THE CHRISTMAS RAT

"What's the big deal about a rat?" Complacent and mundane will not be words associated with Eric Andrick after his vacation week adventure. Nor will one think of angels as always benevolent. In the frigid days before the holiday, 12-year-old Eric is left at home while his parents are at work and his friends are unavailable. Boredom turns into spine-tingling intrigue and wonder as Eric initially helps and then thwarts Anjela Gabrail, the rat exterminator supposedly sent by the building superintendent. Jeff Woodman captures the indifference of the teenage boy in a pre-holiday holding pattern, then subtly infuses confidence and determination into his portrayal as the drama unfolds. Woodman and Avi both let the mystery hang in the air. Listen and ponder! A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]