THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE

From the first sentence, strains of music and the British accent of actress Charlotte Coleman transport the listener to the medieval world of Beetle, the midwife's newly adopted apprentice. Coleman's slightly nasal voice has an air of immaturity, which emphasizes the child's point of view in the third-person narration of this Newbery winner. The text is read at a lively pace with careful attention to the disdainful attitude of Jane Sharp, the midwife, and the innocent wonder of Beetle. Listeners will acquire knowledge about medieval life, birthing practices and herbs, both from the story and from the author interview, which is conducted by a young reader at the end. The author also reads an epilogue following this seamlessly abridged text. T.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 97]