironies, and difficulties of adolescence as young Arnold Spirit struggles with his status as a "part-time" Indian on the Spokane Indian reservation. Reviewed by Liz Hannegan
Young Adult Young Adult • 5 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:13

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis, read by Michael York

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:36:38 -0400

The land of Narnia is the setting for this classic tale of the struggle between good and evil. Our soundreview highlights the involving tale of four children and their encounters with beasts and beauties. Michael York's rich English voice carries listeners off to this fabled story land.

Children Ages 8+ • 4 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:09

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THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary D. Schmidt, read by Joel Johnstone

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:55:44 -0400

Holling Hoodhood starts his seventh-grade year at odds with his teacher, Mrs. Baker. compounded by the Wednesday afternoons he must spend clapping erasers or dissecting Shakespeare plays. Johnstone’s even voice and pacing finely delivers the humor and the poignant lost chances for understanding.

Young Adult Young Adult • 7.5. hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:04

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TALES FROM THE ODYSSEY AUDIO COLLECTION, Vol 1 by Mary Pope Osborne, read by James Simmons

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:43:18 -0400

The One-Eyed Giant, The Land of the Dead, and Sirens and Sea Monsters are among the six familiar stories Simmons turns into a phenomenal production using incredible verbal range and attention to detail. Great for listeners Ages 8 and up, this Volume 1 collection is just under two hours.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:00

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LISTENING FOR LIONS by Gloria Whelan, read by Bianca Amato

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:18:29 -0400

Children Ages 8+ • 4.75 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:59

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TREASURE ISLAND by Robert Louis Stevenson, read by Jasper Britton

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:35:22 -0400

Stevenson's tale of high adventure and mutiny is filled with colorful characters that are now considered pirate archetypes. English actor Jasper Britton expertly avoids running aground into pantomime, representing strong, distinct character voices with incredible range and layers of emotion. Reviewed by Lilia Murray.

Classics Family Listening • 7.75 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:17

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LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green, read by Jeff Woodman

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:51:18 -0400

Sixteen-year-old Miles Halter is bored, lonely, and unchallenged, so he leaves his family home for the Culver Creek boarding school. Narrator Woodman nails the teen angst; prize-winner ALASKA inspires young listeners to ask the important questions in life and adults to remember their importance.

Young Adult • 7 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:49

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BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, by Katherine Peterson, read by Robert Sean Leonard

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:01:27 -0400

Jess and Leslie are unlikely friends, yet they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia and open up a world of imagination and learning. When unexpected tragedy strikes, listeners are fully immersed in their lives. Leonard's excellent telling finely captures the emotions of ambition, friendship, and strength in adversity.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:01

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KING FOR KIDS by Martin Luther King Jr., Clayborne Carson

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:08:29 -0400

KING FOR KIDS is could well be entitled KING FOR EVERYONE. This collection of Dr. King's speeches calls attention to his passions and concerns, and the introductions by distinguished Americans, such as George McGovern and Coretta Scott King, provide historical perspective and background for each remarkable speech. Reviewed by Bob Grundfest. Family Listening • 3hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:43

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BLOODY JACK by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:17:50 -0400

This rollicking pirate adventure follows the fortune of feisty Mary, an eighteenth century young girl who poses as a boy to survive on the high seas. Kellgren's coarse accents and swift reading bring out the story's tension and excitement. Reviewed by Kirsten Cappy. Ages: Young Adult Time: 8 hours

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:38

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JAZZ by Walter Dean Meyers, read by James "D-Train" Williams and Vaneese Thomas

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:51:09 -0400

This 2008 Odyssey Award-winning collection of poems offers listeners plenty of rhythm and heart. Williams and Thomas read and sing the 17 poems with energy and verve, accompanied by a live jazz ensemble. All listeners will feel truly immersed in the sounds and vivacity of jazz music. Reviewed by Lilia Murray
Family Listening Time: 45 minutes

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:12

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SHREDDERMAN: Attack of the Tagger by Wendelin Van Draanen, read by Daniel Young

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:16:43 -0400

Narrator Daniel Young is nothing short of awesome in this second Shredderman story. The problem this time around is graffiti, which is appearing all over Cedar Valley. Nerdy superhero Nolan Byrd welcomes the challenge to put a stop to the vandalism and is soon deep into searching for the culprit, much to his overprotective mother’s dismay.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:50

