ANNA HIBISCUS

Narrator Mutiyat Ade-Salu does this author proud. "Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa,” along with her mother and father; twin baby brothers, Double and Trouble; aunties, uncles, and grandparents. In the story Anna and her nuclear family attempt a vacation, Auntie Comfort comes from America on holiday, Grandfather helps Anna experience the difference between her life and that of the orange-selling girls, and a letter from Granny Canada brings an invitation to enjoy her first snow. Ade-Salu sets a steady pace, speeding and slowing for emphasis, and uses tonal changes to accentuate Anna’s changing moods. With her gentle African accent, Ade-Salu adds authenticity to both the modern and traditional aspects of life in the family compound. Her family members have distinct voices full of despair or joy, and she sings Anna’s snow song with gusto! A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]