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Recommend this book:
The Pond of Reflection
The Pearls of Wisdom Series, Book One
Catherine Ann Russell, Jeffrey Machado
2023 Gold Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
In the Mirrorless Kingdom, where the inside-out matters more than the outside-in, and all are considered special by a wise and caring king, all the creatures are content and happy except the king’s daughter. Princess Journee wanted so badly to know who she was, so she asked her father for a mirror as her coming-of-age present. But alas, the king didn’t have a mirror, as there was no mirror in the whole kingdom. In place of the mirror, Journee receives her father’s permission to embark on a self-discovery quest. She quickly makes friends on her journey and learns that the closest thing to a mirror is a rumored pond of reflection. What is she going to learn on this quest? Find out in The Pond of Reflection by Catherine Ann Russell.
The strength of a story about identity should be its characters, and Catherine Ann Russell does not disappoint in The Pond of Reflection. I loved the exotic characters featured in this remarkable adventure—a daring princess mouse, a faithful mighty horse, a witty owl, and the most sensitive toad in La-La Land. These characters were a humorous and entertaining bunch. I also loved the adventurous storyline, enchanting setting, and colorful choice of words. But, most importantly, I loved the moral of this story. Who we are on the inside is more important than who we are on the outside, and “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
In this audio version of Catherine Ann Russell’s The Pond of Reflection, the narration by Jeffrey Machado was superb. I was impressed with how well he created each character’s voice, especially the owl’s and the toad’s voices. The audio was clear, smooth, and evenly paced, which added to my enjoyment of the story. The Pond of Reflection is a delightful, entertaining, and impactful read, and I heartily recommend it.
In the Mirrorless Kingdom, where the inside-out matters more than the outside-in, and all are considered special by a wise and caring king, all the creatures are content and happy except the king’s daughter. Princess Journee wanted so badly to know who she was, so she asked her father for a mirror as her coming-of-age present. But alas, the king didn’t have a mirror, as there was no mirror in the whole kingdom. In place of the mirror, Journee receives her father’s permission to embark on a self-discovery quest. She quickly makes friends on her journey and learns that the closest thing to a mirror is a rumored pond of reflection. What is she going to learn on this quest? Find out in The Pond of Reflection by Catherine Ann Russell.
The strength of a story about identity should be its characters, and Catherine Ann Russell does not disappoint in The Pond of Reflection. I loved the exotic characters featured in this remarkable adventure—a daring princess mouse, a faithful mighty horse, a witty owl, and the most sensitive toad in La-La Land. These characters were a humorous and entertaining bunch. I also loved the adventurous storyline, enchanting setting, and colorful choice of words. But, most importantly, I loved the moral of this story. Who we are on the inside is more important than who we are on the outside, and “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
In this audio version of Catherine Ann Russell’s The Pond of Reflection, the narration by Jeffrey Machado was superb. I was impressed with how well he created each character’s voice, especially the owl’s and the toad’s voices. The audio was clear, smooth, and evenly paced, which added to my enjoyment of the story. The Pond of Reflection is a delightful, entertaining, and impactful read, and I heartily recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Night Before Christmas
Will Santa Know That We've Moved?
S. Alston, Nadya Shinkar
2023 Silver Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite
The Night Before Christmas: Will Santa Know That We’ve Moved? by S. Alston shares a beautiful message about kindness, gratitude, and love. Siblings Johnny and Sue have recently moved and are understandably concerned Santa won’t find them in their new home. The children’s mother reassures them and lovingly explains Christmas's true meaning and spirit. This heartwarming story is told in engaging rhyme and evokes a fun and lighthearted tone. Wonderful ideas for homemade gifts are provided at the end of the story that will inspire children and their families to create thoughtful presents for one another.
The Night Before Christmas: Will Santa Know That We’ve Moved? by S. Alston is a treat for the holiday season. Meaningful questions are provided at the end of the story, which will spark mindfulness and creativity. Children and their families will enjoy the cozy atmosphere while listening to this heartfelt, uplifting story. Everyone will look forward to making this book a part of their holiday traditions as it is overflowing with good Christmas cheer and rich with valuable lessons for readers of all ages. This is a highly recommended read.
