MARC BROWN’S ARTHUR CHAPTER BOOKS Volume 4

[Editor’s Note: The following is a combined review with MARC BROWN’S ARTHUR CHAPTER BOOKS: Vol. 3.]--Arthur picture books provide interesting and realistic problems for Arthur and his friends to solve; Arthur chapter books follow the same concept, but come across as decidedly more didactic. No kid could miss these messages. Mark Linn-Baker more than adequately portrays Arthur and his friends, although some are better than others--Binky, Buster, and Arthur have consistent, individual voices; Muffy, Sue Ellen, and Francine are harder to differentiate, and not consistent. In the audiobook format, these stories offer the opportunity for new independent readers to practice their reading skills and comprehension at their own pace. W.L.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]