THE CALLAHAN COUSINS: SUMMER BEGINS

This charming, old-fashioned girl's story is perfectly suited to put young listeners in the mood for summer vacation. Four 12-year-old cousins follow the family tradition of having a parentless summer on Gulf Island, off the coast of Maine, where they stay with their grandmother. Stina Nielson manages each girl's distinctive personality skillfully and does an especially convincing Irish accent for cousin Neeve. A subplot of the book has the cousins in a rivalry with another family to plant a flag on an island, but mainly this is a story about sailing, swimming, picnicking, and comradeship. Nielsen conveys this upbeat and cheery story with subdued enthusiasm that is a perfect fit. D.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]