LEFT SHOE AND THE FOUNDLING

A comforting soundscape of gentle waves begins this fantasy. In chimes the voice of author-narrator Annie O'Dowd, with her calming Australian accent. These are some of the good points in this fantasy about a lonely, young sea dog who lives hidden at the sea's edge and faces ocean threats like storms, blue whales, and giant squid. But the story is melodramatic, patronizing, preachy, and full of the passive voice. O'Dowd reads with enthusiasm, and you sense her passion for her work. Unfortunately, neither her energy nor the story's cheery musical refrain and sound effects can rescue the tale. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2008]