ART

A little boy who loves to draw, Art, shares his art. Author/illustrator McDonnell creates a short story that takes flight with the innovations of Bobby McFerrin's narration. Listeners don't get just one narration—there are three—and, true to McFerrin's celebrated style, each has different trills, vocal jazz, and improv. Two versions follow the usual read-along pattern—one with page-turn signals and one without them, but each one is fully unique. McFerrin involves the listener/reader and invites participation as the rendition of each page is unique and unexpected. By the third track—a fully musical version that is not paced to the pages—the story just soars. Replays are essential, and listeners will discover some new aspect with each. The additional of the fourth track, with the author, adds to the pleasure. He says that McFerrin did 30 variations! R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2009]