THE BAGTHORPES Ordinary Jack

Poor Jack. His entire family is smart, athletic, talented, and confident--except him. After his little sister out-swims him, he begs Uncle Parker to help him excel at something--anything. Narrator Clive Mantle's presentation makes this eccentric but lovable family even more hilarious. As wordplay, puns, and insults fly, Mantle not only anticipates them, but also enriches the Bagthorpes' sly conversations as members of the family seek to outshine each other. Eventually, Uncle Parker's plan to make Jack a prophet sets off an unexpected chain of events. Mantle's skill maintains listeners' attention and belief despite a funny but far-fetched idea. Pure fun. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]