Secret of the Forbidden City

Starred review from November 25, 2013
The Kidds aren’t alright, in this rousing new adventure series from the ever-popular Patterson. When the Kidd siblings discover their sea-faring, treasure-seeking parents are missing, they must take to the high seas to track them down—and dodge a few pirates along the way. All in the name of fun, narrator Bryan Kennedy digs deep and lets loose to create a wildly entertaining listening experience that will appeal to adventure fans both young and old. Kennedy’s character interpretations are layered and colorful from start to finish; each new addition to the plot is as captivating and engaging as the last. And Kennedy’s youthful tone adds a degree of innocence to the story, making it all the more fun and lighthearted. Ages 8–12. A Little, Brown hardcover.