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WHY EPOSSUMONDAS HAS NO HAIR ON HIS TAIL by Coleen Salley, read by Cynthia Darlow

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:30:33 -0400

Coleen Salley’s stories are like a Texas version of the Uncle Remus tales, full of charming, idiosyncratic animal characters, anchored by Epossumondas and his human mama. Add Cynthia Darlow’s arresting narration, and it’s storytelling at its best.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:06

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PRINCE CASPIAN C.S. Lewis, Paul McCusker Performed by a Full Cast

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:59:17 -0400

Faithfully rendering the second volume in The Chronicles of Narnia, this audiobook boasts a deft script delivered by a superb cast and a rich, vivid background of sound and original music. A fine complement to the new film. Listeners ages 8 and older will enjoy this, and the program lasts 3 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:10

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SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT by Darek Landy, read by Rupert Degas

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:17:43 -0400

Skulduggery is the ultimate undead; in fact, he’s just a skeleton. Rupert Degas's deadpan delivery of this snappy and dark comedy (with an appropriate hint of laughter) proves how well young adult fantasy can work as audio entertainment. Reviewed by Liz Hannegan. This audio is good for young Adults and is 7.5 hours long.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:42

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CLEMENTINE by Sara Pennypacker Move read by Jessica Almasy

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:59:11 -0400

Move over, Ramona, Judy Moody, and Junie B.! Clementine, an imaginative third-grader and a great and loyal friend, has arrived. Almasy gives voice to this friendly, funny kid, bringing the precocious, ingenious Clementine to life. This audio is good for ages 8 and up and is 1.5 hours long.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:04

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MORE FAMOUS COMPOSERS by Darren Henley, read by Marin Alsop.

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:00:56 -0400

Conductor Marin Alsop acts as musical tour guide, giving historical context and sharing engaging bits of information about Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and others. Though clearly designed for children, this is an engaging audio experience for a wide audience. This audio is good for Family Listening and is 2.25 hours long.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:58

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IGRAINE THE BRAVE by Cornelia Funke, read by Xanthe Elbrick

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:23:58 -0400

Twelve-year-old Igraine longs to become a knight, but her family of magicians can’t understand her dream. Narrator Elbrick has just the right touch for Igraine, and employs wonderful accents for her various sidekicks.
This audio is good for listeners ages 10 and up and is 4 and a half hours long.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:49

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COUNT KARLSTEIN by Philip Pullman, Performed by Jo Thurley and a Full Cast

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:41:27 -0400

This early story from the author of the GOLDEN COMPASS, shows his imaginative delight in quirky, gothic wonders. A nineteenth century Swiss castle is home to Count Karlstein who threatens his two young English wards. Jo Thurley, headlines this superb full-cast production but all the actors give pitch-perfect efforts offering countless, improbable characters. For children ages 8+ running time 5.5 hours

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:03

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EGGS by Jerry Spinelli, read by Suzanne Toren and Cassandra Morris

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:05:15 -0400

This tale of the friendship that develops between two damaged children is filled with offbeat yet realistic kids. Suzanne Toren brings this little world to life in the narrative, and Cassandra Morris delivers the dialogue of David and Primrose with superb agility. For young adults, running time 4.5 hours.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:48

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BEHOLD THE BOLD UMBRELLAPHANT and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky, read by the author

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:02:17 -0400

The first Children's Poet Laureate for the United States reads and sings from three of his poetry collections. Prelutsky takes obvious pleasure in performing his own work, and images of "pop-up toadsters" and "solitary spatuloons" linger in listeners' ears. Children ages 6+. 40 minutes

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:26

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TREASURE ISLAND by Robert Louis Stevenson, read by Alfred Molina

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:19:02 -0400

Take a familiar classic filled with larger-than-life characters and pair it with a master narrator. Voilà—you've got a brand new classic great for family listening with children 8 and older, giving you about 7 hrs. of listening. Children ages 8+. 7 hours

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:10

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HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS J.K. Rowling, Read by Jim Dale

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:04:34 -0400

The best word to describe Jim Dale’s work on this HARRY POTTER finale is “magical.” Few audiobook narrators can stretch the medium like Dale as he gives instantly recognizable voices to more than 200 characters. Children ages 10+. 21 hours

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:14

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ONE AND ONLY SHREK! William Steig Read by Meryl Streep & Stanley Tucci

