Happy Earth Day, fellow humans! We’re celebrating with a look at our earthiest book, The Life by Bud, by author Laura W. Eckroat.

For us, part of the fun of taking our Who Chains You and Crescent Renewal Books into audio is the search for the narrator that can really bring the book’s spark to life.

So when we put “The Life of Bud”—a children’s tale of the life cycle of a special leaf named Bud—Rob Izenberg’s audition brought an immediate “YES”. His voice hit just the right note we sought for the book, and would be engaging to children as well as a pleasure for any parents who are listening.

Henry Winkler (Yes, THAT Henry Winkler) had this to say about Rob: “It has been my pleasure to work with and know Rob Izenberg for the past 10 years. He is dependable, funny, hardworking, funny, and plays well with others.”

Now that The Life of Bud is available in audiobook, as well as in paperback and kindle, we asked Rob a few questions so our audience could get to know him better.

5 Questions with Voice Narrator Rob Izenberg

1. How did you get into book narration, and how long have you been doing it?

I’ve been a working voice actor and audio producer since the late 1990’s, with many TV and radio commercials, cartoons, and video games to my credit. I’m always looking for new ways to use my vocal talents. So I recently put up a profile on ACX, auditioned for some titles and was lucky enough to be chosen to narrate and produce them. This is pretty brand new to me, though.

2. How many books have you narrated?

So far I’ve narrated and produced three short children’s stories. I am hoping to do a lot more.

3. What made you choose The Life of Bud to narrate?

I have a distinctive voice, higher pitched but kind of sweet and soothing. I’ve been told I sound a lot like Sterling Holloway, the original voice of Winnie the Pooh in old Disney cartoons. Anyway, I used to love reading to low income grade school kids in Los Angeles through SAGAFTRA’s BookPals program. So I knew that children’s books would be a good fit for my voice. I found The Life of Bud on ACX, thought the message of teaching little kids the life cycle of birth to death was beautiful, and auditioned. Luckily, I was selected to read it.

4. What other fun projects have you taken on with your narration skills?

Thanks to my voice agent in Los Angeles, I’ve played an alien trying to kidnap the Earth in an episode of the cult Nickelodeon cartoon Invader Zim, a wise-cracking toucan in a national Chiquita Banana television commercial, and the lighting bolt-throwing villain Lob Goblin in the Activision game Skylanders: Trap Team, among others. I also write, sing, and produce custom parody songs for radio stations, TV specials, and individuals.

5. What do you do to cut loose and enjoy life, besides narration?

My wife and I love to hike. I play tennis when I can. Auditioning for voice acting gigs is always fun, and even more fun when you book one! Right now, I’m having a blast playing piano while teaching a singing class for visually impaired adults. Very rewarding.

About Rob Izenberg

Rob Izenberg is an innovative and prolific marketing copywriter and comedy writer/audio producer with proven success creating unique content for web sites, online retail, radio, television, film, social media and stage presentations. Skilled in Google keywords, writing and producing creative copy, product names and descriptions, urls, website development, meta-titles and descriptions, web content, voice acting, audio production, radio spots, client jingles, composing, piano, and musical/vocal arranging. Expert at hitting the right selling points in a clear, concise manner and adding the just the right touch humor when needed.

CREATIVE: http://robizenbergcreative.com

VOICE DEMOS: www.robizenberg.com

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robizenbergcreative

About The Life of Bud

Bud starts out as a tiny bud—small and insignificant—yet he arrives into this life with a feeling of purpose and hope.

Soon he grows into a beautiful, vibrant piece of the Mighty Oak Tree, taking his place in the circle of life, and thrives as he recognizes his part in something greater.

Those who have sought a children’s book that gently explains the topics of life and death need look no further. The Life of Bud teaches acceptance and celebration of a life well-lived. It is a valuable addition to the reading shelves of children eight and up, and a meaningful family bedtime tale.

The Life of Bud is from our Crescent Renewal Imprint, which publishes books that—although not animal-related—do no harm to animals and put forth a message of renewal and kindness.

Buy in Paperback | Buy in Kindle | Buy Audiobook

About the Author

Laura W. Eckroat is the author of A Simpler Time, Daisy: A Life Cycle Series, The Life of Bud, Went Out to Get a Donut, Came Home with a Muffin, What’s in the Corner? A Muffin “Tail”, Red Goes to Kindergerten, and The Lost Tooth.

Laura was born and raised in Whiting, Indiana. She has lived in Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Texas. She now resides in Wisconsin with her husband, Steven, and their two rescue dogs—Muffin and Shadow.

Mrs. Eckroat is an elementary school teacher, and a lifetime Chicago Bears football fan. She enjoys gardening, reading, writing and doing fundraisers for dogs.