Grade 4 Up?If only the superior production values of this audiobook were in service to a better story. The fine vocal characterizations by the actors and actresses really bring the characters to life. To children unaccustomed to read-aloud tapes, using several readers instead of only one will help listeners distinguish who is who. The entire text of the book is narrated, including "he said" and "she said," which allows the tape to be used as a read-along when paired with a copy of the book. Too bad this title is one of Baum's least compelling, even though there are several action scenes. The Emerald City of Oz begins at a snail's pace with the introduction of the villain, Nome King, who wants to destroy the Emerald City and retrieve his magic belt. The beginning also reintroduces Dorothy, Auntie Em, and Uncle Henry. We can look forward to other releases by Piglet Press if they are produced with such a fine cast of actors. Penny Peck, San Leandro Public Library, CA Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Aunt Emma, Uncle Henry and Dorothy, well treated during a Kansas draught-enforced visit at Ozma's court, are nevertheless unhappy because they have nothing special to do. But a trip through the Quadling country to Glinda's region puts new life in everyone. The Kansans decide to stay and Glinda decides to make Oz invisible to passing airplanes. Harry McNaught's flat, paper cut-out technique in the pictures, cleverly suggest depth and humor. --Kirbus Reviews
Description:
From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up?If only the superior production values of this audiobook were in service to a better story. The fine vocal characterizations by the actors and actresses really bring the characters to life. To children unaccustomed to read-aloud tapes, using several readers instead of only one will help listeners distinguish who is who. The entire text of the book is narrated, including "he said" and "she said," which allows the tape to be used as a read-along when paired with a copy of the book. Too bad this title is one of Baum's least compelling, even though there are several action scenes. The Emerald City of Oz begins at a snail's pace with the introduction of the villain, Nome King, who wants to destroy the Emerald City and retrieve his magic belt. The beginning also reintroduces Dorothy, Auntie Em, and Uncle Henry. We can look forward to other releases by Piglet Press if they are produced with such a fine cast of actors.
Penny Peck, San Leandro Public Library, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Aunt Emma, Uncle Henry and Dorothy, well treated during a Kansas draught-enforced visit at Ozma's court, are nevertheless unhappy because they have nothing special to do. But a trip through the Quadling country to Glinda's region puts new life in everyone. The Kansans decide to stay and Glinda decides to make Oz invisible to passing airplanes. Harry McNaught's flat, paper cut-out technique in the pictures, cleverly suggest depth and humor. --Kirbus Reviews