AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review
Audiobooks can be comforting companions as younger listeners settle in for the changing seasons and earlier fall nights. This month, AudioFile Editors have selected five audiobooks for kids ages four and up, including stories of bravery and hope at the border, the beauty of the night skies, and a family classic narrated by a Golden Voice — WINNIE-THE-POOH. Read on to find an engaging new audiobook series for kids, classic tales from India retold, and excellent audiobooks all around.
The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border
Story by Stephen Briseño
Read by María José Zuniga
Listening Library | 6 mins. | Ages 4+ | Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
The talented and capable María José Zuniga narrates this story about kindness at the Mexican-American border. Young Noemi and her mother, who are seeking asylum, arrive at the border and put their names in a notebook that lists people waiting to plead their cases to the American authorities. A kind woman named Belinda, the notebook keeper, encourages everyone to remain positive. Zuniga skillfully switches between a Mexican accent to a neutral American accent, and words and phrases in Spanish are spoken in a perfect Mexican accent. Zuniga conveys fear and uncertainty, along with happiness and positivity. Review »
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Sneha Mathan’s crisp, smooth narration is the perfect match for the story of a mother who is introducing her son, Tamen, to a dark-sky preserve. Sound effects help listeners imagine their departure from the city out to the wilderness. Mathan provides realistic voices for both characters and excels at communicating how much seeing the stars means to Tamen. Upbeat music draws listeners into the story. In an author’s note, listeners hear about light pollution, skywatching, and ways to defend the dark, along with a list of dark-sky preserves in Canada and the U.S. Review »
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King of the Ice- Miles Lewis, Book 1
Story by Kelly Starling Lyons
Read by Kevin R. Free
Listening Library | 37 mins. | Ages 6+
Kevin R. Free’s joyful performance shines in this engaging start to the Miles Lewis chapter book series. Fourth-grader Miles Lewis and his class are going on a field trip to the ice-skating rink. Even though he’s never been ice skating, Miles has agreed to a bet that he won’t be the first to fall. But he’s got an even bigger problem. His grandmother may be moving out! Free’s pacing and character voices will keep young listeners invested in getting to know Miles, his friends, and his family. Free adds fun and energy to this series opener. Review »
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Winnie-the-Pooh
Story by A.A. Milne
Read by Barbara Rosenblat
Design Sound Productions | 3.5 hrs. | Ages 6+
Children of all ages love the classic and iconic character Winnie-the-Pooh in many forms, and here is a fully engaging audiobook. Framed as a father telling Christopher Robin and his friend Winnie-the-Pooh stories about their adventures, the stories introduce listeners to Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. Young children will giggle as they hear of all the fun in the Hundred Acre Wood. Beautifully narrated by Golden Voice Barbara Rosenblat, this collection of short stories will linger in the hearts and minds of all listeners. She masterfully delights in and embodies wonder, innocence, and imagination. Review »
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A Silver Moon and a Shard of Truth: Stories From India
Story by Chitra Soundar
Read by Deepti Gupta
Dreamscape | 1.5 hrs. | Ages 6+
Deepti Gupta’s warm, expressive voice lends authenticity to these tales of lively trickster stories inspired by traditional Indian folktales. As in MANGOES, MISCHIEF, AND TALES OF FRIENDSHIP, these new adventures feature the two young protagonists Prince Veera and his best friend, Suku. Gupta’s enhancement of the narrative comes through in the individual characters’ voices; she is especially engaging in her delivery of the boys’ youthful enthusiasm and boisterous humor. Essential truths about good versus evil and right versus wrong promote acts of fairness, compassion, and honesty in an entertaining and thought-provoking listen. Review »
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The article Best New Audiobooks for Young Listeners: Stories of Bravery, Friendship, and More was curated by AudioFile. AudioFile is an independent source of audiobook reviews and recommendations with a clear focus on the performance and listening experience. AudioFile Earphones Awards are given to exceptional audiobooks. To learn more, visit audiofilemagazine.com, Twitter @AudioFileMag, Facebook @audiofile-magazine.
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