Author/actor/doting uncle Drachman (Leo the Lightning Bug
) has created a book-and-audio series as an answer to providing unique gifts to his young nieces and nephews. On It's Me!
Drachman narrates the tale of Patricia, a preschooler with a big imagination and a penchant for dress up. Patricia appears to her family as a princess, witch, a Little Mommy and finally a girl named Patricia. Everyone indulges her—except for the seemingly know-it-all brother, Danny. The role of Patricia, played beautifully by Drachman's real-life cousin Siva, will strike a chord of familiarity with young listeners and plenty of parents/caregivers. Humorous sound effects and Drachman's rich, friendly voice and playful storytelling style (which includes additional recorded introductions to the stories) make this a welcome entry to the genre. A third volume in the line, Ellison the Elephant
, about an elephant who learns to play jazz on his trunk, also by Drachman and illustrated by James Muscarello, has been released simultaneously. Ages 4-8. (Dec. 2004)
