THE TALE OF HOLLY HOW

Beatrix Potter, children's book author and amateur sleuth, visits her beloved farm and discovers the body of her shepherd. With help from various villagers she tries to sort things out. Meanwhile, the local animals, who talk to each other but can't be heard by humans, are contending with illegal badger baiting. Virginia Leishman gets all the voices and inflections right. From imperious Lady Longford, who wants to foist an unknown teacher on the local school, to devious Mademoiselle Martine, governess to the Lady's orphaned granddaughter, Caroline, to spunky Caroline herself, Leishman leaves no doubt as to who the heroes and villains are. Add the ble-e-e-ating sheep and Galileo Newton Owl, who is "toooooo" delightful, and you have an audio as charming as Potter's books. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]