Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7123651 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01
• Format: Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 4
• Binding: Audio Cassette

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-This tale by Russell Hoban, originally published in 1967, follows a clock-work mouse attached by the hands to his little child as they look for a home, family, and a sense of belonging. By turns poignant and witty, allegorical and fantastic, the many animals and wind-up characters who populate the story are all dynamically portrayed in this audio version narrated by William Dufris. He deserves enormous credit for managing to make the audio sound like a full-cast recording. There seems to be no end to the voices, accents, and styles of speech he can muster, and as a result listening to this extended fable becomes enormously enriched. He keeps all the characters straight for listeners, and provides them with a life and appeal that actually adds quite a bit to the printed version. This tale in print has interested young people who enjoy Wind in the Willows-type characters but with a much more thoughtful, even philosophical storyline bolstered by situations humorous, tedious, and even frightening. The exceptional quality of the narration may bring even more listeners than readers to the story. Younger students who are exceptionally thoughtful listeners and readers would also find this appealing, and children listening to this version with their parents on a family trip would have a great deal to discuss and think about. A worthwhile addition to collections seeking to offer thought-provoking material to children.
Jane Fenn, Corning Painted Post West High School, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
The journey of the tin wind-up mouse and his child is one of the grandest hope and scale. As they travel from the toy store, encounter the swamp and the dump, and arrive finally at the dollhouse, their abilities to adapt and persevere are brought to the fore. Their quest is composed of distinct parts, each a satisfying episode unto itself. William Dufris narrates with outstanding voice artistry. For all of the myriad woodland creatures, he shares moments of hope and despair. Against the forces of Manny Rat, the two mice spur each other on, undaunted and indefatigable. As the fortune-telling frog says, "Make of fortune what you will." The mice do so superbly in this timeless recording. A.R. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine