THE CASTLE CORONA

From its opening lines--"Long ago and far away . . ."--listeners know they'll be treated to another beguiling tale by Sharon Creech. The story is populated by a spoiled royal family, two wise hermits who keep the family from being too shallow, and two peasant children who (at last) bring curiosity and introspection to the self-indulgent castle. Although the story may play out too slowly for some young listeners, Jennifer Wiltsie's narration perfectly matches the languid pace of the tale. Wiltsie carefully and skillfully finds each nuance of humor and irony in the evolution of the royal family. The varied voices of the servants who gently bring about this evolution will be the listeners' primary joy. K.C. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]