Actor Mary Steenburgen’s calm pacing is striking in this fable of friendship and tidying up. Meet Jax, lover of exploring and play, and Kiki, a collector. As Kiki’s collections overrun her house, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to find what she needs—whether it’s a soccer ball for a game with Jax or her swimsuit for a swim. When a household obstacle course keeps Kiki from answering her doorbell, will Jax be able to help his friend? There is magic in Steenburgen’s slow pacing. It permeates the story and provides a reassuring tone as the two friends tackle the sorting of Kiki’s stuff, determining what will stay and what will go. Steenburgen puts extra emphasis on the “spark joy” phrase, Kondo’s signature message. A.R. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine