Search Products

Available Now

"A few notes of birdsong create the perfect prelude to this heartwarming story, beautifully narrated by Katie Schorr and George Guidall. In the midst of birdcalls, fluttering wings, and other environmental sounds, a girl remembers her grandfather's passion for birds and for sharing that joy with his grandchildren. The older man's relationship with her family--particularly his special connection with her quiet little brother--inspires poignant moments of caring for and respecting the natural world. Schorr's delivery of the story's youthful voices is gently animated and perfectly complemented by Guidall's engaging warmth as the grandfather. A lovely musical score enhances their performance, and silent pauses for page-turns allow ample time for admiring the accompanying picture book's evocative illustrations."  AUDIOFILE Magazine

"Grandfather, an avid birdwatcher, teaches his grandchildren about birds. After his eyes fail, he continues to enjoy birdsong. On his passing, his laconic grandson points at an eagle in flight and identifies it as his grandfather. A lovely variety of birdsong and flight sounds are interspersed throughout the story, adding depth, and soft page-fluttering sounds mark the page turns, matching the tone of this gentle story of family connection and loss. The musical score adjusts its tone appropriately, using expansive music when accenting a description of the wide open sky and hopeful music when an injured bird flies again. This story is narrated in two voices, one for the main narrator and the other for the grandfather. Guidall, as grandfather, has a wise, warm voice that capably shows his love for the wonders he sees in both birds and his grandchildren. Schorr’s crisp, lively narration captures the child’s perspective. This tender tale introduces death and highlights two generations connected by the joy that watching nature brings."  BOOKLIST 

 

Available Now
STARRED REVIEW   "As the story opens, we hear instruments warming up with drumming at the center. The character, Drum, walks through the city hearing the music of his instrument family and bemoans his inability to carry a tune. Cityscape sounds show the setting, but it is the music that elevates this production. As each instrument is introduced in the story, we hear it: the low tones of the cello, the piano's keys, and the violin’s soulful strings. There’s a smile-inducing moment when Violin begins playing a riff from the Mario Brothers theme song. As Drum describes himself with his high hat and his bass drum stomach, corresponding drum beats play. Saxophone's trio, playing a jazzy beat, invites Drum to rehearse with them. It is here that Drum realizes his talent, declaring triumphantly, “I don’t carry the tune; I carry the band.” As the group plays, more instruments join and add their unique sounds until the music crescendos and Drum’s joy radiates. Beach describes the swing, echo, and bend of the music with his voice. He perfectly communicates Drum’s energetic joy at overcoming his doubts and finding his place in the music just by doing what he does best. While this audiobook is more than capable of standing on its own, it is best enjoyed alongside Coelho’s vibrant illustrations." BOOKLIST

"A cacophony of musical instruments, dynamic illustrations, and John Beach's animated narration create a joyful celebration in this audio-visual treat for the senses. In a city neighborhood in which music is the only form of communication, Drum, who doesn't have a song or a melody, feels like he can never fit in. But once invited to play with the other instruments, Drum realizes that his special gift is providing them with the rhythm that drives their music. Beach lifts the rhymes off the pages with exuberance. He delivers Drum's story with passion and imaginative flair, enhancing the book's vibrant pictures, text, and accompanying sound effects and music. The author's note elaborates on Drum's allegory, encouraging listeners to embrace who they are and their potential." AUDIOFILE Magazine

The classic tale of the family of ducks that settled in the heart of Boston has been delighting successive generations of readers since its publication in 1941.

"Pete is in a terrible state, and it is his father who has the wisdom to humor him back to his usual self by making Pete into a pizza pie. The giggles of Pete and the listeners increase as Pete is kneaded, stretched, spread, baked, and (almost) sliced." - AudioFile Magazine

"The story of a small Mexican boy and his discovery of the wind. The pictures are very effective and the short text is exactly perfect to underscore the action of the pictures." - Teacher

Convinced that he can outrun any danger, the freshly-baked gingerbread man fails to appreciate that a very fast runner is no match for a very sly fox.

"...a musical introduction sets the mood...the text of the book is read clearly and expressively...the materials are packaged for easy circulation." -- Booklist

"The expressive narrator charms the listener by impersonating the characters...Short segments of music and brief sound effects add interest. "- Booklist

The efforts of French aviator Louis Bleriot are captured in this charming account.

"Narration...is clear and appropriately paced for beginning readers. Sprightly music introduces the story, and the guide suggests activities to enhance reading pleasure and comprehension. High-quality fare for readalong fans." - Booklist

"John Beach reads Pulver’s rollicking story with gusto, turning the nouns and verbs into individuals. Readers can enjoy his verbal high jinks while flipping the pages and diving into Lynn Rowe Reed’s bold, kid-friendly illustrations. ...Teachers will appreciate this joyous celebration of parts of speech and will find this a fun set for classroom use." -School Library Journal

"Narrator John Beach plays off Pulver's humor and invites listeners to imagine individual letters' personalities and voices. Beach observes the interaction between the text and its illustrations with leisurely pacing and pauses."-AudioFile

"Narrator John Beach infuses this laugh-out-loud story with delight. His depiction of Mr. Wright is ever enthusiastic, and his students sound typical. Sound effects and music complement the production."-AudioFile Magazine

"Curious about apples?... Bonnie Kelley Young reads the text slowly so that listeners can absorb all the facts and instructions and peruse the bright illustrations... A good choice for elementary science units and to satisfy requests in the fall for books about apples." -School Library Journal

ALA Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production "Pirates! Shipwrecks! Lion attacks! Chicken-napping! Louise is a chicken with a yen for adventure.... Barbara Rosenblat who reads the story with fine pacing and energy and creates unique personalities, voices, and accents for each character..... sound effects make this a treat for the ears as well as the imagination."-School Library Journal