Book #27 from the series: So You Want To Be A...

So You Want To Be A Voice Actor (So You Want To Be A...)

A Kids' Guide to Voice Acting, Character Voices, Animation and Video Game Recording, and the Talented Performers Behind Our Favorite Characters

About

WINNER 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (1st Place), Arts/Music

No one will see your face. No costume, no stage, no spotlight finding you in the dark. There is a microphone, a pair of headphones, a script, and a booth the size of a closet. And from that closet, you will make someone believe in a dragon. A villain. A hero. A talking car. A character who exists nowhere in the physical world except in the sound of your voice. That is not a limitation of this work. That is the entire magnificent point.

So You Want To Be A Voice Actor takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most versatile and most technically demanding performance professions in all of entertainment — not the cartoon version, but the real one. The years of performance training and vocal development that happen before a voice actor ever books a professional job. The specific discipline of creating a complete, believable, emotionally alive character using nothing but breath, resonance, and imagination — no body language, no costume, no set, no other actor to play off of — just the voice and what it can do. The team of directors, sound engineers, casting agents, and animators working in careful coordination so that the character on screen and the voice in the booth become, for the audience, a single living thing. The take that captures everything — and the direction that asks you to find something you didn’t know your voice could do.

This is a book about what voice actors actually do: the vocal technique they develop to create and sustain distinct characters across recording sessions that may span years, the performance instincts they sharpen to deliver emotional truth to a microphone without any of the physical tools a stage or screen actor relies on, the technical literacy they build to understand acoustics, recording equipment, and the home studio setup that has become essential to a working voice career, and the professional versatility they cultivate to move in a single afternoon from a children’s animated series to a video game villain to a corporate narration to an audiobook that runs twelve hours. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it gives back, and why the voice actors who do it say that the moment a character they created makes a child laugh, or gasp, or feel less alone — that moment, which happens invisibly, is worth everything.

Inside, young readers will discover:

  • What a real voice actor’s training and working life actually looks like — from vocal coaching to auditions to the booth to the finished project on screen
  • The science and technique of the voice — how it works, how it is trained, and what every voice actor must understand to use it with precision and protect it for a career
  • The full range of voice acting work — animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, dubbing, and narration — and what each demands of the performer
  • The history of voice performance and the legendary voices whose characters became part of the cultural fabric of childhood for generations
  • What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling


Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be A Voice Actor doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.

For readers who feel the pull toward something that lives entirely in sound — where imagination is the only special effect and the voice is the only instrument that matters. For the kid who gives every character a different voice, every story a different sound, every room they walk into a running inner performance — and feels right at home in the process.

Every character who ever made you feel something began as silence — and then a voice actor opened their mouth. Maybe the next unforgettable voice is yours.

Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated

Praise for this book

"Maya Angelou said, 'Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.' In So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Linda Soules, readers are invited into the creative and often surprising world of a voice actor. This children's book makes it clear that performers don't just 'do funny voices,' but instead think about who the character is and how they feel. It also explains the important role that tone, pitch, rhythm, and even breathing play in shaping a believable performance. Other sections highlight where voice actors work, the tools they use, and what a typical day might be like. In addition, another part discusses the fun and challenging aspects of the job. Toward the end, there's helpful information on famous voice actors, fun facts, ways to prepare for the job, and key vocabulary to better understand the field. So, are you ready to be a voice actor?

I really enjoyed So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Linda Soules. This is the second book in the series that I've read, and I was excited to see another career explained in such a thoughtful way. It was packed with information, but it never felt overwhelming. It actually got me thinking about how I read aloud to students and even brought back memories of my dad reading to my brother and me. Before starting this one, I hadn't given much thought to what a voice actor's day would be like, which often includes recording alone without other actors and taking care of their voices and throats. From an educator's perspective, this would be a great addition to a classroom library, especially during a careers unit, because it opens kids' eyes to a job they may not have considered before. The illustrations are so vibrant and lifelike. They will keep children engaged from beginning to end. My favorite is early on with the wizard — it really pulls you in. Overall, I think this is a fun (maybe even magical) read that even taught me something new. Fans of creative, behind-the-scenes books will love this detailed but enjoyable look at voice acting."