The narration of this audiobook by Deryn Oliver, Zavi Fossick, William Orchard, and Simon Jackson is superb. Readers hear from the parents and children in a captivating and entertaining manner. Cheerful music and delightful sound effects enhance this enjoyable tale. The mother’s voice radiates warmth and compassion. Dad’s character conveys humor, and the children are charming. It is a joy to listen to this audiobook.
The Night Before Christmas: Will Santa Know That We’ve Moved? by S. Alston shares a beautiful message about kindness, gratitude, and love. Siblings Johnny and Sue have recently moved and are understandably concerned Santa won’t find them in their new home. The children’s mother reassures them and lovingly explains Christmas's true meaning and spirit. This heartwarming story is told in engaging rhyme and evokes a fun and lighthearted tone. Wonderful ideas for homemade gifts are provided at the end of the story that will inspire children and their families to create thoughtful presents for one another.
The Night Before Christmas: Will Santa Know That We’ve Moved? by S. Alston is a treat for the holiday season. Meaningful questions are provided at the end of the story, which will spark mindfulness and creativity. Children and their families will enjoy the cozy atmosphere while listening to this heartfelt, uplifting story. Everyone will look forward to making this book a part of their holiday traditions as it is overflowing with good Christmas cheer and rich with valuable lessons for readers of all ages. This is a highly recommended read.
The narration of this audiobook by Deryn Oliver, Zavi Fossick, William Orchard, and Simon Jackson is superb. Readers hear from the parents and children in a captivating and entertaining manner. Cheerful music and delightful sound effects enhance this enjoyable tale. The mother’s voice radiates warmth and compassion. Dad’s character conveys humor, and the children are charming. It is a joy to listen to this audiobook.
Recommend this book:
Mickie McKinney
Boy Detective, Connections in Chemistry
R.L. Fink
2023 Bronze Medal
189 Pages
Check current price
Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers' Favorite
Mickie McKinney: Boy Detective, Connections in Chemistry by R. L. Fink is a humorous detective mystery audiobook. When eight-year-old girl genius Jamie “Burners” Burns took over as the substitute teacher for the chemistry class at Maple Ridge Middle School from Dr. Carson, a lab experiment went awry. Dr. Carson had been sent home after suffering from a peanut allergy. Burners maintained that a note which gave her the authority to teach the class was left by Principal Morgan, but it was later deemed to be a fake. Her classmates Mickie McKinney and Sam Hayes were convinced that someone was trying to frame their friend. They vowed to clear Burners’ name and investigated further. They enlisted the help of AJ Harris, a reporter for the school’s newspaper. Will the young detectives find the real culprit in time and before Burners is suspended?
This is the third book in the young adult series by R. L. Fink and it won the prestigious Purple Dragonfly Book Award, which honors promising young authors who write children’s fiction. Targeted at 8 to 13-year-olds, Connections in Chemistry is an enjoyable listen, with vivid, sincere, and realistic characters. The dialogue is witty and portrays each character’s personality. The plot is also well-paced and keeps the listener captivated throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed the characters breaking the fourth wall by drawing attention to the shifts in narration. The narrator Hannah Edelson is highly skilled and delivers a stellar performance. She produces various accents and voices for each character effortlessly, modulating her tone appropriately. The audio quality is also crisp, with no distortion or background noise. Older children who love adventure will appreciate this story.
Mickie McKinney: Boy Detective, Connections in Chemistry by R. L. Fink is a humorous detective mystery audiobook. When eight-year-old girl genius Jamie “Burners” Burns took over as the substitute teacher for the chemistry class at Maple Ridge Middle School from Dr. Carson, a lab experiment went awry. Dr. Carson had been sent home after suffering from a peanut allergy. Burners maintained that a note which gave her the authority to teach the class was left by Principal Morgan, but it was later deemed to be a fake. Her classmates Mickie McKinney and Sam Hayes were convinced that someone was trying to frame their friend. They vowed to clear Burners’ name and investigated further. They enlisted the help of AJ Harris, a reporter for the school’s newspaper. Will the young detectives find the real culprit in time and before Burners is suspended?
This is the third book in the young adult series by R. L. Fink and it won the prestigious Purple Dragonfly Book Award, which honors promising young authors who write children’s fiction. Targeted at 8 to 13-year-olds, Connections in Chemistry is an enjoyable listen, with vivid, sincere, and realistic characters. The dialogue is witty and portrays each character’s personality. The plot is also well-paced and keeps the listener captivated throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed the characters breaking the fourth wall by drawing attention to the shifts in narration. The narrator Hannah Edelson is highly skilled and delivers a stellar performance. She produces various accents and voices for each character effortlessly, modulating her tone appropriately. The audio quality is also crisp, with no distortion or background noise. Older children who love adventure will appreciate this story.
