Browse audiobooks narrated by Edwina Wren, listen to samples and when you're ready head over to Audiobooks.com where you can get 3 FREE audiobooks on us
16 audiobooks in our catalogue, every one with its narrator named.
Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King
"Renowned author and historian Jackie French takes us back in time to Greece and Rome and explores young heroes in ancient myths and legends whose stories will now be told. Forget what you know about Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen with a fantastic hairstyle. That's only part of the story. Before she was a ruler, Cleopatra was a girl with a fierce ambition: to become pharaoh. When twelve-year-old Cleopatra and her father, Pharaoh Ptolemy XII, flee to ancient Rome in 59 BCE after Cleopatra's sister seizes the throne, they are in serious trouble. It's up to Cleopatra to raise enough gold to hire an army, gain the support of powerful allies, and take back her country's land. Three years later she had become the most famous pharaoh in history. This is the story of how that year in ancient Rome might have changed Cleopatra's life, with daring escapes, crocodiles, pirates, shipwreck and encountering the intrepid Captain Fileas and Myra, the slave determined to be free. From one of Australia's best-loved authors comes the first title in an exciting new series that explores the Ancient World. PRAISE '... delightful romp through antiquity' - Books+Publishing"
Jackie French (Author), Edwina Wren (Narrator)
Audiobook · 5 hrs 20 mins
Rain Stones 35th Anniversary Edition
"Anniversary edition of the first book Jackie French published with A & R. This is where a truly remarkable career began. 'Rain Stones' and the other stories in this collection reveal that the country is a magical place, that there is an extra dimension to be found by those whose minds and hearts are open to the possibility. Michael knows that the hills around Canberra are sleeping dinosaurs waiting for darkness to fall to begin their nightly dance. Jacob is blind, but he can show his friends things they never dreamt existed. And Helen is hoping that the rain stones will bring rain to the parched land where everything is dying. Powerful, imaginative and moving, this collection of short stories reveals the extraordinary early talent of this remarkable writer, who is one of Australia's best-loved and most renowned authors, and was the 2014-2015 Australian Children's Laureate."
Audiobook · 4 hrs 11 mins
The Mushroom in the Sky
"In the 80th anniversary year, Jackie French explores the dropping of the bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, which ended World War 2. 1942. Japan has bombed Sydney Harbour. Sixteen-year-old Ossie lies about his age to protect his country, even though it means abandoning his only family, a one-eyed dog named Lucky. Kind-hearted Mrs Plum is already looking after forty-six dogs belonging to soldiers who've gone to war. She can't possibly care for another. But just when she's becoming desperate to find a way to feed them, help arrives: thirteen-year-old Kat Murphy volunteers to take Lucky and persuades the girls at school to help, too. As Kat and Lucky grow closer, Kat realises he can still see Ossie, the master he loves. And somehow, Kat and Ossie catch glimpses into each other's lives, too. This extraordinary connection helps Ossie survive when he is taken as a prisoner of war to Japan. There, he witnesses a strange mushroom cloud rise above Nagasaki - the result of a bomb that will take, save and change lives, and forever leave the question: was it worth it? Taken from first-hand Japanese accounts of that momentous but often misunderstood time, this is a story of quiet heroism and endurance in the face of an unimaginable horror that continues to resound to this day. AWARDS: Shortlisted - 2026 Booklinks Historical Fiction Award"
Audiobook · 5 hrs 53 mins
Ming and Maria Explore the Universe
"In this fifth and final book in The Girls Who Changed the World series, Ming Qong discovers who she is, and that she, too, will change the world. Ming has travelled through history to meet girls who have changed the world. However, this time is different as Herstory, History's sister, promises to reveal to Ming something of her own past: her long-lost mother. When Ming washes up on the icy shores of Nantucket Island in 1836 she is saved by the elderly Mrs Sloe and the wealthy Miss Reynolds, but there is no sign of a woman who might be her mother. The island is home to Maria Mitchell, who at seventeen has already published her first papers on astronomy and will go on to inspire scientists around the world for generations to come. Maria's future holds extraordinary promise and fame. But what about Ming? And who is her mother? In this final book in the Girls Who Changed the World series, Ming Qong discovers who she is, and how she, too, will change the world."
