Review of "Cate and the Garden Bandits: A Little Monsters Read-Along Audiobook" Written by Betsy Coffeen, Narrated by Heidi Immler, Linda Radke (Executive Producer), Zachary Simpson (Sound Design, Music, and Direction), Studio Story Monster, Paperback Il

Audiobook Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)

Cate and the Garden Bandits is already a fantastic, heartwarming, and captivating children's book by Betsy Coffeen, magnificently illustrated by Ginger Seehafer. So, how does it fair as an audiobook?

Phenomenally! Especially when it's narrated by someone as talented as Heidi Immler with sound design, music, and direction by the incomparable Zachary Simpson!

All of the Little Monsters Read-Along audiobooks are exceptional. They open and close with the familar instrumental version of the "Story Monsters Theme Song." It's really catchy and really frames each of these as being part of something welcoming, fun, and exciting. They also instruct and invite young readers to follow along with the paperback or hardy copies of their books. That makes each listening/reading experience more engaging. We love that.

We also love that each of these books contains tremendous educational value. The ending of this book includes words/vocabulary that children can learn like antenna and drone (in bug terms). The book itself promotes positive messages and lessons like working together, harmony, unity, teamwork, hard work, not judging people based on appearances, and putting aside differences for the greater good (and because it's the right thing to do).

Something else we caught in this audiobook that we don't remember catching in the hard copy is how much appreciation Cate the Butterfly has for the hard work and effort that the other bugs (like Pete the Potato Bug, Davey the Dung Beetle, and Walter the Earthworm) put into the garden.

"Cate thought about her friends... Cate knew they would be sad if they could see these beautiful flower petals scattered all over the ground."

This stood out to us because it indicates how considerate a person Cate is.
Not only is she considerate, but she's caring and compassionate.

What great traits and characteristics to teach children!

Heidi Immler's narration is amazing!
Her narration is clear, cheerful, and very well paced. She doesn't rush through the reading, nor does she take an eternity. It's just right—ten lovely minutes of outstanding narration and a lovely story. Heidi is also able to differentiate the voices of different characters like Cate and the older, one-eyed bumblebee (who is initially rude, confrontational, a bit combative). Heidi really nails when Cate exclaims, "Thief!" at him. We also loved hearing her say the line, "a baby bumblebee!" How cute!

Simpson's sound design really stands out in this audiobook. He incorporates the sound of a bumblee's wings as well as an echo effect when Cate faints and wakes up.

Clearly, a lot of time, effort, and passion went into this audiobook.

Check it out on Amazon!