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- Title: Boken´s Fantastic Feast Of Food!
- Author: Boken The Dog
- Narrator: Neil Egerton
- Length: 00:33:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 31/01/2020
- Publisher: Findaway Voices
- Genre: Kids, Animals & Nature
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
It’s not every day you come across an audiobook that feels like a warm, wagging tail brushing against your leg, but “Boken’s Fantastic Feast Of Food!” by Boken The Dog, narrated by Neil Egerton, is exactly that kind of delight. As a travel writer who’s spent years chasing stories across dusty roads and bustling markets, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect from a tale told by a Miniature Schnauzer with a nose for adventure and a stomach for, well, almost everything. But from the moment Egerton’s voice bounded into my ears, I was hooked – like a kid hearing a bedtime story after a long day of exploring.
The premise is simple yet irresistible: Boken, our four-legged protagonist, is a food-obsessed pup whose sniffing skills could rival any truffle-hunting champion. Chicken, beef, salmon – he’s on a relentless quest to gobble it all up, though he hilariously draws the line at celery. It reminds me of a time when I was wandering through a street market in Oaxaca, where the air was thick with the scent of sizzling carne asada and roasted chiles. There was this stray dog – scruffy, determined – darting between stalls, snagging scraps with a precision that would’ve made Boken proud. Listening to this audiobook brought me right back to that moment, the chaos and joy of it all.
The story unfolds like a well-worn map, guiding you through Boken’s escapades – some heartwarming, some mischievous, all utterly charming. There’s a universality to his hunger, a reminder of how food connects us, whether it’s a pup sniffing out a hidden treat or a traveler like me savoring a bowl of pho in Hanoi. Boken’s adventures take him into situations that feel both fantastical and grounded – think of a canine Indiana Jones, but instead of a golden idol, he’s chasing a juicy steak. The kids’ genre shines here, blending animals and nature into a narrative that’s as educational as it is entertaining. It’s the kind of audiobook experience that makes you want to gather the little ones – or the young at heart – around and hit play.
Neil Egerton’s narration is the secret sauce, if you’ll pardon the pun. His voice has this playful, gravelly warmth – like a favorite uncle recounting a tale by the fireplace. You can almost hear the twinkle in his eye as he embodies Boken’s boundless enthusiasm. The pacing is spot-on, giving each sniff and scamper its moment to shine, while the audio quality is crisp enough to make you feel like you’re right there, dodging celery alongside our hero. It’s intimate in a way that echoes those evenings I spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave stories with nothing but her voice and a flickering candle. Egerton captures that same magic, turning a simple dog’s tale into something you can almost taste.
Thematically, the audiobook digs into the joy of discovery – through food, of course, but also through the unexpected detours it inspires. Boken’s refusal of celery isn’t just a quirky detail; it’s a small rebellion, a nod to knowing what you love and standing by it. As someone who’s written about food cultures for National Geographic and even snagged a James Beard Award for it, I appreciate how this story sneaks in a lesson about preference and personality, all wrapped in a kid-friendly package. It’s not preachy, though – just pure, unadulterated fun.
That said, it’s not without its quirks. The brevity – clocking in at just over 30 minutes – might leave some listeners hungry for more. I found myself wishing for a deeper dive into Boken’s world, maybe a few extra chapters to flesh out his adventures. And while Egerton’s narration is a treat, there were moments where a touch more variation in tone could’ve elevated the secondary characters (or critters) Boken encounters. Still, these are minor gripes in an otherwise delightful listening experience.
How does it stack up to other kids’ animal tales? Think of it as a lighter, food-focused cousin to something like “Charlotte’s Web” – less melancholy, more munchies. If you’ve enjoyed audiobooks like “The One and Only Ivan”, narrated with similar heart, you’ll find a kindred spirit here. But Boken’s charm is uniquely his own, and the fact that it’s a free audiobook makes it an easy recommendation. Who doesn’t love a good story that doesn’t cost a dime?
For me, this audiobook stirred up more than just nostalgia for Oaxaca. It took me back to a dusty road in the Atacama Desert, where I first listened to “One Hundred Years of Solitude” on audio. The narrator’s voice had woven Márquez’s magical realism into the surreal landscape outside my window, and Egerton does something similar here – blending Boken’s whimsical world with a sense of real, tactile wonder. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to hit the road, sniff out your own adventures, and maybe share a snack with a furry friend along the way.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a good yarn – parents looking for a quick, engaging listen for their kids, or adults who don’t mind a dose of canine whimsy. It’s perfect for a car ride, a lazy afternoon, or even a classroom setting where animals and nature are on the lesson plan. And since it’s free, there’s no excuse not to give it a whirl. Boken’s feast is one worth joining, even if you’re not a fan of celery either.
Until the next story calls us down the road,
Marcus Rivera
