THE BOY IN THE BISCUIT TIN

When Ibby visits her cousins, she’s shocked by the mayhem that ensues. Cousins Alex and Francis discover a magic set and learn to conjure—with real results! The magic takes on a life of its own as Ruth Sillers animates the high jinks. Sillers expresses Ibby's worry, Alex's bossiness, and Francis's heedless bravado using a mix of techniques. Sillers displays excellent control of vocal emphasis, pacing changes, and pitch in her reading. Despite the hilarity, Sillers manages to control her rowdy characters, creating a tale reminiscent of classic British fantasy. While American listeners may find some of the Briticisms challenging, a strong narration and a universally inviting story make this audio irresistible. C.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]