WILL YOU SIGN HERE, JOHN HANCOCK?

This lively book brings history to children by shedding light on one of our nation’s Founding Fathers, who turns out to be quite a character. Listeners will enjoy learning about the slightly narcissistic Hancock, who wants everybody to like and admire him. Fritz has done a great job capturing Hancock’s humanity, and narrator Jeff Brooks does everything to get this quirky personality across, reading with just the right droll tones and brief pauses that will help listeners hear when the joke’s on John. Brooks’s efforts are enhanced by the illustrations of Trina Schart Hyman, whose detailed pictures capture the spirit of the man and the times in which he lived. A pleasurable way to learn history indeed! J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]