"So You Want To Be a Voice Actor is smart, encouraging nonfiction that talks to kids like they're already artists. It makes a creative career feel exciting, but it also shows the real work behind the 'funny voices,' which is exactly what makes it trustworthy.

This isn't a plot-driven book. It's more like an inviting behind-the-scenes walk into a recording booth. Linda Soules explains how voice actors build characters using pitch, pace, breath, and (most of all) genuine emotion, reminding readers that microphones 'hear everything.' The book's strongest moments feel like stories shared across the kitchen table: a teen reading four characters to a younger sibling, then hearing, 'I can see them.' That line lands, because it captures what kids already know from cartoons and bedtime books. Voices can make imaginary people feel real. As a parent, I loved how often it quietly nudges practice into everyday life: reading aloud, trying one sentence in five emotions, warming up your voice, and noticing how a smile changes sound.

Soules's style is clear and lyrical, with short sections that keep 10 to 12 year olds moving while still giving adults something to think about. The practical advice is solid, and the tone stays respectful. The heart of the book stays strong.

If you want a nonfiction read that builds confidence, creativity, and empathy, without talking down, this is an excellent choice. It's a sweet fit for family reading, and it may even turn your next bedtime story into a tiny, joyful voice-acting lesson."

"Not long ago, it seemed every kid wanted to be a nurse, a firefighter, or a teacher when asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. These days, children tend to dream about creative, tech‑driven, and high‑visibility careers. An influencer, game developer, or pro athlete might top their list. In So You Want To Be a Voice Actor, Linda Soules invites young audiences to consider a field that has shaped their lives without their even realizing it: voice acting. After all, what would our favorite animated film be without the skilled performances that bring the characters to life? And it’s difficult to imagine a commercial without the voice-overs that sell the product. Soules writes with a steady respect for her audience, pairing encouragement with a clear‑eyed look at the demands of the job so young readers can imagine a future that truly fits them. While it may not be a flashy career, working as a voice actor is certainly high-impact, and this beautifully illustrated guide might just inspire your child to pursue it.

With a natural flow and a clear sense of purpose, this thoughtful book walks readers through the fundamentals of voice acting. The text conveys a confidence that allows kids to take themselves seriously, even as beginners. Soules explains what the job entails, what working conditions are like, and who an artist might work with, even offering a helpful list of activities that give readers a small but genuine taste of the craft. With a perfect balance of practical detail and kid‑friendly clarity, this book is an excellent fit for any career-curious students, and is surprisingly engaging for those of us beyond that range! The illustrations are especially warm and inviting. Whether it’s the pop shield and acoustic panels found in a recording booth or a depiction of the wide range of characters an actor might voice, the artwork shows just how much care went into bringing these concepts to life. The result is a motivating, educational, and impressively well‑rounded introduction to a potentially overlooked option. Reframing an intriguing job that has touched our whole lives, but is rarely considered, So You Want To Be a Voice Actor is the book you wish you’d had as a kid, and one you’re glad to pass along to kids who might dream bigger because of it."

"This is a colorful and detailed book about a kid wanting to become a voice actor. It was an insightful book — I enjoyed it."

"I would highly recommend for a child showing potential or who becomes curious on how their favorite animated characters come to life."

"There was a LOT of information packed into a short book... very educational and interesting... and great artwork!"

"This probably has to be my favorite book in the series so far!"

"This book really blew my mind! I was amazed by its depth and the details that were included. It’s so descriptive that it makes you feel immersed in living with the profession of voice acting!!! The illustrations are PERFECT too!! This makes me want to see other similar books."

"This children's book is great for the child that is always bigger than life in personality. It breaks things down in a way that actually makes sense—what the job is really like, what goes into it, and what people don’t usually think about. It has beautiful images that go perfectly with the topic at hand. Short, informative, and straight to the point. Super beginner-friendly, especially if you’re just curious about voice acting or thinking about getting into it."

