THE PEONIES Summer in the City

Carly Mazer exuberantly depicts the last summer of two best friends before one of them moves away. Listeners meet dynamic, chatty Esme and quiet, thoughtful Poppy before Esme leaves New York City for California. Mazer portrays the girls with distinct personalities as they begin a dog-walking business--the dogs being delightful characters in themselves--in order to purchase matching necklaces as tokens of their friendship. The charming girls meet a wonderful variety of well-presented people, including a classy Englishman, as well as gay and elderly people they treat with kindness. Mazer's delivery of realistically girlish voices enhances the story. Engaging glimpses of family life, divorce, a misunderstanding believably settled, and long-distance friendship should inspire young listeners. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2024]