July 1, 2006
Gr 5-8 -Three tales of the supernatural are rejuvenated in this spellbinding performance of Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman -s 1982 novel that is now back in print (Candlewick, 2006). The voices of actors Paul Michael, Susan Denaker, and Lincoln Hoppe provide a cushioning effect for these eerie stories about the secret lives of statues. Hoppe nails the youthful voice of a love-struck boy in -Saint Crispin -s Follower, - and Denaker -s narration of -The Binnacle Boy - gently introduces listeners to the hidden knowledge of a shipboard statue. Michael has an uncanny ability to dramatically change his voice and switch easily between accents. He presents an especially compelling performance as a sculptor and his model in the final story, -The Man of Influence. - The rich and mysterious lives of graven images are detailed further in the production -s closing remarks as Fleischman divulges what inspired him to write his short stories. Older readers who have moved beyond Alvin Schwartz -s "Scary Stories" will find more than enough spooky thrills in this fascinating audio production. -"Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.