There’s a tangible buzz of excitement in the room each year at ALA Midwinter just before the American Library Association announces the top books and media for children and young adults. Librarians, publishers, and readers all over the world can’t wait to hear who the next Newbery winner will be, which Caldecott winner will become a new classic, and which Odyssey winner will shine through the speakers that day. Early on January 27, 2014 in Philadelphia, the audiobook announcement made quite the impression, as the sounds of SCOWLER surprised an adoring crowd who took to Twitter to share their shock and admiration for this eerily brilliant recording of Daniel Kraus’ YA novel, narrated by Kirby Heyborne. This was the second Odyssey win for this dynamic duo, plus their talented producer, Kelly Gildea. We happily share some of the very funny reactions below. . . and dare you not to take a listen yourself.
Congrats to @KirbyHeyborne , who’s recording of SCOWLER just won the Odyssey award at #alayma, and terrified a room of librarians
— Ethan M. Aldridge (@EthanMAldridge) January 27, 2014
Man, that Scowler audio clip was crazy cool! #alamw14
— Courtney C Stevens (@Quartland) January 27, 2014
@LBJreads I just grabbed Scowler IMMEDIATELY from my library.
— Jennifer (@BookDen) January 27, 2014
Whoa…that clip from SCOWLER by @DanielDKraus kinda freaked me out! I want to hear more! #Odyssey #alayma
— Gone with the Words (@gonewiththeword) January 27, 2014
My cat approves the Odyssey win for SCOWLER, having sat up to take notice if that clip. #alayma
— Kelly Fineman (@kellyfineman) January 27, 2014
WHOAH. I’m totally going to listen to Scowler. Whoah. #alayma
— Mary Gen Davies (@marygendavies) January 27, 2014
Okay, now I really want to listen to the rest of Scowler on audiobook! #alayma
— Lauren Stoolfire (@SunSoar25) January 27, 2014
And everyone pees their pants just a little when the clip from Scowler is played #alayma
— Erin Downey Howerton (@hybridlib) January 27, 2014
Scowler is the creepiest audio ever. So well deserved. #alayma
— Amy (@bookwoman64) January 27, 2014
Wow! SCOWLER audio clip is mind-bending.
— Scribpocalypse (@dampscribbler) January 27, 2014
SCOWLER! @DanielDKraus audio with Kirby Heywood Odyssey winner — best audio pick EVER #alamw14 #alayma14
— Wendy Stephens (@wsstephens) January 27, 2014
The fact that SCOWLER by the awesome @DanielDKraus wins makes my day!!!!!
— TeenLibrarianToolbox (@TLT16) January 27, 2014
Okay, the audio clip of Scowler has me WAY intrigued. #alayma #alamw14
— Melissa Fox (@book_nut) January 27, 2014
Have been avoiding SCOWLER because I’ve heard it’s terrifying but now that it’s an Oddysey winner, I might have to listen to it #alayma
— Beth Shaum (@BethShaum) January 27, 2014
Congrats @DanielDKraus! #Scowler was fabulous, and now I guess I better get the audiobook. #fb
— Matthew MacNish (@MatthewMacNish) January 27, 2014
SCOWLER wins Odyssey Award 2014. Also wins the audience creep out award #alamw14 #alayma pic.twitter.com/jLH1gK3jB9
— EmFear (@ForkedPgh) January 27, 2014
