Emma And The Blue Genie by Cornelia Funke | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The beloved and bestselling author of Inkheart brings her signature imagination, adventure, and humor to a magical full-color chapter book for young readers!   One night, Emma finds a mysterious green bottle floating in the ocean. When she pulls out the stopper, she sets a blue genie free! Most genies grant three wishes, but Karim can’t grant even one anymore. A yellow genie stole his magic nose ring, leaving him small, powerless, and trapped in that bottle. Emma and her noodle-tailed dog have to help Karim get his nose ring—and his magic—back!

Why Did I Listen To This Audiobook?

Several years ago, I read some of the Inkheart books by Cornelia Funke and liked them a whole lot, as well as her book The Thief Lord. I think she has a real gift for world building and fantasy. So, of course, when I come across her books in my reviewing, I give them a chance. Emma And The Blue Genie sounded like a strong premise and the fact that the audiobook is so short really sold me on giving this one a shot — even when I am not typically a fan of audiobooks that are narrated by the author.

What’s The Story Here?

Okay so Emma And The Blue Genie by Cornelia Funke is about a little girl named Emma who finds a stoppered bottle. Inside that bottle, that she opens, is a blue genie named Karim. Karim, however, does not have the ability to grant wishes. You see, his ability comes from his nose ring and that has been lost. So, Emma, being a good human being, decides to help Karim find his nose ring, thus launching the two on quite the adventure. Along with her dog, Emma and Karim take on Sarim, the genie who is yellow, who stole the ring.

How’s The Writing?

Funke’s book for children flows really well. It is a quick read that is very adorable. The words are not terribly challenging, so younger readers will be able to handle this book. Also? She does a great job with setting, from the sea to the Middle East. The world is an interesting and exciting place, and I think Funke nails it.

How’s The Narration?

So, Cornelia Funke narrates her own audiobook. Usually I hate when this happens. However, she has the right voice for this story. Her German accent isn’t harsh or anything, but works well with this story. It made me think of a teacher or a grandmother reading a story to children. That is the vibe of the audiobook of Emma And The Blue Genie and it works. Further, the audio never gets annoying or grating or feels like it is TOO MUCH. I do, however, wish that I had had access to the illustrations of this book.

Who Would I Recommend This Audiobook To?

Emma And The Blue Genie by Cornelia Funke is absolutely more of a children’s book. It is not the type that also appeals to adults and older people. So, I would recommend it to actual children who are not quite reading middle grade books yet, but maybe have just graduated from full on picture books.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

Minus the whole wish granting thing though.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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