"I would highly recommend for a child showing potential or who becomes curious on how their favorite animated characters come to life. It is a wonderful introduction to what this job can entail. It is realistic about the work involved but also shows the positive aspects to the creative work that is done."

"This book goes into deep detail about all the things you do on a daily basis, the goods and bads of voice acting, and also gives you a lot of information that will help you not only start your career but also how to survive in this career."

"The whole book just put so much excitement into becoming a voice actor. The graphics are great and really help tell the 'story.' I always knew there was a lot behind being a voice actor, but this book did a great job at describing all that goes into it and it does seem like a very fun and rewarding career path."

"So You Want To Be A Voice Actor is such a fun and encouraging book for kids who dream about bringing characters to life. It does a great job explaining the world of voice acting in a way that’s easy to understand, while still being exciting and informative. Young readers will love learning about animation, video games, character voices, and the hard work talented performers put into their craft. The book is engaging, creative, and inspiring for kids who enjoy acting, storytelling, or using their imagination. A great read for any child curious about the entertainment world and the magic behind their favorite characters!"

"I originally wanted to check this item out because I was wanting to do my own voice over work for a project I am working on. This was actually very insightful for someone who has never done anything like this before, and gave really good tips for doing voice acting."

"Not only did I learn a lot of things from this book, it makes me wonder if I could do voice acting still! I love that the author comprehensively dives into a specific career, from what it is to what it entails skills wise. I didn't know that most voice actors record alone and it's just as physically taxing as on-screen actors. 'A day in the life' is a great intro to the career - no matter how enticing it seems on the outside you have to be able to withstand the boring/grueling parts that come with the job as well. I loved the fun facts session and learning about the actors/actresses that voiced my favorite shows and cartoons! This would make a great gift for any kid and there is a variety of careers in the series!"

"Soules says her books were written for the 10-14 age range; I picked up the book at 55 because numerous people have suggested I do audio book recordings. I am an avid reader and listener of books, a mom who read with voices to my children when they were little, and former teacher who had peers tell me to narrate as well when they heard my read-alouds to my classes. Oddly enough I've done one voice over for an online video for a college course. That didn't require changing my voice at all, but it gave me a feel for the production aspect. This book has wonderful guidance and take away tools even I can use if I decide to move forward with this career. The fun facts and famous voice actors sections were great information. Of those mentioned in the actors, I only knew of Mel Blanc. I'm planning to look up the others, especially Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson.

I wish this series was around when I was young and trying to decide my future profession!"

"This is a great book for anyone interested in becoming a voice actor. The book throughly explains the equipment used and the importance of the equipment, the work environment, as well as the dedication required to successfully execute. It also explains that it is the voice actor’s responsibility to ensure the audience understands the character’s mental and emotional state in the story being played out. I would recommend this book to teachers for classroom libraries. The information and illustrations would attract students while showing them the different careers available to them."

"As someone who's leaned into this line of work in the past, I can tell you that this book is a fantastic teaching tool for those interested into jumping into the voice-acting biz. Many great tips and tricks contained within - even some excellent techniques for training your voice - this one's a must have for sure."

"Linda Soules, So You Want To Be A Voice Actor, gives young readers an engaging and informative introduction to a career many children enjoy but rarely understand. Aimed at ages 10–14, this illustrated nonfiction guide goes above and beyond the idea of simply doing funny voices and explores the real skills, dedication, and creativity required to succeed as a voice actor.

Soules does an excellent job explaining how performers bring characters to life using only their voices. From animation and video games to audiobooks, commercials, and dubbing, the book provides a broad overview of the many paths available within the profession. Topics like vocal technique, breath control, recording technology, and character development are presented in a way that is easy for young readers to understand."

"We have loved each of these books. This one may have been my favorite! Every single one has been fun, educational, and entertaining. I love that it give kids a deeper look into careers and how to achieve something they might want to be in the future. Seriously read them!"

"I really liked how this book explained voice acting in a way that felt exciting and easy to understand. The examples and artwork made everything feel super creative, and it honestly made the job sound really interesting. It also showed how much emotion and effort actually goes into bringing characters to life."

