THE TWENTY-ONE BALLOONS

The hero of this period piece is an elderly gentleman. Narrator McDonough grandly captures Professor William Waterman Sherman and his balloon ride of a lifetime. The professor plans a year-long voyage but is sidetracked by a seagull. Soon he is an honorary citizen of Krakatoa, an imaginary island in the Pacific Ocean. This combination of fantasy and historical fact is the ideal way to learn, while having a wonderful listen. Much of the tale involves the professor relating his experience in an old-fashioned, grandstanding style. McDonough handles every fantastical event to perfection, and the listener is transported to magical Krakatoa. S.G.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]