Audiobook · 4 hrs 30 mins
Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger
"The year is 1859 and the goldfields are filled with diggers -- and danger! Orphaned twelve-year-old Tigg is the Bandicoot Bushranger, the youngest bushranger on the Ballarat goldfields in 1859. When a robbery goes wrong, Tigg must flee in disguise as one of the tens of thousands of Chinese men and boys braving heat, thirst, starvation and murderous attacks on the long road from Robe in South Australia to the goldfields in Victoria. But even further danger threatens. Who has offered a large sum of money for Tigg's capture? And is the mysterious Henry Lau a friend or enemy? To be safe, Tigg must solve the greatest mystery of all. Who is Tigg? AWARDS CBCA Younger Readers Shortlist 2025 Winner - ACT Literary Awards 2025 (Children's Middle Grade) Shortlisted - Book Links Award for Children's Historical Fiction 2025"
Audiobook · 6 hrs 40 mins
Ming and Ada Spark the Digital Age
"The fourth book in the best-selling Jackie French historical series that places girls centre stage. Ming Qong is convinced that girls have changed the world throughout history. History's sister, the mysterious Herstory, believes that the more you know about the past, the better you can understand the future. And so she now sends Ming to work as a maid in an isolated English mansion to see a girl change the world in 1829. But which girl? The young mistress of the house is lying in bed, recovering from the measles. Abandoned by her aristocratic mother and family, she may never walk - or even read and write - again. Ming becomes friends with another scullery maid, Hepzibah, who is desperately teaching herself to read and longs to free slaves, as she and her parents had been. But what hope has a scullery maid? From one of Australia's favourite writers comes an inspiring series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. AWARDS CBCA Notable Book 2025"
Audiobook · 5 hrs 37 mins
"This is the story of women who fought during WWI, but not as nurses or ambulance drivers. In 1917 sixteen-year-old Jean McLain is working as a post-office assistant in England. But when she wins a national Morse code competition, the British army makes a request Jean cannot refuse - to take a secret position as a signaller in France. If Jean can keep the signals flowing between headquarters and the soldiers at the Front, Britain might possibly win the war. But the British army are determined to hide its desperation - and will go on to burn every document that showed how women and girls were working behind the scenes, in the trenches and even in battles during World War I. Decades later, an old woman tells the story of 'the telegraph girl': the friends she lost, the man who loved her, and the happiness she so surprisingly found again. Based on true events, this story of adventure, courage and unshakable loyalty restores women and girls to their place in history that the authorities tried to erase. AWARDS Longlisted - 2024 Book Links Award for Children's Historical Fiction"
Audiobook · 5 hrs 48 mins
Ming and Hilde Lead a Revolution
"The third book in the best-selling Jackie French historical series that places girls centre stage. Ming Qong is convinced that girls have changed the world throughout history. She's faced danger and adventure when Herstory sent her to the past to witness girls' bravery in the incredible feats left out of 'histories'. Now Ming asks Herstory for another time-travelling quest - this time, one that is less confronting. Ming finds herself in relative luxury, heading to an unknown destination on a ship carrying royal Saxon sheep, travelling with the girls who care for them. What do female shepherds have to do with history? And is it even possible for sheep to be royal? As Ming knows only too well, change is never easy, so how can one girl - and a sheep - change the world? From one of Australia's favourite authors comes an inspiring series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. Praise for Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom: '... this story based on true facts is a must read. It is full of danger, apprehension, excitement, and the opportunity to learn about the roles women and girls played in major historical events and can play in the future. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.' -ReadPlus"
Audiobook · 5 hrs 28 mins
The Ghost of Howlers Beach (The Butter O'Bryan Mysteries, #1)
"Butter O'Bryan has been told there are ghosts on Howlers Beach, but are there? Howlers Beach, 1932 Butter O'Bryan lives in a Very Small Castle with his father and three aunts - Aunt Elephant, Aunt Cake and Aunt Peculiar. These aren't their real names, of course, just as Butter's father isn't really called 'Pongo'. And even though Butter is only twelve years old, and the grandson of one of Australia's most successful Jam Kings, he is very aware of the hardship many people are experiencing. Butter has been told there are ghosts at the nearby isolated Howlers Beach, but are there? And how can the children Butter plays cricket with on the beach simply vanish? Who are these children and why do they refuse his help? Butter is certain they're hiding a secret and he's determined to uncover it. AWARDS Shortlisted - Davitt Awards 2021 (Children's Crime Novel)"
