Reader: Full Cast
Short Review: Fun listen for the whole family. A fantasy classic brought to life by a full cast. Four siblings find a magic token and wacky adventures ensue.
Reader: Simon Jones
Extra: Introduction by author Kaza Kinglsley in which she shares her inspiration for Erec and his quests.
Short Review: Strong second installment in Kaza Kingsley's Erec Rex series combines imaginative adventures with some solid life lessons. Simon Jones is still a fabulous reader.
Reader: Richard Mitchley
Short Review: A standout story from Pratchett's Johnny Maxwell trilogy, read with great personality and skill by Richard Mitchley. Our hero Johnny learns that he can see and speak to the Dead in his local cemetery, and winds up facing down corrupt, frightening enemies.
Reader: Jeremy Irons
Short Review: One of my favorite Dahl books, read enchantingly by the inimitable Jeremy Irons.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Reader: Eric Idle
Short Review: Dahl's award-winning children's book read wonderfully by Eric Idle.
Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Reader: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: A stunning story beautifully read by the author. Coraline's boredom leads her to a place just beyond our reality. What at first seems just odd and fun becomes creepy and worth escape, but only by delicate inches. Gaiman's voice lulls and tantalizes. He is just so good at painting images with the combination of words and his own voice.
Reader: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: Neil Gaiman reads his Newbery Medal winning book beautifully. His nod to Kipling's The Jungle Book is just scary enough, intriguing, inventive, well-written, enchanting . . . it's downright wonderful. I loved Bod, Silas, Scarlett, Liza, Miss Lupescu, and the rest of the graveyard's denizens and rooted for them throughout the story. I miss them. I'll return to this book again and recommend it to adults and kids.
Posted: February 25th, 2009 ˑ
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Filled under:
Audio Books Read By The Author,
Award Winning Audio Books,
Best Audio Books,
Children's Audio Books,
Fantasy Audio Books,
Intrigue Audio Books,
Mystery Audio Books,
Mythology Audio Books,
Vampire Audio Books,
Young Adult Audio Books
The Dark Is Rising Sequence, Book One: Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark Is Rising Sequence)
Author: Susan Cooper
Reader: Alex Jennings
Short Review: This timeless story will spirit you away to a summer in Cornwall to join Simon, Jane, and Barney on a great and noble quest. Alex Jennings creates distinct voices for all the characters (especially for the three children) - and knits together a magical world for your enjoyment.
The Goose Girl
Author: Shannon Hale
Reader: Full Cast Audio
Short Review: A magical fairy tale brought to life by an amazing cast of readers. This modern retelling of a Grimm's tale follows Ani, Princess of Kildenree, as she finds her own inner strength and true path in life. It is officially listed for Grades 6-9, but I am here to tell you that it is a fine choice for any adult interested in getting swept along by a well told tale of magic and strength.
Short Review: The third and final book in a wonderful trilogy, well-read by the author and a full cast.
His Dark Materials, Book Two: The Subtle Knife
Author: Philip Pullman
Reader: Philip Pullman and a full cast
Short Review: Like The Golden Compass, this is a wonderful adventure told by a surprisingly-talented author-narrator and a full cast. The book is a bit less fantastic, in a sense, because some of it is set in our world, but no less enjoyable.