THE LITTLE OLD LADY WHO WAS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING

What’s a well-dressed pumpkin head to do after spooking along a path in a dark forest? In Williams’s well-loved cumulative story, one plucky lady who has tarried past sunset while on a walk is followed home by an odd collection of clothing items. Is she afraid? Maybe. Does she have a plan? Of course! Barbara Rosenblat’s narration is rich and animated. For each clothing item—from shoes to gloves to hat—she provides personality—be it a “wiggle, wiggle” or a “nod, nod” or a “boooo.” Rosenblat draws out words and pauses to heighten the suspense and relishes the repetitive phrases. Classically based music and some spooky tunes accompany the narration. A.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]