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Recommend this book:
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur
The Adventures of Ella Rose La Fleur, Book 1
Lori Schneider, MD
2024 Gold Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur by Lori Schneider MD is a story about a young girl named Ella Rose in verse or poetry form and is specially written for children. It's a collection of poems and each talks about the most significant things in Ella Rose's life as a 6-year-old. It is divided into eight general chapters with topics that tell us about herself (Chapter 1, Ella Rose), her mother (Chapter 2, Mom), her 4-legged companions (Chapter 3, Pets), her best pals (Chapter 4, Friends), her talents and interests (Chapter 5, Arts and Sciences), dressing for school and lessons to learn (Chapter 6, School), visiting different places (Chapter 7, Travel), and the last being about her family life (Chapter 8, Family). The story's fascinating content is intriguing, with themes that are positive and uplifting for young readers. It is not only about having fun but also about kindness, understanding, handling sadness, love, resilience, and encouraging children to voice their feelings.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur themes are boosted and intensified with its audiobook version. Hannah Dere's narration catches its essence and brings it to life. The narrator convincingly captures Ella Rose's personality and the dialect and accent of each character. The authenticity grabs the listener's attention and keeps them engaged. The audiobook has top-notch technical quality for both the use of sound effects and music to enhance and complement the content. Regardless of a student's reading level, the audio format can counterbalance or compensate for what students with varying abilities and skills need to easily access and appreciate Ella Rose's adventures and imagine living her life through her eyes. Not only is the audiobook wonderful for bedtime stories, but it is also appropriate for classroom use as an exercise for students to develop good listening skills or help teachers introduce poetry to learners.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur by Lori Schneider MD is a story about a young girl named Ella Rose in verse or poetry form and is specially written for children. It's a collection of poems and each talks about the most significant things in Ella Rose's life as a 6-year-old. It is divided into eight general chapters with topics that tell us about herself (Chapter 1, Ella Rose), her mother (Chapter 2, Mom), her 4-legged companions (Chapter 3, Pets), her best pals (Chapter 4, Friends), her talents and interests (Chapter 5, Arts and Sciences), dressing for school and lessons to learn (Chapter 6, School), visiting different places (Chapter 7, Travel), and the last being about her family life (Chapter 8, Family). The story's fascinating content is intriguing, with themes that are positive and uplifting for young readers. It is not only about having fun but also about kindness, understanding, handling sadness, love, resilience, and encouraging children to voice their feelings.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur themes are boosted and intensified with its audiobook version. Hannah Dere's narration catches its essence and brings it to life. The narrator convincingly captures Ella Rose's personality and the dialect and accent of each character. The authenticity grabs the listener's attention and keeps them engaged. The audiobook has top-notch technical quality for both the use of sound effects and music to enhance and complement the content. Regardless of a student's reading level, the audio format can counterbalance or compensate for what students with varying abilities and skills need to easily access and appreciate Ella Rose's adventures and imagine living her life through her eyes. Not only is the audiobook wonderful for bedtime stories, but it is also appropriate for classroom use as an exercise for students to develop good listening skills or help teachers introduce poetry to learners.
Recommend this book:
The Last Storyteller
The Pearls of Wisdom Series
Catherine Ann Russell, Jeffrey Machado, Basketful Relief Project
2024 Silver Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
In a distant kingdom ruled by the Great Mouse-King, life is as great as it can be. The kingdom is blessed with a special tree that provides abundant food and a wise king who leads all the creatures with love and kindness. One day, the king’s beloved daughter Journee and her friends set out on a midnight exploration of the orchard where a special Zoe-Chai tree is planted, against the Mouse-King’s wish. In the orchard, they have a strange encounter that leaves them distressed and racing to the king for help. Meanwhile, the king receives more distressing news from Mr. Badger, who lives on the outskirts; an army of alien bats has invaded the kingdom, and the last words Mr. Badger heard from their vicious commander were, “Take me to the tree!” The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell is a story about love, courage, and unity.
Some books call for your attention when you’re away from them; this book was one of those. I was hooked from beginning to end. The story was filled with expectations and disappointments, and it unfolded interestingly from two directions, which heightened the suspense. The characters had distinct personalities, and their conversations were engaging. This book exceeded my expectations. Although The Last Storyteller is the final book in the Pearl of Wisdom series by Catherine Ann Russell, it can be read as a standalone.
The narration of this audiobook was by Jeffrey Machado, and he did an excellent job. The narration captured all the emotions and characters, and it was flawless. I was especially impressed with how the narrator could imitate all the animals’ sounds and maintain dialogue while sounding like each animal. This is supposed to be a children’s book, but I recommend it to anyone who likes a good adventure story.
