TRAVIS EDWARD PIKE'S GRUMPUSS

As a rhymed tale, a lot can be said about GRUMPUSS by pointing out that the inconsistent hero, Sir Ellery, is fond of celery (and the Grumpuss is allergic to that particular green veggie). Ellery//celery. It's an easy rhyme. Narrator Pike clearly enjoys reading his own predictable rhymes and offers enthusiasm and even a smattering of vocal characterizations. He's a better reader than writer. Too many easy solutions mar this vividly acted story, complete with music and sound effects. The entire rhyme scheme would have been much more impressive if Sir Ellery had been fond of, say, rutabagas. M.C. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]