CHARLIE BUMPERS VS. THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Author Bill Harley is the perfect narrator for his story about fourth- grader Charlie Bumpers. Harley uses just the right amount of boyish enthusiasm and emotion as Charlie discovers his new teacher is Mrs. Burke--the school's "Teacher of the Year"--who has it in for Charlie, due to a shoe incident. Harley makes each character stand out--from Mrs. Burke, with her dry sense of humor, to Charlie's little sister, Mabel, a.k.a. "The Squid." Especially superb is Harley's portrayal of Charlie, who has a tendency toward mishaps, along with a big heart and the best intentions. At the end of the story, listeners can join in on the hilarious and catchy "Charlie Bumpers Song." M.M.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2014]