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:50:00 -0400

This superb collection of six stories is beautifully narrated--Streep and Tucci delight in Steig’s quirky characters and distill their acting gifts to pure voice. "Shrek," "Brave Irene," and "The Amazing Bone" are great family listening for all ages. Children ages 4-6. 1.5 hours

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:51

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THE WEE FREE MEN SERIES by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:52:53 -0500

One has to wonder who had more fun with this project--Terry Pratchett, writer of the comic fantasy Discworld series, or Stephen Briggs, the narrator. Both are masters of the high art of wordplay. The escapades of Tiffany Aching, the wise and perceptive 9-year-old heroine, and the zany Wee Free Men make great listening.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:42

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SEEING REDD by Frank Beddor Read by Gerard Doyle

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:30:18 -0500

Alyss is doing her best to be queen of Wonderland in this second installment of The Looking Glass Wars. Gerard Doyle is brilliant, as usual, with the clever wordplay and outlandish characters.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:42

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HITLER YOUTH: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, read by Kathrin Kana

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:49:26 -0500

This Newbery Honor book is enhanced by the narration of Kathrin Kana, who voices the facts and information as a compelling story and leaves the listener to become gradually aware of the implications of Hitler's plans for Germany and the Hitler Youth. Kana's steady voice propels the narrative to its conclusion without diminishing the story's brutality.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:36

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A DOG'S LIFE by Ann M. Martin, read by Wendy Dillon

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:15:47 -0500

In this "autobiography of a stray," Squirrel tells the story of her life with acceptance and a poignant grace. Wendy Dillon's voice for Squirrel is exceptional; it is clearly that of an older, experienced dog--husky and warm, steady and calm--and Dillon paces it slowly to enhance the sense of age, patience, and wisdom. Children Ages 10+ • 4 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:03

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TWO WEEKS WITH THE QUEEN by Morris Gleitzman, read by the author

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:35:35 -0500

Morris Gleitzman offers this modern fable with both humor and tenderness. Struggling with sibling rivalry, his brother Luke’s cancer, and getting attention from his parents, young Colin searches for answers in quirky places. In a truly adolescent-sounding voice and attitude, Gleitzman portrays the inner workings of a young person struggling to find his place in the world. Children Ages 10+ • 2.5 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:08

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BEHOLD THE BOLD UMBRELLAPHANT and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky, read by the author

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:08:16 -0500

The first Children's Poet Laureate for the United States reads and sings from three of his poetry collections. Prelutsky takes obvious pleasure in performing his own work, and images of "pop-up toadsters" and "solitary spatuloons" linger in listeners' ears. Children Ages 6+ • 40 min.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:20

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TREASURE ISLAND by Robert Louis Stevenson, read by Alfred Molina

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:47:36 -0500

Children Ages 8+ • 7 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:06

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THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET by Brian Selznick, read by Jeff Woodman

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:47:08 -0500

This audio gets our vote as the most innovative of the year! Inside a Paris train station in 1932, a boy named Hugo secretly keeps all the clocks running. Like the workings of a clock, the parts of this intriguing story interlock, and the audio program is a marvel. The "soundscape" is unique and the DVD "extras" allow listeners to see Selznick's illustrations. Children Ages 8+ • 3 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:10

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PETER PAN IN SCARLET by Geraldine McCaughrean, read by Tim Curry

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:52:47 -0500

Geraldine McCaughrean's gorgeously wrought sequel to J.M. Barrie's PETER PAN opens as Wendy and company return to Neverland and find it changed, fading and autumnal. Tim Curry narrates with wonder, joy, or menace as appropriate. Listeners of all ages will find this to be a splendid, timeless adventure. Children Ages 8+ • 6.5 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:37

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THE VELVETEEN RABBIT by Margery Williams, read by Meryl Streep

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:02:44 -0500

This version of the classic children’s story is a gem! Streep’s tone is gentle, her pace slow and relaxing, her reading sensitive. Add to this perfect reading George Winston’s soft and lovely musical accompaniment and you have a treasure that will be loved and enjoyed over and over again, like the velveteen rabbit himself.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:12

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ALICE IN WONDERLAND AND THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS by Lewis Carroll, read by Alan Bennett

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:08:17 -0500

Here is nourishment for the word lover's soul. Alan Bennett's extraordinary narration sets Lewis Carroll’s classic tale apart from the merely good, and even from the merely fantastic. His enunciation is crystal clear, and his pacing, pauses, and emphasis are right on the mark.

