GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY

How important is the narrator's pacing in this Caldecott Medal-winning recording! BD Wong provides time to pore over Allen Say's breathtaking illustrations and to reflect on his poignant thoughts. Wong's gentle voice settles into the background, letting the family portraits and landscapes speak to the push and pull of life in Japan and America and to the similarities between generations. Music and sound effects underscore the story and move the listener from one panoramic scene to the next. An interview with author Say himself is included. It’s always a treat to hear the creator's voice and to gain insight into his life and work. Subsequent listening to the story brings greater appreciation. A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]