Recommend this book:
Maestro Orpheus and The World Clock
Robert Pennee and Joanne Grodzinski
2023 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers' Favorite
Maestro Orpheus and the World Clock by Robert Pennee and Joanne Grodzinski is a wondrous tale. Ten-year-old Fred is spending the weekend at his grandfather’s old house when he finds himself unable to fall asleep one night. As he hears the clock in the hall announcing midnight, he realizes that it suddenly stopped after the sixth chime. To his amazement, he discovers that time has frozen at the witching hour. Afraid and concerned, he seeks out his grandfather in the shed, where he usually fixes his clocks. Much to his surprise, he does not find his grandfather, but Maestro Orpheus, who teaches Fred the necessity for time and music. He allows Fred to accompany him on his journey to wind up the World Clock. While they’re traveling down the Corridor of Time, Fred, Maestro Orpheus, and the melodic, magical lyre stop to listen to a few stories. However, Fred is unsettled by the desire to keep time at a standstill. Will Maestro Orpheus change his mind before it is too late?
Maestro Orpheus and the World Clock by Robert Pennee and Joanne Grodzinski is an audiobook primarily aimed at young children. Although it is only just over an hour long, the story is captivating and takes the listener on a phantasmagorical voyage. We accompany Fred as he learns about some composers and their childhoods, such as Leoš Janáček, Frédéric Chopin, Richard Strauss, and Joseph Haydn. The sound effects, quality, and ambiance in this audiobook are brilliant. It enables the listener to become truly immersed in Fred’s dream world. The use of Haydn’s Symphony No. 101, which the English Chamber Orchestra performs, acts as the story’s theme song and cements the motifs of music, time, and remembrance. The narrators, R.H. Thomson, Marshall Matson, B.J. McLellan, Leslie Marshall, and Scott Thomas, are also masterful in their delivery. I would listen to this again.
Maestro Orpheus and the World Clock by Robert Pennee and Joanne Grodzinski is a wondrous tale. Ten-year-old Fred is spending the weekend at his grandfather’s old house when he finds himself unable to fall asleep one night. As he hears the clock in the hall announcing midnight, he realizes that it suddenly stopped after the sixth chime. To his amazement, he discovers that time has frozen at the witching hour. Afraid and concerned, he seeks out his grandfather in the shed, where he usually fixes his clocks. Much to his surprise, he does not find his grandfather, but Maestro Orpheus, who teaches Fred the necessity for time and music. He allows Fred to accompany him on his journey to wind up the World Clock. While they’re traveling down the Corridor of Time, Fred, Maestro Orpheus, and the melodic, magical lyre stop to listen to a few stories. However, Fred is unsettled by the desire to keep time at a standstill. Will Maestro Orpheus change his mind before it is too late?
Maestro Orpheus and the World Clock by Robert Pennee and Joanne Grodzinski is an audiobook primarily aimed at young children. Although it is only just over an hour long, the story is captivating and takes the listener on a phantasmagorical voyage. We accompany Fred as he learns about some composers and their childhoods, such as Leoš Janáček, Frédéric Chopin, Richard Strauss, and Joseph Haydn. The sound effects, quality, and ambiance in this audiobook are brilliant. It enables the listener to become truly immersed in Fred’s dream world. The use of Haydn’s Symphony No. 101, which the English Chamber Orchestra performs, acts as the story’s theme song and cements the motifs of music, time, and remembrance. The narrators, R.H. Thomson, Marshall Matson, B.J. McLellan, Leslie Marshall, and Scott Thomas, are also masterful in their delivery. I would listen to this again.
Recommend this book:
The Tiffin
Mahtab Narsimhan
2023 Finalist
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Tiffin is a work of fiction in the cultural and adventure subgenres. It is intended for middle-grade and young adult readers and was penned by Mahtab Narsimhan, with narration for the audiobook format provided by Michael Mola. In this charming and fascinating story about the dabbawallas of Mumbai, we meet twelve-year-old Kunal in his quest for family. Kunal joins the dabbawallas in their tiffin delivery service, providing lunch for thousands upon thousands of people all across the city. We follow one such delivery on a journey fraught with error and loss in which our protagonist discovers the true meaning of family.