Classics Ages 10+ • 2.5 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:30

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ONCE by Morris Gleitzman, read by the author

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:57:28 -0500

Gleitzman reads the tale of Felix, a Jewish boy who runs away from the convent where his parents had him hidden in a gentle and utterly alive manner emphasizing his skill as a consummate storyteller. This story of children in the Holocaust is poignant and powerful without being frightening or graphic.
Children Ages 8+ • 3 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:12

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THE TRUE MEANING OF CRUMBFEST, By David Weale, read by Antonia Francis

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:10:00 -0500

This quaint tale of the joy of Christmas and Eckhart the young mouse is narrated by five-year-old Antonia Francis, who recorded it for her mother's radio program. The recording is wonderfully refreshing! Children Ages 6+ • 22 min.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:07

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SOMETHING BIG HAS BEEN HERE by Jack Prelutsky read by the author

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:07:38 -0500

Listeners of this audiobook may need to seek protection from fearsome tigers, consider a new pet—perhaps a porcupine or a giraffe—and peruse the remarkable menu at the school cafeteria. The recitation of Jack Prelutsky, the nations’ first Children’s Poet Laureate, is crisp and paced for appreciation. Whether humorous or more serious, his sentiment for the characters of his poems is heartfelt. Children Ages 6+ • 1 hr.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:10

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RABBIT EARS: TALL TALES by Various Authors, read by Nicolas Cage, Anjelica Huston, Garrison Keillor, Jonathan Winters

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:35:57 -0500

Have you heard this one? Delight in the Rabbit Ears twist on these tall tales--Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Rip Van Winkle, and Davy Crockett with celebrity readers like Jonathan Winters and Garrison Keillor, and original scores to match.

Children Family Listening • 2 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:46

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FEED by M.T. Anderson, read by David Aaron Baker, John Beach, Josh Lebowitz, Tara Sands, Anne Twomey

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:25:27 -0500

In the not too distant future, could computer chips be inserted in our brains at birth? Great use of sound and the cacophony of the "feed" give listeners a real sense of what this new world might be like. The ensemble cast does a great job capturing the teen voices and conversation. Young Adult • 5 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:47

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PETER AND THE SHADOW THIEVES by Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, read by Jim Dale

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:43:33 -0500

In this second Starcatchers adventure and prequel to the classic PETER PAN, Jim Dale brings us fully into the emotional lives of the characters on Mollusk Island and in London. Matching the listener's image of each character, Dale's vocal dexterity portrays Peter's band, the villainous Hook and Slank, Molly, and the mercurial Tink.

Children Ages 10+ • 10 hrs.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:51

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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee, read by Sissy Spacek

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:40:43 -0400

This powerful American classic never fades as the timeless issues of kindness and cruelty, inclusion and prejudice are played out. Sissy Spacek uses a soft, subtle accent to tell the story from young Scout's point of view.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:13

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MAO'S LAST DANCER by Li Cunxin, read by Paul English

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:14:09 -0400

Plucked from poverty, Li Cunxin was brought to Beijing to learn ballet. Later, after defecting from China, he became world renowned as a principal dancer in both the Houston and the Australian Ballets. Listeners easily imagine the contrasts of Li’s life, his success, and the world he came from.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:35

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THE MERCY WATSON COLLECTION: Volume I by Kate DiCamillo, read by Ron McLarty

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:58:24 -0400

Mercy Watson is no ordinary pig. She is the "porcine wonder" who can do no wrong in the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Watson. Ron McLarty’s tone and inflection bring life to the simplest of sentences and capture the lively adventures for even the youngest listener.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 2:30

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LISTENING FOR LIONS by Gloria Whelan, read by Bianca Amato

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:12:30 -0400

Thirteen-year-old Rachel’s life is turned upside down when she is orphaned in British East Africa. Bianca Amato’s exceptional narration brings us fully into Rachel’s inner life, giving breadth and raw emotion to a solid story.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:31

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WINTERSMITH by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:43:58 -0400

In this third Discworld adventure, witch-in-training Tiffany Aching falls in love with the Wintersmith, who controls the seasons. Once you've heard the voices of the mischievous wee men--the Nac Mac Feegles--you'll will be hooked on the audio versions of Pratchett's wacky fantasy that started with THE WEE FREE MEN.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 5:45

