Island of the Blue Dolphins

By: Scott O'Dell

Narrated by: Tantoo Cardinal

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Pacific, there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the sea. Around it blue dolphins swim, otters play, and sea birds abound. Karana is the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Hers is not only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal discovery.

©1960 Scott O'Dell (P)1995 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, a Division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Newbery Medal Winner, 1961

"Narrator Tantoo Cardinal more than succeeds in delivering a lovely listening experience. Her accent and pronunciation are first rate. The music adds to the story with an ethnic sound. When the Russians invaded the island, many islanders were killed or fled. Some, like the young girl, Karana, were accidentally left behind. Karana's survival in remote isolation is moving and unforgettable. Both the text and Cardinal's style make the listener feel...part of Karana's isolation and maturation." (AudioFile magazine)

Classic Story. Well read.

Bought this for my kids, but ending up listening to it myself. It translates well for all ages.

Incredible Story

We listened to Island of the Blue Dolphins as a family whenever we had more then a few minutes time. It's an incredibly interesting, well written, and captivating story. My 7 year old enjoyed it almost as much as my 10 year old. A bit scary and intense at times for a 7 year old but all in all it's worth your time and money.

Enjoyed & I think my kids may like it too

If you could sum up Island of the Blue Dolphins in three words, what would they be?

The story is easy to follow and interesting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

the girl / main character

What about Tantoo Cardinal’s performance did you like?

yes

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really...it was pretty easy to start and stop without thinking about it.

Any additional comments?

The only complaint I have is the cheesy music in the background.

Great book for children very poor reader.

The reader is very dry and reads in a very monotone voice. It should be like a story being told rather than a book being read.

lovingly written yet sad.

I love this book but it was so sad! I hated the part when ran to died.

Is. of the Blue Dolphins

it was perfect for my 6 year old. We loved it very much. We really like rantoo.

Childhood Favorite

I have read the book many times over the years. It has always been a favorite. The audible version was good. It was a very quick listen. I sped the narration to 1.2x. Otherwise it was too slow.

wonderful story

It is such a great book and it is so greatly told. I love this book.

One of my favorites

Tantoo Cardinal brings Scott O'Dell's story to life. She is Karana in my head 💙

ABSOLUTELY CHARMING!

Tantoo Cardinal does a beautiful job narrating this book, which reads like a diary. Even though there is, for the most part, only one person speaking—Karana, the young girl who is the main character—she makes use of every element of a good story: happiness, sadness, tranquility, tension, imagery and symbolism—and Cardinal does it all with her soft, soothing voice. The descriptions of the island, its resources, its legends, its culture, and Karana’s courage are all so perfectly executed, I could see and hear and smell and feel everything as if I was right there. BRAVO, Scott O'Dell and Tantoo Cardinal for a story that is VERY well done!