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)

Just as I remember.

Read this book in 5th grade and it's just as I remember. I love this book.

It was nice!

I loved it! What an ingenious book! : ) I recommend this great book to my friends.

Love the narrator’s voice- incredible

So beautiful. Narrator’s voice is perfect choice for this book.
Loved this story so much!

Still love the book.

when I was young, my teacher read this book to us, enjoyed it then, and enjoyed it now.

Great Story

This is a great story especially for young girls. The narrator is awesome. As a teacher, I would play this to the book group. Hearing a different, proficient reader is positive for kids.

Beautifully made! :D

I've read the book at school, and I bought the audiobook on iTunes after, and I absolutely loved the book. The audiobook, brings the book alive, I absolutley love the person who plays Karana, she did very well :D Super well written, I've still got to say, if you buy it, buy the book or go to the library. I love how O'Dell adds in the Wild dogs. I remember though it saying that they were wolves?? but i guess they were dogs... i think his name was.. Fox Eyes? I don't remember the dogs name. But I cried when he died.

Amazing. Must buy if you like dogs, stories about girls, pirates (kinda), and if you like stranded island kind of stories.

would not download completely

After many attempts to download this, the last few chapters would not download. very disappointed.

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.