THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS

Marianne Malone has created a tribute to the Thorne Room miniatures at the Chicago Art Institute, and narrator Cassandra Campbell takes the endearing story to sublime heights with a perfect narration. Ruthie and Jack are friends who shrink and travel back in time in an adventure that would make Harry Potter take notice. Campbell captures the kids’ youthful enthusiasm and simple goodness as they bond with the adults they meet. Through the museum’s displays, they meet people from the Salem witch trials, the French Revolution, and more. Campbell’s delivery of accents and old-fashioned speech patterns is moving and accurate. An author interview at the end of the production sheds light on her inspiration for the story. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2011]