In a distant kingdom ruled by the Great Mouse-King, life is as great as it can be. The kingdom is blessed with a special tree that provides abundant food and a wise king who leads all the creatures with love and kindness. One day, the king’s beloved daughter Journee and her friends set out on a midnight exploration of the orchard where a special Zoe-Chai tree is planted, against the Mouse-King’s wish. In the orchard, they have a strange encounter that leaves them distressed and racing to the king for help. Meanwhile, the king receives more distressing news from Mr. Badger, who lives on the outskirts; an army of alien bats has invaded the kingdom, and the last words Mr. Badger heard from their vicious commander were, “Take me to the tree!” The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell is a story about love, courage, and unity.
Some books call for your attention when you’re away from them; this book was one of those. I was hooked from beginning to end. The story was filled with expectations and disappointments, and it unfolded interestingly from two directions, which heightened the suspense. The characters had distinct personalities, and their conversations were engaging. This book exceeded my expectations. Although The Last Storyteller is the final book in the Pearl of Wisdom series by Catherine Ann Russell, it can be read as a standalone.
The narration of this audiobook was by Jeffrey Machado, and he did an excellent job. The narration captured all the emotions and characters, and it was flawless. I was especially impressed with how the narrator could imitate all the animals’ sounds and maintain dialogue while sounding like each animal. This is supposed to be a children’s book, but I recommend it to anyone who likes a good adventure story.
Recommend this book:
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show (Audiobook)
Anders Roseberg
2024 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show is a descriptive musical audiobook for young listeners. The show just came into town, and it features the most extravagant displays and performers. Sandle has such super strength that he can chop logs with his bare hands, but his hobbies are crocheting and collecting porcelain. There is a group of monkey jockeys riding on horses; the last place wins a gold medal, and the first place wins a banana! Among other thrilling acts, there is a bear doing a somersault, an elephant brass band, and a boy on top of a boy on top of pots on top of feet.
I wish I could sing this review to reflect this sensational musical story, but even if I could, I doubt my voice would be as sonorous as Anders Roseberg’s, the singer and producer of this book. This tale was harmonized with beautiful music by Kevin Macleod. The soundtracks (music and narration) transported me right into the show; I could visualize the acts and scenery as I listened, and I felt the excitement in the atmosphere. I loved how the music would change from upbeat to adventurous to mellow, matching the mood of each performance. This was a refreshing and entertaining 12-minute experience.
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show by Anders Roseberg is an ingenious creation, and I enjoyed every bit of it, from the plot to the presentation. It is a humorous and lighthearted listening experience, and I eagerly recommend it. It does require careful attention for you to make out some wording in the story, but every moment is worth it. I’d be delighted to join The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show again.
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show is a descriptive musical audiobook for young listeners. The show just came into town, and it features the most extravagant displays and performers. Sandle has such super strength that he can chop logs with his bare hands, but his hobbies are crocheting and collecting porcelain. There is a group of monkey jockeys riding on horses; the last place wins a gold medal, and the first place wins a banana! Among other thrilling acts, there is a bear doing a somersault, an elephant brass band, and a boy on top of a boy on top of pots on top of feet.
I wish I could sing this review to reflect this sensational musical story, but even if I could, I doubt my voice would be as sonorous as Anders Roseberg’s, the singer and producer of this book. This tale was harmonized with beautiful music by Kevin Macleod. The soundtracks (music and narration) transported me right into the show; I could visualize the acts and scenery as I listened, and I felt the excitement in the atmosphere. I loved how the music would change from upbeat to adventurous to mellow, matching the mood of each performance. This was a refreshing and entertaining 12-minute experience.
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show by Anders Roseberg is an ingenious creation, and I enjoyed every bit of it, from the plot to the presentation. It is a humorous and lighthearted listening experience, and I eagerly recommend it. It does require careful attention for you to make out some wording in the story, but every moment is worth it. I’d be delighted to join The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show again.
Recommend this book:
The Serpent's Spell
Rae St. Clair Bridgman
2024 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Serpent's Spell is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and is the opening novel in the MiddleGate series. It is intended for middle-grade and young adult readers to enjoy, penned by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman and narrated in this audiobook version by Larissa Thompson. Readers are invited to follow the journey of Wil Wychwood, a ten-year-old whose life is upended by a suspicious fire. Left with only a snake named Esme, a mysterious black medallion, and a gold ring, Wil discovers a magical portal leading to the hidden city of MiddleGate. There, he uncovers family secrets and becomes embroiled in a case of serpicide in the ancient caves of Narcisse. Alongside his cousin Sophie, Wil must harness the power of shadows to unravel the mystery of the medallion and save the snakes.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted a superb opening to an enthralling fantasy series where adventure waits around every corner. I found the character development to be a particular triumph of the work, crafting in both Sophie and Wil some very endearing figures whom young readers can look up to, but also relate to for their vulnerabilities and uncertainty in the face of tough challenges. The narrative is highly descriptive, with gorgeous imagery and clever wordplay to bring the action to life in a fully multisensory fashion.
