The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams: Big Berry Robbery

Listening to Colleen Prendergast narrate this audiobook is like watching a one-woman theatrical performance at a circus—energetic, perfectly timed, and bursting with personality. She gives each character a distinct voice that lands without veering into caricature, and her delivery of the book’s rapid-fire jokes and escalating absurdity is spot-on. The sound design is minimal but effective, letting Prendergast’s vocal range carry the magic. What sets this audiobook apart is how it balances its zany premise with genuine emotional beats. The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, ideal for young attention spans, though occasionally the clues feel a bit too convenient. I also wished for more depth with some side characters—the berry-themed villains are fun, but a little thin on motive. Still, the warmth between Limpet and his friends grounds the madness, and Hegarty’s writing sparkles with clever wordplay and visual humor that translates beautifully to audio. It’s not just an audiobook for kids who love ice cream or magic—it’s for any listener who appreciates stories where the sweetest things come with a side of surprise.