We had the opportunity to interview Jennifer Aquino, the talented performer behind the Forgotten Island audiobook, where she takes on the unique role of sole performer, bringing the story and its characters to life through her voice. In our exclusive interview, Jennifer shares more about her experience working on this exciting project, the creative process behind performing an entire audiobook, and what makes Forgotten Island such a special story. Read on to hear what she had to say about this one-of-a-kind experience!
Congratulations on being cast as the sole performer in the Forgotten Island audiobook! What was your first reaction when you learned you would be bringing the entire story to life on your own?
Thank you so much! To be honest, I couldn't believe that I got it! There are so many talented voice actors in the industry. So when I found out that I booked it, it was a moment of excitement and gratitude. I knew from the audition that they were looking for one performer to bring the entire story to life. What excited me when I found out that I booked it, was knowing that I get to create the Forgotten Island world with my voice. I get to step into so many different characters, giving each of them their own personality.
As the sole performer, you have the unique challenge of voicing every character in the story. How did you approach making each character sound different and giving them their own personality?
One of the interesting things about this project is that I actually hadn't seen the animated film before I recorded the audiobook. So I was creating these characters in my own imagination based on how they were described in the book. I had to picture what they looked like, how they moved, what their personalities were like and then figure out what they sounded like. I love that part of the process because it's almost like casting a movie inside your own head. I experimented with everything from pitch and vocal texture to the placement of my voice. But ultimately, I wanted each character to have their own distinctive personality. It's not just about making one voice sound different from another; it's about figuring out who each character is and what drives them.
Was there a particular character you especially enjoyed voicing? If so, what made that character so much fun to bring to life?
Oh, I have to say Raww and Manang, because they were at completely opposite ends of the spectrum! Raww was an absolute joy. He's this incredibly lovable, overly friendly character who genuinely wants to help people and be loved in return. But he has this hilarious weakness for sticks! The moment he sees one, all bets are off. He basically turns into an overexcited puppy. I gave him a lot of energy, and I had so much fun playing that enthusiasm. Then there's Manang, who is based on the Philippine manananggal, a creature traditionally described as a winged vampire capable of separating her upper body from her lower half. Now, it's always fun to play the villain! She's cruel, tyrannical, and has this hissing quality to her voice, so I really got to lean into that darker side and have fun with it. She's terrifying, she's dramatic, and she is NOT happy when Raissa steals her wings! What I loved about doing both was getting to jump between such different energies. One moment I'm this hyperactive, stick-obsessed weredog, and the next I'm this menacing supernatural villain.
What was the most challenging part of recording an entire audiobook by yourself, and how did you work through that challenge?
I think one of the biggest challenges was finding the balance between staying true to the world of Forgotten Island while also making the story my own. Because the audiobook is based on an animated film, people might expect it to be an exact audio version of what they see on screen. I had to rely on the book's descriptions and my own imagination to make creative choices about the characters and how they sounded. Preparation was really important. I made a list of questions before recording, particularly about pronunciation, because I wanted to make sure I was getting the names right. I reached out to my producer at Penguin Random House Audio with questions about names like Fatima, Batiba, and Bungi, and she passed them along to the DreamWorks book team. I wanted to be respectful of the material and get those details right. Ultimately, I had to trust my instincts and embrace the fact that this was my interpretation of the story. I wasn't trying to recreate the film; I was trying to bring the book to life in a way that would draw listeners in and let them imagine the world for themselves. Once I gave myself permission to do that, I could really enjoy the creative freedom of the process.
What was your favorite scene or moment to record, and why did it stand out to you?
One of my favorite sections is in the second chapter titled “Lola’s Stories.” Jo’s grandmother, Lola Fatima, tells Jo and Raissa stories about Philippine mythological creatures and the mysterious island of Nakali, holding a flashlight under her chin. The girls are completely entranced, and we learn about the magical sand dollar that serves as a portal to the island. Lola also tells them that when they find Nakali, they must share its stories with the world. I love that message because it speaks to the importance of preserving and sharing our culture and folklore. And of course, Jo and Raissa make a pact to find Nakali together. It’s such a magical moment filled with wonder, adventure, and the reminder “Don't stop believin'.”
What do you hope listeners take away from Forgotten Island after hearing your performance?
I hope listeners come away entertained, of course, but maybe also with a little more understanding of one another. At its heart, Forgotten Island is a reminder that even when we come from different backgrounds or see the world differently, we have so much in common. We all want to feel like we belong. We want to be accepted for who we are, and we want to know that we matter to someone. And we want to be seen. I think that's one of the things I love most about Raww. Beneath all his quirks and his funny moments, there's this very genuine desire to be loved and accepted. And I think that's something both kids and adults can relate to. I also hope families enjoy experiencing the story together. There's something lovely about sharing a story and then talking about the characters, the choices they make, or the things that surprise you. Sometimes those conversations can lead to bigger discussions about kindness, courage, and accepting people who are different from us and if listeners finish the audiobook feeling entertained, maybe a little moved, and carrying some of that story with them after it's over, then that's a wonderful thing. As a performer, you hope the characters stay with people long after they've heard the last word.
