THE TALE OF NOTTINGSWOOD

J.R. Young splendidly narrates his dystopian novelette in rhyme, which has been compared to a blend of Dr. Seuss and Tim Burton. The town of Nottingswood built a wall to shut out the world and its unwanted influences. Young splendidly conveys the warm relationship of the town's guards, "humdumly" Sister and "huhumly" Brother, who are otherwise nameless. Things change when they hear the plaintive cries of a baby on the other side of the wall and want to help it. Listeners will cheer as Brother and Sister embrace the outside world when they leave to find lilyfruit to feed the child. The audio format is ideal for the brisk wordplay, and Young keeps the rhythm flowing smoothly. Clever verbal sound effects signify the crumbling of the wall as Nottingswood's residents finally gain their freedom. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2015]