Book description
## Why The Twenty-One Balloons Is the Audiobook You Need Right Now
Let's be honest: not all classic children's books translate perfectly to audio. But The Twenty-One Balloons? It's practically made for the ear. William Pène du Bois's 1948 Newbery Medal winner, narrated with perfect warmth and wit, isn't just a listen-it's a delightful escape you'll want to share.
Professor Sherman's accidental landing on the balloon-powered island of Krakatoa isn't just a plot twist; it's pure, joyful invention. Imagine a place where everything runs on giant, meticulously crafted balloons-balloon-powered cars, balloon-heated houses, even balloon-fueled festivals. Du Bois's world feels instantly real, and the audiobook narrator brings it to life with effortless charm. You hear the whoosh of a balloon taking flight, the huff of an irritable islander, the sheer wonder in Sherman's voice as he discovers this impossible place. It's not just a story told; it's a world lived.
What makes this audiobook special? It's the pacing. Du Bois's prose is sharp and funny, never condescending. The narrator matches that energy-never rushing, letting the humor and wonder breathe. You'll chuckle at the islanders' eccentricities (a man who only speaks in rhymes? A baker who uses balloon-powered ovens?), and feel that genuine thrill of discovery alongside Sherman. It's a rare book where the idea of the place is as compelling as the adventure itself.
And here's the real magic: it's a book that genuinely ages. You might think it's just for kids, but the clever social satire (a society built on absurd, self-contained rules) and the sheer, inventive joy of the premise resonate deeply with adults too. It's a reminder of how playful and big-hearted classic children's literature can be.
So, if you're looking for an audiobook that's both a nostalgic trip and a fresh, utterly charming adventure-something that feels timeless but never dusty-this is it. The Newbery win wasn't just a formality; it was a nod to a story that works, especially when you can hear it unfold. Press play, and let the balloons carry you away. You won't regret it.
Alley Cat
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Cool Whip
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Trash Sling
💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
Fire Sass
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
ThoughtTrail
🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
High Deck
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
High Beam
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Suicide Jockey
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
White Swan
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. 🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Scarlet Mary
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Pompeii Unicorn
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day.
Tokyo Dream
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Burst Nibbler
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Electric Saturn
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊 Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Sir Shark
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Fuzzy Claws
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Cowboy Booter
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
MythMaker
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Ice
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Evil Smith
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience