Children's Audio/Video
-- Publishers Weekly, 3/20/2006
Click here to read Web-exclusive reviews for Children's Illustrated and Fiction booksBoxed and starred reviews indicate books of outstanding quality. Boxed, unstarred reviews indicate books of special interest.
Spoken Word
The Miraculous Journey of Edward TulaneKate DiCamillo, read by Judith Ivey. Listening Library, unabridged, two CDs, two hours, $19.95 ISBN 0-307-24593-4
Equal parts fantasy and old-fashioned heart-tugger, DiCamillo's (Because of Winn-Dixie) timeless tale about the adventures of a china rabbit proves fine material for family listening in the capable hands of actress Ivey, who brings deeper hues of emotion to an already colorfully original script. China rabbit Edward Tulane is a dapper, rather full-of-himself fellow, never appreciating the love heaped on him by his 10-year-old owner Abilene. But when Edward is tossed overboard during a trans-Atlantic voyage with Abilene's family, he discovers that his own complicated journey is just beginning. Ivey provides a stalwart, straightforward narration and additionally proves an agile player, delivering the accents and voices of the variegated cast that drifts in and out of Edward's life. As Ivey brings Edward's travels full circle, listeners will wholly believe his subtle yet magical transformation. Ages 7-up. (Feb.)
Ulysses Moore: The Door to TimeUlysses Moore, read by Michael Page. Brilliance Audio, unabridged, four CDs, four hours, $24.95 ISBN 1-4233-1318-6
Young listeners looking for a mysterious, slightly spooky adventure will have no qualms about following Page's assured lead into this fast-paced story, the first in a series. Kids will be sucked in by the initial tracks here, on which American editor Michael Merryweather has supposedly left an answering machine message for the publisher describing his dangerous efforts to find the elusive works of British author Ulysses Moore. The tale that follows is purportedly the translation of a Moore manuscript that appeared on Merryweather's doorstep, and was written in code. Eleven-year-old twins Julia and Jason Covenant and their family move into a mansion on the wild southwest coast of England and soon learn there's more to the estate—which was formerly owned by eccentric Ulysses Moore—than they had ever expected. Julia, Jason and their new friend Rick do some exploring and come upon doors and passageways with unknown secrets, surprises (and dangers?) lurking behind them. This set-up is a perfect dose of intrigue for listeners, and Page gives the proceedings just the right suspenseful-yet-inviting tone. Ages 10-up. (Jan.)
The Wall and the WingLaura Ruby, read by Renée Raudman. Brilliance Audio, unabridged, seven CDs, eight hours, $29.95 ISBN 1-4233-0543-4
InRuby's quirky and compelling fantasy, the standouts are a strange, cat-collecting professor who consults a creepy "answer hand" that he purchased on eBay, and an orphan called Gurl who can turn invisible, in a futuristic New York City (where people can fly). Raudman, with a velvety, confident voice, does a fine job of characterizing the rest of the oddball group, too, including a gangster named Sweetcheeks Grabowski, a rat man, a monster with a zipper face and an orphan boy named Bug with whom Gurl tries to outrun all the villains who want to exploit her power. Listeners may have some initial difficulty keeping this beefy cast straight. But those who stick with it will be rewarded by a memorable, brisk-moving outing peppered with bits of humor. Ages 11-up. (Mar.)
Music
Spin Your WebMary Kaye. Mary Kaye Music (www.marykayemusic.com), CD, $15
On this hearty collection of original kids' songs, Maine-based Kaye lures listeners with a catchy, predominantly folk-rock sound and then introduces them to a crew of distinctive characters via her story-like lyrics. B.B. Dickinson, for example, is the "super girl detective!/ Magnifying glass.../ Always in her hand" in the song that bears her name. While the music, skillfully performed by 16 musicians from Kaye's New England neck of the woods, and bright vocals have a globe-spanning sophistication that adults will appreciate, the words here are often great fun. Kaye ably relates the emotions of a child discovering the movements of her shadow or, on the swaying, reggae-esque "Child" a parent's joyful wishes for "my beautiful child." Goofy onomatopoeia reigns on "The Skeleton Song," about a bony Halloween concert, and in the calls of "suey!" on "Pig Party." And rarely has a kids' song captured the feelings of boredom and frustration in such an entertaining arrangement as "Waiting." Ages 1-8. (Feb.)
Rock Your Socks OffCharity and the JAMband. Charity and the JAMBand (www.jamjamjam.com), CD $15
Largely living up to the promise of its title, this second album from San Francisco musician Charity Kahn and company, offers 13 original, family- friendly and fun-to-dance-to songs. Kahn's clear voice sometimes sounds like artist Jill Sobule, but it has an emotional, yodelly catch, and a sassy confidence all its own. Backed by fine players and vibrant harmonies on some infectious choruses, Kahn delivers an eclectic menu sure to please. "Towel Tango" features the appropriate beat, lyrical instructions "slow, slow, quick, quick switch," and fun sound effects that will have listeners looking for a dance floor partner. Kids join in on the almost tribal call of "We Need Mud," replete with strong drumming, and the equally kid-like verses of "Cake" will have some listeners ready for a snack. For anyone who doubts that the nursery rhyme "Ring Around the Rosie" has potential as a slightly gritty, jam-worthy rock number, check out the stellar "Partner Dance." All ages. (Feb.)
Every Day Is a BirthdayBrady Rymer. Bumblin' Bee Records (www.bradyrymer.com), CD $15
Alt-folkie/rocker Rymerreturns with his fourth kids' recording, a musical party worthy of a birthday, or any day when good times are on the agenda. Humor and a positive attitude (but no platitudes!) shine through Rymer's crisp guitar playing and warm, rootsy vocals. To hear Rymer sing it, simply being a kid never sounded so good: he sings about going on a "Full Moon Walk," getting tickled on "Little Sacka Sugar," being comforted by a "Mama Hug" and heading off to catch some fish on "Instead of Watching My TV." As a bonus that's perfect for an actual birthday party, Rymer includes karaoke versions here, as well as a musical listen-and-match activity. All ages. (Feb.)
