ERETH'S BIRTHDAY

Avi's engaging titles about the creatures of Dimwood Forest continue as Ereth the Porcupine sets out to find himself a birthday present. A ramble toward the human world leads to suspenseful adventure, from snowstorm to steel trap to fox's den. Little does he know he will find, not salt, but friendship. John McDonough is the perfect narrator for the gruff and prickly Ereth, who does not know how to be close to the kits he is tending. Each of Ereth's endearing and exasperating epithets is underscored by great bluster and a twinkle, I'm sure, in McDonough's eye. McDonough brings personality to the supporting characters--calculating Marty the Fisher; self-centered Bounder, the kits' father; and the bouncy Flip, Tumble, and Nimble. Listeners will be charmed. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]