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Family favorites on audio
By The Standard Staff - 07/09/2007
For families with elementary age children:
‘‘The Secret History of Tom Trueheart,’’ read by John Curless (Harper Children’s Audio, $25.95). On his 12th birthday, Tom receives a letter from the Story Bureau directing him to find his brothers, all named Jack, who have ventured out into the Land of Stories but not returned.
‘‘A Series of Unfortunate Events,’’ read by Tim Curry (Harper Children’s Audio, $25.95). Believe it or not, I didn’t much care for Lemony Snicket until I listened to the narrated version of this droll series. Tim Curry turned me into a fan.
‘‘A Tale of Despereaux,’’ read by Graeme Malcolm (Listening Library, $14.95). With all its narrative asides and direct addresses to the audience, Kate DiCamillo’s Newbery Medal-winning book makes the ideal read-aloud. Malcolm’s version is charming.
For families with tweens and teens:
‘‘The Golden Compass,’’ read by Philip Pullman with a full cast (Random House audio, $44). This first book in the His Dark Materials series is a sophisticated fantasy with a cliff-hanger of a ending. Listen to it before the film arrives in theaters.
‘‘Hattie Big Sky,’’ read by Kirsten Potter (Listening Library, $37). This recorded version of the Newbery Honor winner tells the story of Hattie Brooks, who has been shuttled from one relative to another until she decides to move to Montana by herself to claim her late uncle’s homestead.
“Inkheart,’’ read by Lynn Redgrave (Listening Library, $45). Even if you’ve read Cornelia Funke’s novel about a man who reads aloud so well he can bring characters — including villains! — right out of their books, this rendition by the British actress is fabulous. Aunt Elinor is the role Redgrave was born to play.
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