ISBN: 9781430144823
Release Date: 10/25/2021
Price: $49.95
Available Now
AudioFile Earphones Award
"A full-cast production adds excitement to this story based on actual royal intrigue and murder in fifteenth-century England. The cast of five enhances the scenes, allowing the listener to hear lively conversations and bustling London streets. Moira Quirk excels as commoner Nell Gould, an unlikely lifelong friend of Prince Ned and his sisters. Quirk's emotions always ring true; they range from playful laughter to sorrow and even terror as the murderous Richard of Gloucester rises to power. Steven Crossley is convincing and likable as Nell's father, a kindly baker whose love of King and family will cost him dearly. The variety of English accents employed helps listeners differentiate the social classes. Stephen DeRosa's best character is the wily court jester. Author Diane Zahler reads the backmatter."
"Nell Gould, a butcher’s daughter, becomes the playmate for Prince Edward (Ned) and his siblings in this first-person narration that takes us into the late Middle Ages. In this audio, Nell’s narrator is multi-layered and captures the playfulness, fear, sadness, and first love of a young girl coming into her own. The full-cast ensemble is fast-paced, colorful and exciting, and the charismatic voices become the story, adding to the author's rich detail and vividly portrayed scenes. Appropriate use of music and sounds woven through the audio give depth and dimension to the time and place. This story, based on a true incident, captures English history, a strong female character, and royal intrigue. It makes a great companion to Catherine, Called Birdy (1994), The Mad Wolf’s Daughter (2018), and The Player King (2017). The author reads her own notes and historical information, including a timeline." BOOKLIST
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ISBN: 9781430144984
Price: $42.95
AVAILABLE NOW"Lauren Ezzo gives a wholehearted performance of this sweet and summery middle-grade novel, immersing listeners in Loah's world. Eleven-and-a-half-year-old Loah (named for an endangered bird) is a homebody, but home isn't as comforting as it used to be. Her house is in disrepair, and the elderly Rinker siblings, who are taking care of Loah while her mother, an ornithologist, is on an extended research trip in the Arctic, are getting older and frailer. And what's that mysterious hissing coming from the house's dilapidated turret? Listeners feel it as Loah worries about her mother, makes unexpected new friends, and is forced into situations in which she has to fend for herself. It's a satisfying story of family, friendship, and finding your own inner strength." AUDIOFILE MAGAZINE
"When Loah Londonderry’s ornithologist mother endeavors to find a supposedly extinct bird in the Artic, she leaves her daughter in the care of two elderly siblings, the Rinkers, just as she has done many times in the past. This time, however, Loah’s strength is tested when Miss Rinker and Theo are hospitalized, a housing inspector threatens to condemn her dilapidated home, and her mother’s life might be in danger while on her solo expedition. With the encouragement of a new friend, Loah overcomes her introverted nature in order to help the Rinkers and save her mother. Lauren Ezzo’s melancholy tone reflects Loah’s yearning for her mother, whom she fears may love endangered birds more than her own daughter. Ezzo's unique character voices for the children and the adults who help Loah bring hope to this story about birds, friendship, and finding your true family. Springstubb provides an informative author’s note about the effects of climate change on birds." BOOKLIST
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