POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR?

When a children’s book has a reputation for being a classic, a narrator can be overshadowed by the material. Yet in this case, Gwyneth Paltrow narrates with a confidence and clarity that let the auditory clues and trademark animal collages take center stage. Her voice is steady and pauses regularly for contemplation of the story’s menagerie: a hissing snake, a bellowing walrus, and a whistling zookeeper who is followed by a bevy of costumed children. Listeners will surely want to join in with her animal voices. Background sound effects bring depth to the action, and children will love poring over the rich illustrations. A.R. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]