LITTLE SHOP OF MONSTERS

With high animation, actor Jack Black calls directly to the listener: "Pssssst--hey, YOU! Are you afraid of MONSTERS? Do they make you SHIVER and SHAKE and shut your eyes really tight at night?" Music provides an ambiance of mystery as listeners enter the Little Shop, like it or not. As each monster is introduced, Black shouts a warning (as Sneezer sneezes right in your face), or exclaims (while looking at the size of Billy Belly's belly), or is as matter-of-fact as can be (while describing Tina-Not-Ticklish). Black's pacing is brisk and intense. His elocution is precise, and he relishes expanding upon each word with, for example, a gravelly growl or a slurping munch. The musical score is tailored to the story--along with snores and giggling--all helping to project Black's playful delivery. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2016 Audies Winner © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2016]