"My kids and I are loving these kind of books so much. This isn't the first in the series we've read and they all have their own special information to absorb and learn. The voice acting was a great one to read as I feel like this type of work is an unknown for both adults and kids. The work that goes into creating the character and therefore the characters voice is astonishing. It sounds so much more involved than stage or film acting. The concept of the power in one's voice, and all the voice actor's who've done multiple voices, was really interesting to read about. After reading this, my kids went about reading books out loud in a whole new way, just from the tips offered in this, so it is very age appropriate for kids five and older to understand."

"This book left me feeling a little emotional. It tapped into my childhood in unexpected ways. As with other books in this series, the graphics are so well done and the content is well researched. But I find the most valuable page is near the end. A page that list additional books, websites, and organizations you might want to familiarize yourself with if this is a career path for you.

Great series for adults and kids."

"A lovely book describing what a voice actor actually is and what they do. It puts into perspective the hard work of the craft while still giving credence to the silly and fun elements as well. I imagine kids who want to follow this profession would really enjoy this book and its illustrations."

"So you want to be a voice actor by Linda Soules provides young people (10-14) an honest look at one of entertainment's most creative career paths and offers a behind-the-scenes look into how a voice actor can achieve success in a profession built upon discipline, creativity, technical skill and years of training. Not just about doing funny voices, the author shows readers how pitch, pace, breath and rhythm combine to bring imaginary characters to life as if they were real. Soules introduces readers to those individuals responsible for directing, engineering sound and animating, all working in concert. This book covers areas such as animation, video games, audio books, commercials, and dubbing. It will help readers understand what is expected of a performer in these various fields. The use of vibrant illustrations combined with a clear and poetic writing style ensures that the reader will be able to absorb the information without feeling overwhelmed. Therefore, for the child who has always given each character their own voice, this is a trust-worthy and insightful read."

"I was impressed with the depth of this book. It really gives kids an honest look at what it would take to become a voice actor. If you have a kid that loves to make up voices for characters, this is an excellent guide for what to expect going into that field. It makes me want to check out the other books in the series, too. I always wanted to be a voice actor growing up, and I wish I had something like this to show me that it was possible to follow that through. I liked the 'day in the life of' points and the historic look into famous voice actors and the contributions they made to the art. A great introduction book for kids, hands down."

"If your kid has ever given the family dog three different character voices before breakfast, this book is basically their destiny calling with the guidance and resources to get them on their soul's path. This book spills the real tea on voice acting, reminding young readers that it’s not just about doing silly voices in the shower. The author does a remarkable job breaking down every detail how pitch, pace, breath, and rhythm work together to turn imaginary characters into fully alive, emotionally unstable cartoon icons. While reading I could visually see Robin Williams in my head doing the voice of the genie from Aladdin. The author introduces the behind‑the‑scenes heroes—directors, sound engineers, animators—aka the squad that makes sure everything sounds magical instead of like someone recording in a broom closet. Yet she mentions that some at home recording studios are actually in a home closet! The artwork is beautiful and inspires excitement and many other emotions in perfect harmony with well written content that has been extensively researched and includes resources for kids (and adults wanting a career change!) On how to get started and where to find more information. I would definitely recommend reading this author's other books in this series on animation and related career fields to get a holistic view of career choices."

"This book holds special overlaps with my own experience as a trans woman who does daily vocal practice, and as someone who desperately wanted to be a voice actor when I was young and didn't know where to begin. I very much wish that I had this book when I was a child. All the techniques and terms one needs to hit the ground running are laid out in clear and concise ways. The text is full of inspiration and other role models who are famous in the industry. Voice acting is treated as a serious art form, something worthy of a great deal of respect and deference. And it does a very good job prepping the reader for what to expect and how to begin training right away."

"I loved this book so much. From a child, I always wanted to be a voice actor and to see it in this book explaining what it takes and the work people put it into making you think the character is real is amazing. I love the timestamps of the day in the life and the real life voice actors like Tara Strong who has voiced many character through the years. Very good read for you or your kids!"

