ARE WE THERE YET?

"The car trip to Grandma’s always feels exciting until after the first hour,” begins Robert Petkoff in the informative voice of a travel guide. Questioning and mystery enter his tone as he wonders what happens after that hour, “when your brain is bored.” Then Petkoff departs from his neutral role to become the squeaky-voiced complaining backseat child who issues the classic titular question. On the accompanying CD, Santat’s comic illustrations mark changes in the story and the child’s emotions. Petkoff animates the tale with a dinosaur roar, alien chatter, and, of course, the continual whine of the bored but imaginative passenger. Illustrations and narration work together well to emphasize the humor. S.W. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]