Animal Sidekicks
Amazing Stories of Symbiosis in Animals and Plants
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $3.84
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Torian Brackett
About this listen
This audiobook features sound design and special effects to enhance your enjoyment of Animal Sidekicks. Listen out for the sound of habitats and animal noises from our furry friends.
"Excellently illustrated and providing a treasure trove of interesting information about symbiotic relationships."—Booklist
Heard about the fish that clean shark teeth? Or the frog that lives with a tarantula? Welcome to the weird world of symbiosis—where animals form incredible relationships.
Macken Murphy, host of the popular animal podcast Species, introduces his favorite symbiotic relationships in his first kids’ nonfiction audiobook, Animal Sidekicks. Along the way he explains the cool science behind the baffling behaviour of some animals—from friendly alliances to pesky parasites. Murphy skillfully brings to life head-scratching relationships in nature, including:
• The crab that wears a sea urchin as a hat
• The bat that goes to bed inside a plant
• The warthog that likes a mongoose massage
You’ll even find out about symbiotic relationships including YOU! (Hint—is your head ever itchy?) By the end of the audiobook you won’t look at nature in the same way again!
A Macmillan Audio production from Neon Squid.
©2022 Macken Murphy and Neon Squid (P)2023 Macmillan AudioListeners also enjoyed...
-
Snakes (A Day in the Life)
- What Do Cobras, Pythons, and Anacondas Get Up to All Day?
- By: Christian Cave, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Sura Siu
- Length: 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Journey around the world to follow the lives of these cold-blooded reptiles as they hunt, hide, and fight their way through their day. Biologist and conservationist Christian Cave tells the story of the world’s most amazing venomous snakes in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations of topics such as camouflage and skin shedding that are perfect for future biologists.
By: Christian Cave, and others
-
Secrets of the Forest
- 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature (Nature Bedtime Stories)
- By: Alicia Klepeis, Kristen Adam - illustrator, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya
- Length: 1 hr and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this charming anthology of stories by Alicia Klepeis listeners will be guided into forests to meet the amazing animals that live there. In one story a squirrel hunts for an elusive acorn it buried earlier in the year, while another looks at an Alaskan wood frog as it freezes itself alive to survive a harsh winter. Children will be thrilled by the tale of a reindeer that gets separated from its herd in the snowy woods of Scandinavia, and marvel at a chameleon changing color in the forests of Madagascar.
By: Alicia Klepeis, and others
-
Secrets of the Ocean
- 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature
- By: Alicia Klepeis, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Dalia Ramahi
- Length: 1 hr and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every ocean contains a thousand secrets… In this charming anthology of children’s stories by Alicia Klepeis listeners will be guided under the waves to meet the amazing animals that live there. In one story an orca grandmother teaches younger members of the pod how to find the best fish, while another looks at a mimic octopus as it changes appearance to disguise itself from different predators. Kids will be thrilled by the tale of an otter and her cub playing in a kelp forest, and marvel at a jellyfish that looks like a fried egg!
By: Alicia Klepeis, and others
-
A Day in the Life: Horses
- What Do Wild Horses Like Mustangs and Ponies Get Up to All Day?
- By: Dr. Carly Anne York, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Katharine Chin
- Length: 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Set over a 24-hour period, meet fighting stallions, cute foals, and nosy donkeys in this nonfiction book for kids about the coolest wild horses in the world. Race across prairies to follow the lives of horses and ponies as they whinny, neigh, and play their way through their day. Biology professor and horse owner Carly Anne York tells the story of the wild horses in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations perfect for future biologists.
By: Dr. Carly Anne York, and others
-
Gray Wolf
- A First Field Guide to the Wild Dog from the Wilderness (Young Zoologist)
- By: Brenna Cassidy, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Fred Berman
- Length: 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You might know that gray wolves live in packs, but there’s so much more to learn about these incredible predators! Find out what makes wolves howl, why wolves sniffing each other’s butts is their way of shaking hands, and how some wolves in Yellowstone National Park used thermal activity to heat their den! You’ll also witness the incredible relationship gray wolves have with ravens (they play tug with wolf cubs), learn about wolf rewilding projects, and discover what it takes to become a wolf zoologist yourself.
By: Brenna Cassidy, and others
-
Can You Hear the Trees Talking?
- Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
- By: Peter Wohlleben
- Narrated by: Blair Stainton
- Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover the secret life of trees with this nature and science book for kids: Can You Hear the Trees Talking? shares the mysteries and magic of the forest with young listeners, revealing what trees feel, how they communicate, and the ways trees take care of their families. The author of The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben, tells kids about the forest internet, aphids who keep ants as pets, nature’s water filters, and more fascinating things that happen under the canopy.
