DEAR DEL

Prince has a knack for creating flawed but lovable characters. In this title, Fran lives on a Scottish island. She's delighted when her mother signs up the family to take an inner city child for a one-week visit. But when Del arrives, she's not what Fran expects, and there are many mishaps as the girls and the entire family build a strong bond. Narrator Lisa Coleman introduces each character and bestows the perfect voice to match personality and background. She combines just the right ingredients to portray parents, a mentally challenged brother, and the girls' evolving relationship. Younger girls will particularly enjoy this well-presented story, which speaks to all ages. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]