"This is the second that I have read in her series and I loved it as much as the first one. I'm a retired teacher, so I'm always interested in children's books. The author goes in-depth and really explores what it takes to be a successful voice actor. As before, the illustrations are fabulous and along with the flow of ideas, reading this book was interesting and enjoyable. Even as an adult, I had a better understanding of the dedication and effort that goes into this occupation. She also included information on famous voice actors, as well as a glossary and a list of resources at the end. I highly recommend this series for any classroom or home."

"This book was so much fun to read! Learning about what voice actors do was interesting and informative. Topics include what exactly a voice actor does, fun facts, famous voice actors in history, what a day in the life looks like, qualities needed, the best and hardest parts of the job, and much, much more. Anyone who has ever read a book aloud in different voices, or who has wondered who the people are behind favorite animated characters, will enjoy and learn so much from this book!"

"What a fun, entertaining and educational book rolled into one. How to be a voice actor got me excited about this type of job! The descriptions of what equipment needed along with examples of using your body (even though no one can see it!) to help exude 'real emotion.'

I love the description of how the voice actor draws the audience in with their instrument! This is so true, I know the voice in animation can make or break my attention.

I enjoyed learning about all the components of a voice actor, including illustrator and animator, other roles like the director all who have an integral role in a final product.

I enjoyed the book itself and the explanations, examples of real life voice actors, pictures and easy to follow the pattern of 'So You Want To Be A…' series."

"Awesome book and career I never thought about. This shows how voice actors use their imagination to become a new character. It involves changing pitch and tone, along with expressing yourself to become the character you are portraying. Drink lots of water as your voice gets tired! It's just you, your script, microphone and headset, and booth! Watch your character come alive!"

"I remember Saturday mornings with a bowl of cereal, watching cartoons. Some characters I can still hear in my mind. Same with animated films. It is interesting to find out the background of these performances. How the different characters came to be. This book shows how building these characters, their distinct voices, is accomplished. A different kind of career path for budding actors and performers."

"The pictures are amazing! This book gives a detailed description on what voice actors do and how they do it. It gives recommendations on how to start performing as a voice actor."

"A must read for children interested in voice acting. This book details the life of a voice actor emphasizing that voice acting cannot be faked. Also highlights the achievements of various voice actors whom we never know their name but definitely know the character they portray."

"What pushed this book from a 4 to a 5 for me was the resources at the end. Additional suggested research or books, websites, organizations. That type of info paired with what the job looks like, what a day in the life is like, how to prepare yourself. It’s a lot of great info to encourage a child or person wanting to explore this career."

"​Linda Soules takes young readers behind the scenes of voice acting. She shows that the job takes real practice and emotion, not just funny voices. Kids will learn what it’s like to record for cartoons, video games, commercials, and audiobooks."

"If there's a child in your life that has ever dreamed of becoming a voice actor this is the book for them! It's an easy, encouraging read and is packed with practical advice for beginners. It breaks down the voice acting industry without being overwhelming and motivates the reader to practice and develop their own unique voices. It's definitely an enjoyable and helpful introduction that leaves you excited to learn more."

"This was very insightful. I appreciate the glossary of important terms and the tips to get started. The pictures really have a life of their own!"

"I always thought voice acting was more about the voice than anything else. This book goes into so much more than that. It also goes into what day would be like as a voice actor and the others involved. It is a short read, but it gives you enough information to decide if you want to learn more."

"*So You Want To Be A Voice Actor* by Linda Soules is an informative and engaging introduction to the world of voice acting for young readers. While many people think voice acting is simply about creating funny voices, this book shows that the profession requires practice, creativity, training, and dedication.

One of the things I appreciated most was how the book explains the many different areas where voice actors work, including animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, and dubbing. It also introduces readers to the many professionals behind the scenes, such as directors, sound engineers, and animators, helping young aspiring performers understand that voice acting is part of a much larger creative process.