By: Peter Wohlleben
-
Snakes (A Day in the Life)
- What Do Cobras, Pythons, and Anacondas Get Up to All Day?
- By: Christian Cave, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Sura Siu
- Length: 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Journey around the world to follow the lives of these cold-blooded reptiles as they hunt, hide, and fight their way through their day. Biologist and conservationist Christian Cave tells the story of the world’s most amazing venomous snakes in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations of topics such as camouflage and skin shedding that are perfect for future biologists.
By: Christian Cave, and others
-
Secrets of the Forest
- 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature (Nature Bedtime Stories)
- By: Alicia Klepeis, Kristen Adam - illustrator, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya
- Length: 1 hr and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this charming anthology of stories by Alicia Klepeis listeners will be guided into forests to meet the amazing animals that live there. In one story a squirrel hunts for an elusive acorn it buried earlier in the year, while another looks at an Alaskan wood frog as it freezes itself alive to survive a harsh winter. Children will be thrilled by the tale of a reindeer that gets separated from its herd in the snowy woods of Scandinavia, and marvel at a chameleon changing color in the forests of Madagascar.
By: Alicia Klepeis, and others
-
Secrets of the Ocean
- 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature
- By: Alicia Klepeis, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Dalia Ramahi
- Length: 1 hr and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every ocean contains a thousand secrets… In this charming anthology of children’s stories by Alicia Klepeis listeners will be guided under the waves to meet the amazing animals that live there. In one story an orca grandmother teaches younger members of the pod how to find the best fish, while another looks at a mimic octopus as it changes appearance to disguise itself from different predators. Kids will be thrilled by the tale of an otter and her cub playing in a kelp forest, and marvel at a jellyfish that looks like a fried egg!
By: Alicia Klepeis, and others
-
A Day in the Life: Horses
- What Do Wild Horses Like Mustangs and Ponies Get Up to All Day?
- By: Dr. Carly Anne York, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Katharine Chin
- Length: 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Set over a 24-hour period, meet fighting stallions, cute foals, and nosy donkeys in this nonfiction book for kids about the coolest wild horses in the world. Race across prairies to follow the lives of horses and ponies as they whinny, neigh, and play their way through their day. Biology professor and horse owner Carly Anne York tells the story of the wild horses in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations perfect for future biologists.
By: Dr. Carly Anne York, and others
-
Gray Wolf
- A First Field Guide to the Wild Dog from the Wilderness (Young Zoologist)
- By: Brenna Cassidy, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Fred Berman
- Length: 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You might know that gray wolves live in packs, but there’s so much more to learn about these incredible predators! Find out what makes wolves howl, why wolves sniffing each other’s butts is their way of shaking hands, and how some wolves in Yellowstone National Park used thermal activity to heat their den! You’ll also witness the incredible relationship gray wolves have with ravens (they play tug with wolf cubs), learn about wolf rewilding projects, and discover what it takes to become a wolf zoologist yourself.
By: Brenna Cassidy, and others
-
Can You Hear the Trees Talking?
- Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
- By: Peter Wohlleben
- Narrated by: Blair Stainton
- Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover the secret life of trees with this nature and science book for kids: Can You Hear the Trees Talking? shares the mysteries and magic of the forest with young listeners, revealing what trees feel, how they communicate, and the ways trees take care of their families. The author of The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben, tells kids about the forest internet, aphids who keep ants as pets, nature’s water filters, and more fascinating things that happen under the canopy.
By: Peter Wohlleben
-
Robots
- Explore the World of Robotics and AI
- By: Dr. Henny Admoni, Amy Grimes - illustrator, Neon Squid
- Narrated by: Daniel Henning
- Length: 1 hr and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The future is here. Explore the world of robots and artificial intelligence in this kids’ STEM book by robotics professor Dr. Henny Admoni. Hang out in a factory with a pizza-making robot, blast into the past to meet the robot statues in ancient Egyptian temples that spoke to worshippers, and encounter the slithering robot inspired by snakes that can climb trees! Robots are no longer just the preserve of science fiction. From driverless cars to robots helping in hospitals, the field of robotics is one of the most exciting in modern science.
By: Dr. Henny Admoni, and others
-
The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge
- By: Joanna Cole, Bruce Degen
- Narrated by: Polly Adams, Cassandra Morris
- Length: 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like it or not, global warming is a hot topic, and it will affect the younger generation the most. So why not turn to the teacher kids like the most, Ms. Frizzle! Only the Friz can boil all the hoopla down to the scientific facts in a fun and informative way. Kids already love the Magic School Bus, and the love to do what's right by the planet. At last, a way to teach the curriculum and make an impact!