In terms of the story content, I thought this was a thrilling and highly engaging tale for MG and YA readers, and indeed adults who wish to discover something they’ve never learned about Mumbai culture before. Mahtab Narsimhan writes with a loving amount of detail and a cinematic style that easily paints pictures in the reader’s mind, which is a highly immersive and desirable quality for the target audience. There was also a powerful emotional resonance to our protagonist Kunal, who is sweet, relatable, and brave considering the adventure and people he must encounter on his quest in The Tiffin.
In terms of the audiobook production, narrator Michael Mola does a fantastic job of bringing a huge variety of characters to life with his bold voices and varied tones. The editing was crisp, clear, and of great quality throughout, and Mola’s narration in between the dialogue moments was suspenseful, descriptive, and well-paced. I would certainly recommend the audiobook version of The Tiffin as a fantastic way to bring every detailed element and the lively character of this novel to life for readers of all ages.
The Tiffin is a work of fiction in the cultural and adventure subgenres. It is intended for middle-grade and young adult readers and was penned by Mahtab Narsimhan, with narration for the audiobook format provided by Michael Mola. In this charming and fascinating story about the dabbawallas of Mumbai, we meet twelve-year-old Kunal in his quest for family. Kunal joins the dabbawallas in their tiffin delivery service, providing lunch for thousands upon thousands of people all across the city. We follow one such delivery on a journey fraught with error and loss in which our protagonist discovers the true meaning of family.
In terms of the story content, I thought this was a thrilling and highly engaging tale for MG and YA readers, and indeed adults who wish to discover something they’ve never learned about Mumbai culture before. Mahtab Narsimhan writes with a loving amount of detail and a cinematic style that easily paints pictures in the reader’s mind, which is a highly immersive and desirable quality for the target audience. There was also a powerful emotional resonance to our protagonist Kunal, who is sweet, relatable, and brave considering the adventure and people he must encounter on his quest in The Tiffin.
In terms of the audiobook production, narrator Michael Mola does a fantastic job of bringing a huge variety of characters to life with his bold voices and varied tones. The editing was crisp, clear, and of great quality throughout, and Mola’s narration in between the dialogue moments was suspenseful, descriptive, and well-paced. I would certainly recommend the audiobook version of The Tiffin as a fantastic way to bring every detailed element and the lively character of this novel to life for readers of all ages.
Recommend this book:
The S.O.U.R.C.E.
Suzanna Lou Royse
2022 Silver Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Jacob R LaMar for Readers' Favorite
The S.O.U.R.C.E. is a children’s novel written for readers between the ages of 8 and 12. Created by Suzanna Lou Royse, The S.O.U.R.C.E. follows the story of a ragtag band of aquatic animals in their quest to escape Ocean World and make their way home to the sea. Simultaneously, two skaters, Ryder and Silk, make their way to the ocean on the trail of some washed-out trash. When an unexpected swell tosses the two children into the ocean, they find themselves in desperate need of some friends. It is then that these two tales converge in the unlikeliest of ways. Join Ryder, Silk, Nikki, Duster, Bubba, Rio, and many others as they realize the ocean is the source of all life on the planet, and embark on a quest to protect the sea
While listening to this story, I found The S.O.U.R.C.E. was written like a children’s version of a Walt Morey book, which is my way of paying a great compliment to the author Royse, and the way the narrative unfolds. It also had many similarities in the way the animals think and speak to the writing of C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia. The author does a wonderful job of portraying each animal with believable characteristics while imbuing them with a human-like quality. Along with a well-written script and cleverly thought-out plot, The S.O.U.R.C.E. possesses a valuable lesson that it fleshes out for its audience. It doesn’t try to mask its true intentions and is all the better for it. I would recommend this to young readers who can finish a chapter book, though it would also be suitable for parents in need of bedtime story material. My gratitude to the author for allowing me to partake in this story which I plan to buy for my own children soon.
Narrated by Frankie Corzo, the audiobook was nicely presented, with well-paced and believable voices. The professional sound mixing by Deyan Audio provided a high-quality feel and helped the story stay fresh.