The book does a great job explaining that voice acting involves more than speaking into a microphone. Just like singers and other performers, voice actors often train their voices and learn techniques to bring characters to life. I enjoyed the discussion about how actors use facial expressions, gestures, and body language during recordings, even though audiences never see them. Those details help show how much work goes into creating believable characters.

The colorful illustrations and easy-to-follow writing make the information accessible without feeling overwhelming. Linda Soules presents the material in a way that is educational but also fun and inspiring. Overall, this is an excellent resource for readers ages 10–14 who are curious about voice acting and want a realistic look at what the career involves. It's both informative and encouraging, making it a great starting point for future performers."

"Not only did I learn a lot of things from this book, it makes me wonder if I could do voice acting still! I love that the author comprehensively dives into a specific career, from what it is to what it entails skills wise. I didn't know that most voice actors record alone and it's just as physically taxing as on-screen actors. "A day in the life" is a great intro to the career - no matter how enticing it seems on the outside you have to be able to withstand the boring/grueling parts that come with the job as well. I loved the fun facts session and learning about the actors/actresses that voiced my favorite shows and cartoons! This would make a great gift for any kid and there is a variety of careers in the series!"

"After reading So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Linda Saltz, I learned that voice acting is much more than just reading lines into a microphone. Before reading this book, I thought voice actors mostly needed a good voice, but I realized they also need acting skills, creativity, confidence, and a lot of practice. The author does a good job of explaining what the job is really like and what it takes to succeed.

One thing I liked about the book is that it was easy to read and understand. It didn’t use a lot of confusing language, so I felt like I was learning from someone who really wanted to help beginners. I also enjoyed learning about the different types of voice-over work, like commercials, cartoons, video games, and audiobooks. I never realized there were so many opportunities in this field.

What stood out to me the most was how much hard work goes into becoming a voice actor. The book made it clear that talent alone isn’t enough. You have to keep practicing, be willing to take feedback, and stay determined even when you don’t get every job. I liked that the author was honest about the challenges instead of making the career sound easy.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a better understanding of a career that I didn’t know much about before. Even though I don’t plan on becoming a voice actor, I found it interesting to learn what happens behind the scenes and how much effort it takes to bring characters and stories to life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about voice acting or wants to learn more about the entertainment industry."

"This is an engaging and informative introduction to the exciting world of voice acting. This book does a fantastic job of explaining how voice actors bring animated characters and video game heroes to life in a way that is easy for kids to understand and enjoy.

The author combines fun facts, practical advice, and behind-the-scenes insights to keep young readers interested from beginning to end. Whether your child dreams of working in animation, video games, or simply loves performing, this book offers inspiration and valuable knowledge about the skills and creativity involved in voice acting.

The writing is clear, entertaining, and encouraging, making it a perfect choice for aspiring performers. Highly recommended for kids who are curious about the entertainment industry and want to learn more about the talented people behind their favorite characters!"

"I really enjoyed this book. It gives a nice look at what voice actors do and the skills they need. The book has helpful tips and interesting examples. It’s good for anyone who wants to learn about voice acting."

"My kids and I are really enjoying this series. I appreciate how they dig into the good, and challenging parts of each profession. In this case it was interesting to consider acting along, imagination, and vocal fatigue. These are a good way to start the career conversation."

"This book teaches kids how the voices in cartoons, TV shows and even games are made. How the actors use their voices to make the characters seem more real so they may may make their voices sound like robots, animals, children, deeper voices or high pitched. It also explains what happens in a recording studio and how the voices get added to the shows and games."

"The writing is so that it could be read by either a child wanting to learn, or an adult. It is the perfect amount of explanation about the career itself. And what goes into the job every day."

"I really enjoyed this book; it helped me a lot with vocal techniques. How to train my voice and how to act, etc. What stood out to be is the most important part about voice acting. Like living outside the character, physical voice versatility, and creating consistency across seasons. Another thing I appreciated was that the author made the topic fun while still teaching useful skills. The examples were simple enough for beginners to follow, and the bool encouraged creativity and practice rather than making voice acting seem impossible. Overall, I think this is a great beginner's guide for anyone curious about voice acting. This definitely helped me because I would love to do voice acting, and this book just helped me learn how to."

