IRIS AND WALTER: THE SCHOOL PLAY

Iris and Walter are thrilled when each gets a part in the school play about bugs, but Iris is ill on the day of the performance and doesn't get to say her three lines as the cricket. Barbara McCulloh, who has done a fine job narrating this series, shines again as she chronicles the challenges of the theater, such as memorization and coping with stage fright. Her compassionate reading also conveys insight into how deeply children feel even small disappointments, as well as what friends and family can do to help them feel better. McCulloh reads carefully and with a deliberate pace that allows early readers to follow along. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]