The S.O.U.R.C.E. is a children’s novel written for readers between the ages of 8 and 12. Created by Suzanna Lou Royse, The S.O.U.R.C.E. follows the story of a ragtag band of aquatic animals in their quest to escape Ocean World and make their way home to the sea. Simultaneously, two skaters, Ryder and Silk, make their way to the ocean on the trail of some washed-out trash. When an unexpected swell tosses the two children into the ocean, they find themselves in desperate need of some friends. It is then that these two tales converge in the unlikeliest of ways. Join Ryder, Silk, Nikki, Duster, Bubba, Rio, and many others as they realize the ocean is the source of all life on the planet, and embark on a quest to protect the sea
While listening to this story, I found The S.O.U.R.C.E. was written like a children’s version of a Walt Morey book, which is my way of paying a great compliment to the author Royse, and the way the narrative unfolds. It also had many similarities in the way the animals think and speak to the writing of C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia. The author does a wonderful job of portraying each animal with believable characteristics while imbuing them with a human-like quality. Along with a well-written script and cleverly thought-out plot, The S.O.U.R.C.E. possesses a valuable lesson that it fleshes out for its audience. It doesn’t try to mask its true intentions and is all the better for it. I would recommend this to young readers who can finish a chapter book, though it would also be suitable for parents in need of bedtime story material. My gratitude to the author for allowing me to partake in this story which I plan to buy for my own children soon.
Narrated by Frankie Corzo, the audiobook was nicely presented, with well-paced and believable voices. The professional sound mixing by Deyan Audio provided a high-quality feel and helped the story stay fresh.
Recommend this book:
The Case of the Absent Answers
Mickey McKinney
Ruby Fink
2022 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite
The Case of the Absent Answers: Mickie McKinney, Boy Detective is a children’s audiobook, written by R.L. Fink with narration by Hannah Edelson. This is an engaging mystery filled with humor, action, and hard-won wisdom. Mickie is a student at Maple Ridge Middle School who has dedicated himself to solving his school's ongoing mysteries--from what exactly is in some of the cafeteria food to the many cases of students with missing assignments. Mickie is a keen and observant detective who often calls upon one of his peers, Burners, for technical advice. When Sam, a new girl at the school, is implicated in a crime she may or may not have committed, Mickie takes on the case. He is determined to uncover the truth even if it leads him to some precarious situations. The matter is complicated when Tommy gets involved, an intimidating boy who often resorts to bullying others.
R.L. Fink’s The Case of the Absent Answers is an entertaining read with many laugh-out-loud moments and likable and relatable characters. In addition to being a fun and lively story, there are moments throughout that highlight positive ways to resolve conflict and deal with bullying behavior. While Mickie is investigating the case involving Sam, he is given the opportunity to do what is right and he displays courage and wisdom beyond his years, providing a great example for young readers who may likely find themselves in a similar situation. Fink captures the ups and downs of daily life in a middle school; the fun, the drama, and all the challenges. Readers will be rooting for Mickie and his friends to solve this mystery and for justice to be served. The Case of the Absent Answers is an enjoyable and highly recommended read.
The narration of The Case of the Absent Answers is excellent, clear, and concise. Hannah Edelson’s lively narration brings all the characters to life and creates a very realistic middle school atmosphere. The varying moods and emotions of Mickie and his friends are accurately captured from doubt and fear to trust and amusement, making this audiobook a fun and interesting listening experience.
The Case of the Absent Answers: Mickie McKinney, Boy Detective is a children’s audiobook, written by R.L. Fink with narration by Hannah Edelson. This is an engaging mystery filled with humor, action, and hard-won wisdom. Mickie is a student at Maple Ridge Middle School who has dedicated himself to solving his school's ongoing mysteries--from what exactly is in some of the cafeteria food to the many cases of students with missing assignments. Mickie is a keen and observant detective who often calls upon one of his peers, Burners, for technical advice. When Sam, a new girl at the school, is implicated in a crime she may or may not have committed, Mickie takes on the case. He is determined to uncover the truth even if it leads him to some precarious situations. The matter is complicated when Tommy gets involved, an intimidating boy who often resorts to bullying others.
R.L. Fink’s The Case of the Absent Answers is an entertaining read with many laugh-out-loud moments and likable and relatable characters. In addition to being a fun and lively story, there are moments throughout that highlight positive ways to resolve conflict and deal with bullying behavior. While Mickie is investigating the case involving Sam, he is given the opportunity to do what is right and he displays courage and wisdom beyond his years, providing a great example for young readers who may likely find themselves in a similar situation. Fink captures the ups and downs of daily life in a middle school; the fun, the drama, and all the challenges. Readers will be rooting for Mickie and his friends to solve this mystery and for justice to be served. The Case of the Absent Answers is an enjoyable and highly recommended read.