Audiobook · 4 hrs 28 mins
Gus and the Starlight
"A spine-tingling and heart-warming story about friendship and finding your special place in the world. Gus doesn't want to make friends. She also doesn't want to be intrigued by the cat-lady teacher at her new school, or the Riley's Comet project that she and her seaweed-eating science partner are working on together. And she definitely doesn't want to fall in love with her job as the projectionist at the Starlight, a drive-in movie theatre that her family is reviving. Because, knowing Gus's luck, she and her family could be moving on in a day, or a week, or a month. When the ghosts that haunt Mum catch up with them. Or if the Starlight doesn't succeed. Then she'll have to say goodbye. Again. And saying goodbye is too hard. PRAISE FOR GUS AND THE STARLIGHT 'A magical middle-grade book with a feather-light fantastical touch that wonderfully helps the young protagonist figure out their complex and confusing family; the hope they have in their heart for a fresh start, and the ways that the past can haunt and help us. Just - stunning!' - Danielle Binks, award-winning author of The Year the Maps Changed 'An utterly captivating tale of family, friends and a haunted drive-in cinema, told with gentle humour and poignant moments that tug on the heart-strings.' - Kate Forsyth, best-selling and award-winning author of The Chain of Charms series 'What a beautifully-put-together middle grade novel. Victoria has done such a great job of bringing this tale to life. Gus is a wonderful hero and I was cheering for her and the Ables the whole way. This has the perfect mix of feels, humour and pathos, and a sprinkle of supernatural!' - Karen Foxlee, award-winning author of Lenny's Book of Everything and Dragon Skin 'A novel that is as full of heart as it is ghosts. Charming, exciting, poignant. An enchanting debut.' - Rebecca McRitchie, award-winning author of the Whimsy & Woe and Jinxed! series 'A delightfully offbeat ghost story, featuring cinema, snacks, school projects and the joy of second chances.' - Jaclyn Moriarty, award-winning author of The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone 'A moving and haunting read. This magical and quintessentially Australian tale is all about storytelling and how we have the capacity to rewrite our own destinies.' - Yvette Poshoglian, best-selling author of the Ella and Olivia series 'A lovely, quirky, heart-warming story, about ghosts and movies and finding a home.' - Judith Rossell, award-winning author of Withering-by-Sea 'Quirky, sweetly nostalgic and deeply immersive. A book that quickly became a treasured friend.' - Jen Storer, award-winning author of the Truly Tan series"
Victoria Carless (Author), Edwina Wren (Narrator)
Audiobook · 6 hrs 5 mins
Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom
"An empowering and exhilarating look at the girls who went before us, and the way they shaped the world. Ming Qong is convinced that girls have changed the world throughout history. So when Ming is thrust back in time to Belgium during WWI, only to be rescued from a burning cellar by Marie -- an experienced spy at only twelve years of age -- she finally has her proof. Marie is involved with a female secret resistance group who risk their lives to outwit the German troops. But Ming now faces a tough choice: will she send coded messages and risk her own life in this war on which the future depends? As Ming learns, change is never easy, so how can one girl change the world? From one of Australia's favourite writers comes an inspiring series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. AWARDS Book Links 2023 Award for Children's Historical Fiction - Longlisted"
Audiobook · 5 hrs 26 mins
Ming and Flo Fight for the Future
"An empowering and exhilarating look at the girls who went before us, and the way they shaped the world. Twelve-year-old Ming Qong is convinced that girls must have changed the world, even if they are rarely mentioned in history books. So when Ming gets the chance to go back in time, she imagines herself changing destinies from a glittering palace or an explorer's ship. Instead, she ends up in Australia in 1898, living a tough life as Flo Watson on a drought-stricken farm. Luckily, Ming is rescued by Flo's Aunt McTavish. Wealthy Aunt McTavish belongs to Louisa Lawson's Suffragist Society, who are desperately and courageously fighting for women's rights. And Ming is determined to get involved, to make a difference. But change is never easy, so how can one girl change the world? From one of Australia's favourite writers comes an inspiring new series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. AWARDS Notable - CBCA Younger Reader's Book 2023"
Audiobook · 4 hrs 55 mins
Clancy of the Overflow
