THE CANDYMAKERS

Move over, Willy Wonka fans, and make way for four 12-year-olds, each bent on winning the candy-making contest at the annual Confectionary Association Conference. Initially wrapped up in their own lives and motives, the four surprise themselves and the judges with the results of their creative endeavors. Mark Turetsky keeps the lengthy story moving along with brisk pacing. He uses extended pauses to depict the developing relationships of the children and the intricacies of the Life is Sweet candy factory. He gives individual voices to quirky Daisy, tentative Miles, determined Philip, and reticent Logan. His supporting characters are also distinct and add spice to a sweet mystery. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]