"This was a fun read! All my life since I was a young child, I watched all kinds of shows including cartoons. It so cool to read about the characteristics of voice actors and how all these characters that grew up with was voiced by a person with extreme talent. Voice actors must have a busy, fun, and imaginative career. Even people who read books either out loud or to an audience, have a voice when they read what characters say. Even though it sounds like a voice actor has fun doing their jobs, there needs to be some kind of raw talent present. Anyone could be a voice actor including a child. A lot of the Pixar and Disney movies actually use child actors. Sometimes you don’t know who actually voiced a character because their voice sounds nothing like the actual character voice. For example, the person who voices Bart Simpson is a woman. She just has the ability to sound like a young child. That’s so interesting. You never know what voice can actually come out of someone and then relays to a specific character."

"This exceptional guide is a total game-changer for young performers dreaming of bringing cartoon, video game, and animated characters to life! Packed with colorful illustrations and clear, step-by-step advice, it breaks down the art of voice acting into actionable, exciting lessons, including tools of the trade. Parents will love the nod to voice actors of the past like Mel Blanc, while kids will be utterly captivated by what a day in the life of a voice actors entails. The author’s energetic and encouraging tone turns what could be an intimidating industry into an accessible, creative playground, empowering young artists to build genuine confidence, sharpen their reading fluency, and express themselves authentically through the power of their unique voices."

"So You Want To Be A Voice Actor by Linda Soules is an enjoyable and informative introduction to a career that many children may have heard about without really understanding what it involves. What I liked most about the book is that it does not make voice acting seem like simply making funny voices. Instead, it shows how much imagination, preparation, control, and emotion are needed to make a character believable when the performer may only have a microphone and a script.

One of the parts that stood out to me was the explanation of how a voice actor can create a character using things such as pitch, pace, breath, rhythm, and emotion. I found this especially interesting because it made me think differently about animated characters that I have heard many times. We usually see the finished character on a screen and forget that there is a real person behind the voice making that character feel alive. The book explains that a voice can communicate personality and emotion even when the actor’s face and body cannot be seen.

I also enjoyed the discussion of what a voice actor’s workday can look like. The idea that someone could spend time recording, repeating lines, making adjustments, and working with directors and sound professionals gave me a better understanding of how much patience the job requires. I particularly liked learning that voice actors can work in animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, and dubbing. It shows that the career has more opportunities than I originally thought.

Another thing I appreciated was the emphasis on practice. The book encourages young readers to experiment with their voices and use ordinary activities such as reading aloud as opportunities to develop their skills. That made the career feel more accessible. Instead of making it seem as though someone has to be born with an amazing voice, the book explains that skills can be developed through practice and learning.

The illustrations also add a lot to the reading experience. They make the information more visually interesting and help bring the recording environment and different examples to life. I think this is particularly helpful for younger readers who may find a career guide easier to follow when the information is supported by pictures.

Linda Soules’s writing style is clear, encouraging, and easy to follow. The short sections make it possible to learn something new without feeling overwhelmed by too much information at once. I also liked the glossary because it gives readers a useful introduction to terminology they may encounter if they become interested in voice acting.

Overall, I thought this was a thoughtful career guide that goes beyond the surface of the profession. It shows both the creative and hardworking sides of voice acting and encourages young readers to explore their own imagination and abilities. I would recommend it to children who enjoy acting, cartoons, video games, storytelling, or simply experimenting with different voices."

"This is a great story that will teach kids about a different career path than what you typically hear about. Voice acting is a super fun part of movies and shows that people often overlook. Kids can read this book and learn how people actually use timing and scripts to make their cartoon characters come to life. Animation is one section discussed and reading how you work with a director to match your voice to the animated characters face is very interesting. It gives young readers more ideas about who they can be when they grow up."

"This is a very fun read for any kid who wants to be a voice actor, or that may really enjoy cartoons and silly voices. This book starts off explaining what a voice actor does and what exactly the job is, drawing in the reader. Then there are different chapters explaining different aspects of the job, where you may work, and even the best and worst aspects. This book is also full of colorful and fun illustrations."

