CROWN An Ode to the Fresh Cut

In a voice that fairly swaggers, narrator Corey Allen captures the rhythm of CROWN, an exuberant tale about the transformative power of a fresh haircut. Allen celebrates along with the hero of this story, an African-American boy who revels in the joy and confidence occasioned by a trip to the barbershop. Allen's expert narration dovetails perfectly with the beat of Barnes's words and the potency of Gordon James's bold oil-based illustrations of the print edition. Precisely timed pauses, drawn-out words--"Girllll . . . he's so fine!"--and other exclamations add a vibrant audio dimension. At the story's close, listeners will nod their heads in understanding, rejoicing in the much-deserved pride this young man feels as he emerges into the world with a crisp new cut. S.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2018]