THE WATER HORSE

Dick King-Smith, author of BABE, THE SHEEP-PIG, tells many an exciting animal story. Weaving in folklore of fantastic creatures heightens the intrigue in this story, which begins with beachcombing after an ocean storm. When Kirstie discovers an unusual egg, one Scottish family's existence takes an unexpected turn. Nathaniel Parker's British accent underscores the setting. He skillfully gives personality to each character—from gruff, knowledgeable Grandpa Grumble to complicit Father and excited Kirstie. Parker's pacing speeds up with the rise of the story's tension as the newly hatched and speedily growing Water Horse is given refuge in ever-larger bodies of water until he’s released into one world-famous Scottish loch. A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]