CRAZY JACK

This retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk" is quite long and drawn out. However, Robert Ramirez's narration keeps the story flowing better than a visual reading would undoubtedly do. Despite this, the small cast of the story underuses the narrator's varied reading skills. The giant probably gives him his best opportunity to showcase his talent, but unfortunately that giant is a rather minor character! The title is worth adding to most collections because it is unique for its kind and Napoli has collected numerous awards. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]