WHIZZIWIG RETURNS

Wishes that come true, a friendly alien, magic--what more could any child ask for? Only, the wishes usually don't come out the way they're supposed to, and the magic can't be controlled, when Whizziwig returns. Ben and his friend, Steve, are thrilled when Whizziwig returns to earth, but not when they remember how her magic works. Only when someone makes an unselfish wish, which usually means an off-the-cuff remark, does Whizziwig grant the wish. This leads to some very embarrassing, and some wonderful, situations. Judy Bennett does an excellent job moving between Ben and Steve and some of their classmates, and giving unique voices and personalities--through tone, inflection and phrasing--to the adults. Emma is right on the money, and Whizziwig is always caring, interested, and gentle. Although the story itself is predictable and ends somewhat abruptly, Bennett brings out its humor and humanity. W.L.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]