-
-
Great for Earth Day Lesson
- By Kat on 04-23-19
By: Joanna Cole, and others
-
Spring Story
- Brambly Hedge
- By: Jill Barklem
- Narrated by: John Moffatt
- Length: 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wilfred woke early. It was his birthday. He had lots of lovely presents, but the best one was a surprise.… Mr Apple had organised a secret celebration picnic and all the mice of Brambly Hedge were invited. There was so much to carry. Poor Wilfred got very tired as he lurched and bumped his way along the grassy track. What was it Mrs Apple had said was in his hamper? Knives? Sandwiches? They were certainly heavy! When they finally arrived, Wilfred was allowed to open up the hamper and there he found the best treat of all….
By: Jill Barklem
-
Over and Under the Snow
- By: Kate Messner
- Narrated by: Laura Knight-Keating
- Length: 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A little girl, out cross-country skiing with her father, thinks about the various ways familiar animals survive the harsh winter weather. Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow exists a secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. Discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath winter's snowy landscape in this magical audiobook.
-
-
Well done!
- By Carolyn Hall on 11-25-21
By: Kate Messner
-
Knight Owl
- By: Christopher Denise
- Narrated by: James Langton
- Length: 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.
-
-
This is just a 6 min clip not the book, very disappointing
- By James W lucas on 04-15-24
-
The Wild Robot
- By: Peter Brown
- Narrated by: Kate Atwater
- Length: 4 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. Why is she there? Where did she come from? And, most important, how will she survive in her harsh surroundings? Roz's only hope is to learn from the island's hostile animal inhabitants. When she tries to care for an orphaned gosling, the other animals finally decide to help, and the island starts to feel like home. Until one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her....
-
-
Terrible Background Noise: Sweet Story
- By B.A. Wilson on 12-30-17
By: Peter Brown
Critic reviews
"Animal lovers will be sure to find amazing new facts on every page. . . This is an excellent addition to children's nonfiction collections."—Booklist
"A rollicking ride through the wonderful world of animal symbiosis. In this remarkable book, Macken Murphy brings us a science lesson wrapped up in lots of fun."—Children's Book of the Week, Press Association
Related to this topic
-
The Christmas Pig
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Amaka Okafor, Rocco Padden, Gerran Howell, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack loves his childhood toy Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens - DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life...even toys. And Jack’s newest toy - the Christmas Pig (DP’s annoying replacement) - has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost and to save the best friend Jack has ever known....
-
-
More Scary & Violent Than "Heartwarming Adventure"
- By Bookworm on 10-19-21
By: J.K. Rowling
-
The Ickabog
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Stephen Fry
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The kingdom of Cornucopia was once the happiest in the world. It had plenty of gold, a king with the finest moustache you could possibly imagine, and butchers, bakers, and cheesemongers whose exquisite foods made a person dance with delight when they ate them. Everything was perfect - except for the misty Marshlands to the north, which, according to legend, were home to the monstrous Ickabog. Anyone sensible knew that the Ickabog was just a myth to scare children into behaving. But the funny thing about myths is that sometimes they take on a life of their own.
-
-
Oh, dear...
- By ili pika on 11-11-20
By: J.K. Rowling
-
Disney Frozen: Olaf's Quest
- By: Disney Press, Suzanne Francis
- Narrated by: Jake Green, Matt Lowe, Abby Trott, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Olaf, Arendelle’s adorable snowman, loves to read. One day, an unexpected message leads Olaf and his friends Anna, Kristoff, and Sven on a quest for a place known as Haus Biblio, described as a “sea of stories”. This Audible Original spans the group’s journey to Haus Biblio as they cross over mountains, search for monsters under bridges, and have conversations with friendly sheep. During his travels, Olaf makes new friends and hears lots of exciting stories along the way.
-
-
Stories of all sorts within a story!
- By Just Duckie on 09-21-24
By: Disney Press, and others
-
The Secret Garden
- By: Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Narrated by: Carrie Hope Fletcher
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mary Lennox starts her life as an unhappy victim of circumstance. After the loss of her parents, she moves to rural Yorkshire to live with a distant uncle where she resents the wildness of the countryside. At first, she struggles to find a place in this new existence. Although unsure about her surroundings and its occupants, through the gentle guidance of the maid she gradually becomes interested in the story of Mrs Craven, who apparently used to spend her time in a garden at the house, the key to which has vanished.
-
-
Fabulous
- By Lady Lightning on 05-19-20
-
Disney Princess: Belle and the Rose Riddle
- By: Disney Press, Juliana Schiavo
- Narrated by: Jeff Bennett, Piotr Michael, Julie Nathanson, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Belle lives in a beautiful castle with a Beast and Enchanted Objects that have come to life. But that isn’t the strangest thing about the castle. Rose petals and leaves have begun to mysteriously appear in random places, leading Belle and her companions Cogsworth the clock and Lumiere the candelabra on a hunt for an intruder.
