OLIVER

Oliver the elephant wants to join the circus, but there's no place for him. Beginning readers will enjoy this "I Can Read Book" with its charming pictures and story. (Author Syd Hoff is best known for DANNY AND THE DINOSAUR.) Adult listeners may wish that the narrator had chosen a slightly less goofy voice for Oliver and may find the chorus of children's voices that occasionally chimes in tinny and strange. But most young readers will focus on the cheerful, funny pictures that bring the words alive and the upbeat ending of how Oliver finds his special place in the world. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]