The narration of The Case of the Absent Answers is excellent, clear, and concise. Hannah Edelson’s lively narration brings all the characters to life and creates a very realistic middle school atmosphere. The varying moods and emotions of Mickie and his friends are accurately captured from doubt and fear to trust and amusement, making this audiobook a fun and interesting listening experience.
Recommend this book:
Los Diggities, Dreams and Nightmares
Book 4
Jeanie Cunningham, Elisabeth Thormodsrud
2022 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
Check current price
Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite
Los Diggities, Dreams and Nightmares by Jeanie Cunningham and Elisabeth Thormodsrud is an entertaining audiobook approximately 45 minutes in length about a young dog, Oso, who wakes up after a nightmare surrounded by his older friends, Xena and Oscar. Oso explains his nightmare to his friends, and they share their nightmares to calm him down. The nightmares include Xena almost drowning in a swimming pool to Oscar's car accident - even though these were actual experiences, not dreams. But apart from the nightmares, they also have good dreams of chasing rabbits. The stories are mainly centered around their fear of abandonment and good and poor treatment from people. Oso learns from the older dogs, and as they share their stories, they learn more about each other. Soon Oso is no longer scared to fall asleep and dream.
Los Diggities, Dreams and Nightmares by Jeanie Cunningham and Elisabeth Thormodsrud is terrific. The characters were entertaining, and credit should also go to the narrator, Auntie Jeanie, who most ably created unique and lovable voices for the three dogs: Oso, Xena, and Oscar. Oso is the curious and innocent young puppy, Xena is the sassy and street-smart female dog, and Oscar is the older male who is carefree, happy-go-lucky, charming, and a wise old soul. I loved listening to this well-performed audiobook, and I found myself smiling throughout and long after the audiobook had ended. It was easy to relate to all the stories shared by the dogs, some sad, but all endearing you to the characters. Los Diggities, Dreams, and Nightmares is creative, delightful, and entertaining.
Los Diggities, Dreams and Nightmares by Jeanie Cunningham and Elisabeth Thormodsrud is an entertaining audiobook approximately 45 minutes in length about a young dog, Oso, who wakes up after a nightmare surrounded by his older friends, Xena and Oscar. Oso explains his nightmare to his friends, and they share their nightmares to calm him down. The nightmares include Xena almost drowning in a swimming pool to Oscar's car accident - even though these were actual experiences, not dreams. But apart from the nightmares, they also have good dreams of chasing rabbits. The stories are mainly centered around their fear of abandonment and good and poor treatment from people. Oso learns from the older dogs, and as they share their stories, they learn more about each other. Soon Oso is no longer scared to fall asleep and dream.
Los Diggities, Dreams and Nightmares by Jeanie Cunningham and Elisabeth Thormodsrud is terrific. The characters were entertaining, and credit should also go to the narrator, Auntie Jeanie, who most ably created unique and lovable voices for the three dogs: Oso, Xena, and Oscar. Oso is the curious and innocent young puppy, Xena is the sassy and street-smart female dog, and Oscar is the older male who is carefree, happy-go-lucky, charming, and a wise old soul. I loved listening to this well-performed audiobook, and I found myself smiling throughout and long after the audiobook had ended. It was easy to relate to all the stories shared by the dogs, some sad, but all endearing you to the characters. Los Diggities, Dreams, and Nightmares is creative, delightful, and entertaining.
Recommend this book:
Long Nose Legacy
A Dog's Story of Royalty and Loyalty
Judi Eastman
2021 Gold Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
Long Nose Legacy: A Dog’s Story of Royalty and Loyalty is a charming work of children’s fiction written by Judi Eastman with narration provided by Stephen Kearin. This audiobook version of the story is such a wonderful framing device - to take the well-worn themes of family drama and personal loyalty and give them an original twist suitable for young listeners, using the private lives of show dogs as the backdrop. After Carnegie fails to recreate her mother’s glory days as a prize-winning show dog in favor of her flawless sister Madison, she decides to leave her home in the USA and head for the Imperial Palace in Russia to live like royalty.
