THE NIGHT GARDENER

This ghost story, set in Victorian England, is rich with memorable characters, which narrator Beverley Crick splendidly brings to life. Poor Irish orphans Molly and Kip are making their way around the country, looking for work with their tired, old horse and rickety wagon. Crick dynamically renders 14-year-old Molly, a sublime storyteller, as well as her lively, smart younger brother. They eventually find work with the Windsor family, who live in a decayed mansion that is cursed. Crick sounds genuine as the snobbish wealthy family members, and her best creation is Hester, a wise and wily witch who teaches the kids valuable lessons. Young listeners will be entranced. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2015]