"From Australia's best-loved storyteller comes the final book in the bestselling Matilda Saga This is a love song to our nation, told in a single sweeping story Jed Kelly has finally persuaded her great aunt Nancy to tell the story of her grandparents. The tale that unfolds is one of Australia's greatest romances - that of Clancy of the Overflow, who gave up everything for Rose, the woman he adored, and yet still gained all he'd lost and more. But Nancy's story is not the history that Jed expects. More tales lurk behind the folklore that surrounds Clancy - the stories of the women hidden in Australia's long history, who forged a nation and whose voices need to be heard. It is also a story of many kinds of love. Clancy's growing passion for the bush, immortalised in Paterson's poem, which speaks to him in the ripple of the river and the song of the stars, and Nancy's need to pass on her deep understanding of her country. But perhaps the most moving love story of all is the one that never happened, between Matilda O'Halloran and Clancy of the Overflow. And as Jed brings all of these stories to life in her book, Matilda and Clancy will once again waltz beside the river and the forgotten will be given a new voice. PRAISE FOR THE MATILDA SAGA 'An engrossing mystery story, an ode to strong women, and a moving exploration of the private wounds we carry ... The Last Dingo Summer is a must for your summer reading list' -- Better Reading 'The perfect read for anyone who loves immersing themselves in Australian fiction. Gripping, emotional and moving, Facing the Flame is a great book to curl up with' -- New Idea 'Highly recommended ... this was a complete binge, read in one night because it was just too good and too gripping to put down ... a cracking story filled with rich characters both old and new and imbued with all that we hold dear about Australian love of country and mateship' -- ReadPlus"
Audiobook · 14 hrs 23 mins
"'Gripping, emotional and moving'-- New Idea There have been fires before, but not like this. In 1978, as the hot wind howls and the grass dries, all who live at Gibber's Creek know their land can burn. But when you love your land, you fight for it. For Jed Kelly, an even more menacing danger looms: a man from her past determined to destroy her. Finding herself alone, trapped and desperate to save her unborn child, Jed's only choice is to flee - into the flames. Heartbreaking and powerful, Facing the Flame celebrates the triumph of courage and community, and a love for the land so deep that not even bushfire can erode it. PRAISE'The perfect read for anyone who loves immersing themselves in Australian fiction. Gripping, emotional and moving, Facing the Flame is a great book to curl up with on a warm spring night.' -- New Idea"
Audiobook · 8 hrs 38 mins
If Blood Should Stain the Wattle
"It's 1972 in Gibber's Creek, and across the nation, the catchcry is, 'It's time'. As political ideals drift from disaster to the dismissal, it's also time for Jed Kelly to choose between past love, Nicholas, the local Labor member, and Sam from the Halfway to Eternity commune. It's time too for Matilda Thompson to face her ghosts and the life that took a young girl from the slums of Grinder's Alley to being the formidable matriarch of Gibber's Creek. During this period of extraordinary social change and idealism, modern Australia would be born. And although the nation would dream of a better world, it would continue to struggle with opposing ideas of exactly what that better world might be. Jackie French, author of the bestselling To Love a Sunburnt Country, has woven her own experience of that time into an unforgettable story of a small rural community and a nation swept into the social and political tumult of the early 1970s. A time that would bear witness to some of the most controversial events in Australian history; and for Matilda, a time that would see her vision made real, without blood spilled upon the wattle. PRAISE FOR TO LOVE A SUNBURNT COUNTRY 'a book about love of country that is heartwarming and heartbreaking, and hard to put down' --The Advertiser, 4 stars"
Audiobook · 17 hrs 54 mins
"The story behind Banjo Paterson's iconic Australian song. 'Once a jolly swagman camped by a Billabong Under the shade of a Coolibah tree And he sang as he watched and waited till his Billy boiled You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me...' In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he's wanted by the troopers. In front of his terrified daughter, he makes a stand against them, defiant to the last. 'You'll never catch me alive, said he...' Set against a backdrop of bushfire, flood, war and jubilation, this is the story of one girl's journey towards independence. It is also the story of others who had no vote and very little but their dreams. Drawing on the well-known poem by A.B. Paterson and from events rooted in actual history, this is the untold story behind Australia's early years as an emerging nation. PRAISE 'Jackie French has a passion for history, and an enviable ability to weave the fascinating minutiae of everyday life into a good story.' -- Magpies Magazine"
Audiobook · 14 hrs 45 mins
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