Listening to Larissa Thompson's narration was a delightful experience that enhanced the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the story. Thompson's expressive delivery brings the characters to life, and her ability to capture distinctive voices and make it clear who’s speaking is a great asset for the target audience. Bridgman's intricate storytelling and Thompson's narration come together beautifully to weave a captivating tale that transports the audience into the enchanting realms of MiddleGate, and I cannot wait to hear more. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Serpent's Spell to the young and young at heart who love compelling and endearing fantasy fiction.
The Serpent's Spell is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and is the opening novel in the MiddleGate series. It is intended for middle-grade and young adult readers to enjoy, penned by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman and narrated in this audiobook version by Larissa Thompson. Readers are invited to follow the journey of Wil Wychwood, a ten-year-old whose life is upended by a suspicious fire. Left with only a snake named Esme, a mysterious black medallion, and a gold ring, Wil discovers a magical portal leading to the hidden city of MiddleGate. There, he uncovers family secrets and becomes embroiled in a case of serpicide in the ancient caves of Narcisse. Alongside his cousin Sophie, Wil must harness the power of shadows to unravel the mystery of the medallion and save the snakes.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted a superb opening to an enthralling fantasy series where adventure waits around every corner. I found the character development to be a particular triumph of the work, crafting in both Sophie and Wil some very endearing figures whom young readers can look up to, but also relate to for their vulnerabilities and uncertainty in the face of tough challenges. The narrative is highly descriptive, with gorgeous imagery and clever wordplay to bring the action to life in a fully multisensory fashion.
Listening to Larissa Thompson's narration was a delightful experience that enhanced the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the story. Thompson's expressive delivery brings the characters to life, and her ability to capture distinctive voices and make it clear who’s speaking is a great asset for the target audience. Bridgman's intricate storytelling and Thompson's narration come together beautifully to weave a captivating tale that transports the audience into the enchanting realms of MiddleGate, and I cannot wait to hear more. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Serpent's Spell to the young and young at heart who love compelling and endearing fantasy fiction.
Recommend this book:
The Kingdom of Trolls
Rae St. Clair Bridgman
2024 Finalist
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Kingdom of Trolls by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman is the fourth novel in the Middlegate saga. This engaging installment takes middle-grade listeners on a thrilling journey with cousins Sophie and Wil as they navigate unexpected challenges. From the disappearance of a priceless manuscript to Aunt Vi's fortune-telling business facing competition, Sophie and Wil are embroiled in a whirlwind of events. When they accompany Aunt Violet on a prize trip to Iceland, sponsored by Perfect Products, they encounter danger and magic, facing trolls and the ancient secret society, the Serpent's Chain. As they uncover the truth behind the Chain's sinister plans, Sophie and Wil must summon all their courage to confront the forces threatening their lives and unravel the mysteries hidden in the Icelandic landscape.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted another exhilarating adventure filled with mystery, magic, and heart-pounding suspense. Bridgman's vivid storytelling transported me back to a world of atmospheric locations and magical hijinks, and I loved how the feel of each setting matched the various tonal shifts of the storyline. As the cousins faced myriad challenges, there was close attention to detail in their emotional narration and dialogue choices that felt realistic and deeply nuanced, and I found myself completely immersed in their journey from beginning to end.
In terms of its audiobook presentation, the narrative quality, editing, and incidental sounds were all beautifully crisp and clear. The narration by Larissa Thompson adds a huge variety of characters and personalities to the story, utilizing all of Thompson’s skill and nuance to pitch the emotional highs and lows with great intensity. Overall, The Kingdom of Trolls is a captivating tale that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and I enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the saga, perhaps even more so.
The Kingdom of Trolls by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman is the fourth novel in the Middlegate saga. This engaging installment takes middle-grade listeners on a thrilling journey with cousins Sophie and Wil as they navigate unexpected challenges. From the disappearance of a priceless manuscript to Aunt Vi's fortune-telling business facing competition, Sophie and Wil are embroiled in a whirlwind of events. When they accompany Aunt Violet on a prize trip to Iceland, sponsored by Perfect Products, they encounter danger and magic, facing trolls and the ancient secret society, the Serpent's Chain. As they uncover the truth behind the Chain's sinister plans, Sophie and Wil must summon all their courage to confront the forces threatening their lives and unravel the mysteries hidden in the Icelandic landscape.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted another exhilarating adventure filled with mystery, magic, and heart-pounding suspense. Bridgman's vivid storytelling transported me back to a world of atmospheric locations and magical hijinks, and I loved how the feel of each setting matched the various tonal shifts of the storyline. As the cousins faced myriad challenges, there was close attention to detail in their emotional narration and dialogue choices that felt realistic and deeply nuanced, and I found myself completely immersed in their journey from beginning to end.
In terms of its audiobook presentation, the narrative quality, editing, and incidental sounds were all beautifully crisp and clear. The narration by Larissa Thompson adds a huge variety of characters and personalities to the story, utilizing all of Thompson’s skill and nuance to pitch the emotional highs and lows with great intensity. Overall, The Kingdom of Trolls is a captivating tale that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and I enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the saga, perhaps even more so.
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.
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