HORRIBLE HARRY AND THE PURPLE PEOPLE

Second grade is drawing to a close, and the class is planning a tea party as they finish a read-aloud of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. As Harry listens, he becomes certain there are invisible purple people in the classroom and sets out to convince his classmates and teacher. True to character, he first exaggerates and then demonstrates the amazing capabilities of those purple people. Johnny Heller's skillful narration captures the youth and energy of Harry and each of his friends--imperious Mary, calm Song Lee, and Doug, who is eager but also coolly detached as narrator. Heller paces the story with well-placed extended pauses, which heighten the anticipation of the next bit of nonsense. Young listeners will enjoy guessing what's going to happen next. A.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]