-
-
Great mystery!
- By Angela on 10-17-24
By: Disney Press, and others
-
Disney Pixar Cars: The Legend of the Crystal Hubcap
- By: Disney Press, Steve Behling
- Narrated by: Larry the Cable Guy, Keith Ferguson, full cast
- Length: 1 hr and 3 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kachow! Best friends Lightning McQueen and Mater are on the road to attend Mater’s sister’s wedding allll the way across the country when they accidentally find themselves at the legendary Cave of the Crystal Hubcap. See, legend has it, whoever gazes into this hubcap becomes the luckiest racer in the world! Mater thinks the hubcap would make the perfect wedding gift and heads into the cave in search of it. Since friends don’t let friends go into caves alone, Lightning joins him. While inside, they meet a new friend and help her out of a jam.
-
-
The CARS gang enjoy an adventure.
- By Marian K. Anderson-Danner on 09-23-24
By: Disney Press, and others
-
The Christmas Pig
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Amaka Okafor, Rocco Padden, Gerran Howell, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack loves his childhood toy Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens - DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life...even toys. And Jack’s newest toy - the Christmas Pig (DP’s annoying replacement) - has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost and to save the best friend Jack has ever known....
-
-
More Scary & Violent Than "Heartwarming Adventure"
- By Bookworm on 10-19-21
By: J.K. Rowling
-
The Ickabog
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Stephen Fry
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The kingdom of Cornucopia was once the happiest in the world. It had plenty of gold, a king with the finest moustache you could possibly imagine, and butchers, bakers, and cheesemongers whose exquisite foods made a person dance with delight when they ate them. Everything was perfect - except for the misty Marshlands to the north, which, according to legend, were home to the monstrous Ickabog. Anyone sensible knew that the Ickabog was just a myth to scare children into behaving. But the funny thing about myths is that sometimes they take on a life of their own.
-
-
Oh, dear...
- By ili pika on 11-11-20
By: J.K. Rowling
-
Disney Frozen: Olaf's Quest
- By: Disney Press, Suzanne Francis
- Narrated by: Jake Green, Matt Lowe, Abby Trott, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Olaf, Arendelle’s adorable snowman, loves to read. One day, an unexpected message leads Olaf and his friends Anna, Kristoff, and Sven on a quest for a place known as Haus Biblio, described as a “sea of stories”. This Audible Original spans the group’s journey to Haus Biblio as they cross over mountains, search for monsters under bridges, and have conversations with friendly sheep. During his travels, Olaf makes new friends and hears lots of exciting stories along the way.
-
-
Stories of all sorts within a story!
- By Just Duckie on 09-21-24
By: Disney Press, and others
-
The Secret Garden
- By: Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Narrated by: Carrie Hope Fletcher
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mary Lennox starts her life as an unhappy victim of circumstance. After the loss of her parents, she moves to rural Yorkshire to live with a distant uncle where she resents the wildness of the countryside. At first, she struggles to find a place in this new existence. Although unsure about her surroundings and its occupants, through the gentle guidance of the maid she gradually becomes interested in the story of Mrs Craven, who apparently used to spend her time in a garden at the house, the key to which has vanished.
-
-
Fabulous
- By Lady Lightning on 05-19-20
-
Disney Princess: Belle and the Rose Riddle
- By: Disney Press, Juliana Schiavo
- Narrated by: Jeff Bennett, Piotr Michael, Julie Nathanson, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Belle lives in a beautiful castle with a Beast and Enchanted Objects that have come to life. But that isn’t the strangest thing about the castle. Rose petals and leaves have begun to mysteriously appear in random places, leading Belle and her companions Cogsworth the clock and Lumiere the candelabra on a hunt for an intruder.
-
-
Great mystery!
- By Angela on 10-17-24
By: Disney Press, and others
-
Disney Pixar Cars: The Legend of the Crystal Hubcap
- By: Disney Press, Steve Behling
- Narrated by: Larry the Cable Guy, Keith Ferguson, full cast
- Length: 1 hr and 3 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kachow! Best friends Lightning McQueen and Mater are on the road to attend Mater’s sister’s wedding allll the way across the country when they accidentally find themselves at the legendary Cave of the Crystal Hubcap. See, legend has it, whoever gazes into this hubcap becomes the luckiest racer in the world! Mater thinks the hubcap would make the perfect wedding gift and heads into the cave in search of it. Since friends don’t let friends go into caves alone, Lightning joins him. While inside, they meet a new friend and help her out of a jam.
-
-
The CARS gang enjoy an adventure.
- By Marian K. Anderson-Danner on 09-23-24
By: Disney Press, and others