ONE DOG AND HIS BOY

Narrator Steven Crossley’s matter-of-fact touch with remarkable situations shines in this tale of two young children who flee across the countryside with four dogs, all of them searching for a place where they can belong. His characterizations of the children and dogs convey earnest need and tireless spirits, while his pacing captures the quiet urgency of the chase, and the exhaustion and yearning felt by the travelers. A tongue-in-cheek tone of sympathy paints images of the selfish, unfeeling caretakers who are searching for the runaways, and a much gentler brush depicts the kind adults the adventurers meet along their journey. During the most harrowing moments, Crossley projects a reassuring confidence that all will be well. Listeners will be comforted and charmed by his delivery of this expedition. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2013]