THOMAS TREW AND THE HIDDEN PEOPLE

Sophie Masson's gently eccentric story is brought to life in Andrew Sachs's quirky and perfectly nuanced narration. The story traces 9-year-old Thomas's introduction to the world of magic and his place in it as a “rhymer”—an ambassador between the normal and magical worlds. Sachs's lighthearted, whimsical reading transforms a story that could have taken itself too seriously. Sachs manages to capture the endearing dottiness, snooty condescension, and hesitant wonder of each character with deceptive ease. Fans of the Harry Potter and Septimus Heap audiobooks—particularly 7- to 10-year-olds—should look no further for a worthy fantasy series with plenty of potential. M.L.K. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2009]