LIZZIE ZIPMOUTH

Lizzie is sure that her new family will be as bad as her last, and she removes herself from them in the only way she can--by not speaking. She is very determined, and cannot be persuaded, bribed or threatened into speaking, until she meets someone even more stubborn than she. This charming story may cause difficulties with readers unused to British idioms. (Plaits are braids, but rhyme with flats, which are apartments.) But the capable and clear narration by Sophie Aldred helps the characterizations of the likable Lizzie, terrifying Great-Granny, and the rest of the members of Lizzie's family. A short and sweet tale for younger children. B.F. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]