"This was a great insight of the role, responsibilities, and day of a voice actor. We only hear the voices through the shows that they worked on, but this goes behind the show, into the studio. As a person who has wanted to be a voice actor, this was eye opening and gave me more confidence in trying this out."

"I think this is one of the best of the 'So You Want To Be' series of books. As with the other books, this one is jam-packed with info for kids that are interested in being a voice actor. It's also good to give kids a behind the scenes look at what goes into creating animated shows and how actors connect with an audience. Author Linda Soules really did her homework with what it takes to be a voice actor from the way to work on controlling your voice with more emotion to acting with your full body, not just your voice, to convey different feelings. This book really gives a good sense of not just what it takes to be a voice actor, but the different people that you will work with, and gives a breakdown of what may be a day in the life of a voice actor. She also points to some legendary voice actors from the past and present. Definitely a good selection for kids and parents. This can be read to younger kids and older kids can read it on their own, but I suggest parents follow along."

"I've wondered about voice acting. The talents and skills that are needed to be successful. This book did a great job at describing how much work goes into being a voice actor. The language and illustrations used will definitely keep any reader interested and educate them along the way."

"Could you do it? This book brings up some thought provoking questions and shows you a side of voice acting that you’ve never thought of. Lots of good information about the animated characters we see on the screen."

"This book is written clearly and succinctly, with colorful illustrations that enhance the message. The author uses language that is fairly easy to understand. She also uses section titles under which she breaks down the profession of voice acting. Throughout the book the author impresses upon the reader how voice acting is a profession where you are mostly working by yourself. Yes, there is a director present during the recording of a scene, but you would be in the recording booth on your own using your voice and body to bring the character to life. She also stresses how important it is to look after your voice as it is the main instrument for your work. Towards the end of the book, the author introduces voice actors who have created some very famous characters such as Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird to name a couple. And at the end of the book she provides some resources that the reader might want to avail themselves of in order to help guide them to a career in voice acting. All in all, it is a good guide to voice acting."

"What a great book! This book teaches you all the wonderful things you need to learn and practice to become the best possible reader, and voice actor. You will learn how to use different parts of your body to get into character, how to use your imagination and how to bring the character to life through your own voice. This is great book for anyone that has a child looking into acting, plays, theatre, public speaking or just loves to read and make the story come to life. Highly recommend."

"So You Want to Be a Voice Actor is the book I wish I had 6 months ago. It’s practical, detailed, and honest without being discouraging. Linda Soules treats you like a professional from page 1. I’ve now built my first demo, set up a basic home booth, and started auditioning on 2 sites. I’m not booking yet, but I know exactly what to do next because of this book. If you’re serious about voice acting and not just saying it, buy this. Read it with a highlighter. Do the exercises. Then get to work. You can never go wrong with a buy like this one its perfect because it's not just for kids it's for adults too. It helps to show our kids not they are not just limited to just being teachers, doctors etc. Linda Soules invites young audiences to consider a field that has shaped their lives without their even realizing it and chose it to stand out."

"Really solid guide that skips the fluff and gets straight to what the job actually entails. The tips on vocal warm-ups and using body posture to change your tone were immediate takeaways for me. Super helpful resource!"

"Must read book for the kid that want to know what it's all about. My granddaughter has several things in mind when contemplating what she wants to be when she grows up. Her latest idea is voice acting. Of course, Grandma got the book, and we read it together. She asked questions, she tried out her different voices and emotions. She put herself in the role and smiled when she was done. She's still contemplating being a voice actor. Great books for kids who have an idea of what they want to be when they grow up!!"

"I could not stop reading this book! I am a mature adult and I appreciate a good book. However, my thinking this was just for children or young adult was so wrong!

This book gives a deep inside into voice acting most of as over looked. Not only that, it gives you history lesson on famouse voice actors as well!

Luv the illustration! Well done to go with each page.

This book is not just for young ones, but for everyone!"