Carnegie and Madison form the perfect sibling dynamic with layers of rivalry and resentment as well as love and obligation, a nuanced and relatable relationship that young listeners will adore. There are a number of parables in Carnegie’s story about the expectations of family and the pressure to achieve that many children suffer from, and Judi Eastman has created a well-considered and beautifully presented opportunity for parents to discuss these feelings with their children. This kind of children’s writing is something that should be lauded as it provides not just a memorable story with charming characters but is also a constructive tool for improving children’s lives. I must compliment Stephen Kearin’s excellent narration which is a perfect fit for Long Nose Legacy’s whimsical, heartfelt, and fun story.
Long Nose Legacy: A Dog’s Story of Royalty and Loyalty is a charming work of children’s fiction written by Judi Eastman with narration provided by Stephen Kearin. This audiobook version of the story is such a wonderful framing device - to take the well-worn themes of family drama and personal loyalty and give them an original twist suitable for young listeners, using the private lives of show dogs as the backdrop. After Carnegie fails to recreate her mother’s glory days as a prize-winning show dog in favor of her flawless sister Madison, she decides to leave her home in the USA and head for the Imperial Palace in Russia to live like royalty.
Carnegie and Madison form the perfect sibling dynamic with layers of rivalry and resentment as well as love and obligation, a nuanced and relatable relationship that young listeners will adore. There are a number of parables in Carnegie’s story about the expectations of family and the pressure to achieve that many children suffer from, and Judi Eastman has created a well-considered and beautifully presented opportunity for parents to discuss these feelings with their children. This kind of children’s writing is something that should be lauded as it provides not just a memorable story with charming characters but is also a constructive tool for improving children’s lives. I must compliment Stephen Kearin’s excellent narration which is a perfect fit for Long Nose Legacy’s whimsical, heartfelt, and fun story.
Recommend this book:
Tombs of Dross
Lew Anderson
2021 Silver Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
In Tombs of Dross by Lew Anderson, siblings Isaac, Zac, and Breezy discover a mysterious tone pillar while exploring their extensive property. They try to decipher the meaning behind the script on the stones, but it really doesn’t make much sense. Even more mysterious is their sudden immersion into an alternative dimension, a world quite different from theirs and very dangerous. They are given a quest to find an old book. The adventure that follows is one fraught with unexpected confrontations with evil creatures that set out to prevent them from completing their quest. In the difficult circumstances they confront, they must band together to seek a way out and, in so doing, the quest becomes more than merely searching for an old book; it’s a quest to discover who they really are!
In the epic style of C.S. Lewis's Narnia books and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Lew Anderson’s middle-grade novel, Tombs of Dross, leads young readers on adventures that will captivate them from the start to the very end. This is the first book in the Lorian Stones Trilogy and it doesn’t disappoint. Presented in audio-book format, the plot moves quickly with considerable engaging descriptive narrative passages and revealing and believable dialogue. Author Lew Anderson narrates this book himself. The narrator’s voice varies in tone to depict the different characters when they’re talking. With fascinating and imaginative creatures on both sides, good and evil, this is a fantasy adventure for the entire family to enjoy and embark upon.
In Tombs of Dross by Lew Anderson, siblings Isaac, Zac, and Breezy discover a mysterious tone pillar while exploring their extensive property. They try to decipher the meaning behind the script on the stones, but it really doesn’t make much sense. Even more mysterious is their sudden immersion into an alternative dimension, a world quite different from theirs and very dangerous. They are given a quest to find an old book. The adventure that follows is one fraught with unexpected confrontations with evil creatures that set out to prevent them from completing their quest. In the difficult circumstances they confront, they must band together to seek a way out and, in so doing, the quest becomes more than merely searching for an old book; it’s a quest to discover who they really are!
In the epic style of C.S. Lewis's Narnia books and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Lew Anderson’s middle-grade novel, Tombs of Dross, leads young readers on adventures that will captivate them from the start to the very end. This is the first book in the Lorian Stones Trilogy and it doesn’t disappoint. Presented in audio-book format, the plot moves quickly with considerable engaging descriptive narrative passages and revealing and believable dialogue. Author Lew Anderson narrates this book himself. The narrator’s voice varies in tone to depict the different characters when they’re talking. With fascinating and imaginative creatures on both sides, good and evil, this is a fantasy adventure for the entire family to enjoy and embark upon.
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