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THE SEA OF MONSTERS: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book Two by Rick Riordan, read by Jesse Berns

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:04:05 -0400

This action-packed book (second in a series) will delight fans of Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of Poseidon, as Percy once again battles mythical monsters in modern-day settings. Narrator Jesse Berns helps listeners slip right into the world Riordan creates, in which contemporary teen characters and those from classical mythology intermingle.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:53

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STOP THE TRAIN! by Geraldine McCaughrean, read by Ellen Myrick and the Full Cast Family

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:30:57 -0400

In this rollicking story of pioneer times, the Full Cast Family delivers all the emotions of families struggling to build a new life in a new land. At the start of the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, settlers discover that it is up to them to create the community that currently is just a dream in the dust. Humor and hope mix in a delightful adventure.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:47

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THE LOOKING GLASS WARS by Frank Beddor, read by Gerard Doyle

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:47:25 -0400

Frank Beddor's imaginative tale is definitely not your grandmother's ALICE. Herein, Wonderland is an alternate universe, the source of all creativity in our world. Outstanding as always, Gerard Doyle mirrors Alyss’s fury at the Reverend Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) when he turns her life into a silly children’s story. All ages will enjoy this first in what promises to be a wild and wondrous trilogy.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:45

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SLEEPING FRESHMEN NEVER LIE by David Lubar, read by Ryan MacConnell and the Full Cast Family

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:08:43 -0400

Scott Hudson has one goal for his freshman year: to survive. The full cast of young actors evokes the humorous growing pains of Scott, his friends, and his family. Ryan MacConnell does an especially good turn as Scott.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:30

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AudioFile's full review and bibliographic info, here.

PETER PAN IN SCARLET by Geraldine McCaughrean, read by Tim Curry

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:55:42 -0400

Geraldine McCaughrean's gorgeously wrought sequel to J.M. Barrie's PETER PAN opens as Wendy and company return to Neverland and find it changed, fading and autumnal. Tim Curry's narration highlights McCaughrean’s wordsmithing and lets her storytelling shine. Listeners of all ages will find this to be a splendid, timeless adventure.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:29

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THE SNOW SPIDER by Jenny Nimmo, Read by John Keating

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:59:30 -0400

John Keating's beautifully accented voice transports the listener to the Welsh countryside. The story opens on Gwyn's tenth birthday, when the young magician receives five unusual gifts. With narration like this, it is as if John Keating were himself the snow spider, spinning richness into Jenny Nimmo's tale.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 5:48

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THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE by Kate DiCamillo, read by Judith Ivey

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:54:39 -0400

This adventure of a china rabbit from Newbery-winner DiCamillo will tug on the heartstrings of all ages. Our soundreview showcases actress Judith Ivey's exceptional talents with voices and her ability to bring out the soul of a character.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 5:46

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BEHOLD THE BOLD UMBRELLAPHANT and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky, read by the author

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:33:54 -0400

The first Children's Poet Laureate for the United States reads and sings from three of his poetry collections. Prelutsky takes obvious pleasure in performing his own work, and images of "pop-up toadsters" and "solitary spatuloons" linger in listeners' ears.br />
Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:18

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WINTERSMITH by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:20:09 -0400

In this energetic mix of boisterous fantasy, wonderful humor, and uncommon common sense, longtime Discworld series narrator Stephen Briggs gives another virtuoso performance. He delivers every line and every character voice with just the right glee, tension, and clarity. He makes it hard to resist apprentice witch Tiffany Aching, and the Wee Free Men.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:14

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THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET by Brian Selznick, read by Jeff Woodman

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:51:53 -0400

This audio gets our vote as the most innovative of the year! Inside a Paris train station in 1932, a boy named Hugo secretly keeps all the clocks running. Like the workings of a clock, the parts of this intriguing story interlock, and the audio program is a marvel. The "soundscape" is unique and the DVD "extras" allow listeners to see Selznick's illustrations.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 3:51

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AIRBORN by Kenneth Oppel, read by David Kelly, a Full Cast

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:28:20 -0400

Grab a ride with this adventure in the futuristic world of airships, pirates, and mysterious flying creatures. Original music and a dynamic cast, led by young David Kelly deliver a listening experience you'll not easily forget. A perfect choice for family listening.

Download the excerpt as an mp3 file. Time 4:22

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