SNOW VALENTINES

Harry and his younger sister, Emily, are facing the annual dilemma of many children--what to give Mom and Dad for Valentine's Day. They come up with several possibilities, like a song (until dad asks what's all that screeching), or a dance (and mom asks what's all that thumping), and can't think of anything original, until a fresh snowfall saves the day. Although Suzanne Toren's tone is bright and cheerful, and her reading is clear and cleanly enunciated, her pacing--without the accompaniment of the illustrations--is too slow. Add to that a predictable plot, and the entire production falls short. W.L.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]