NANCY DREW: SPACE CASE

[Editor's Note: This is a combined review with NANCY DREW: SAND CASTLE MYSTERY.]--In these two stories, Jack and Annie travel on magical adventures. The first story is set in long-ago Venice during the time of the carnival. Following clues from Merlin's rhyme, the two help save the city from a flood. In the second story, they travel to ancient Baghdad, where they fight sandstorms, ride camels, and protect a mysterious box. Osborne has a distinctively careful, soft voice that most children will to love (though some adults may find Annie's girlish voice reminiscent of Georgette's from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"). The author paces her reading well, though, and children will appreciate how much she seems to enjoy sharing her informative, imaginative tales with children. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]