HOUND DOG TRUE

Catherine Taber delivers the tentative intonations of shy fifth-grader Mattie, whose reticence is worsened by her mother's continual moving. Mattie has found her voice in writing. But that outlet ends when she’s silenced by a fellow student who reads her journal and embarrasses her in front of others. When Mattie comes to live with her Uncle Potluck, she is shy and afraid. Her uncle is a quirky character who sees his niece’s gifts. Taber gives his storytelling voice upbeat cadences and down-home accents. Taber’s delivery makes his warm and supportive gestures on Mattie's behalf and her growing trust sound "hound dog true." S.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]