PAY ATTENTION, CARTER JONES

Christopher Gebauer's narration aids in making the opening scene of this audiobook believable. A butler shows up on the doorstep of 12-year-old Carter Jones on the chaotic first morning of a new school year. Gebauer gives a proper British accent and proud attitude to the portly gentleman and to Carter's mockery of the butler's manner. This is only the first implausible situation as Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick proceeds to transform Carter's home like an unmagical Mary Poppins. He reorients Carter's three younger sisters, brings the joy of cricket to Carter's middle school, and supports Carter's emerging feelings about his absent father and late brother. Gebauer's renditions of the initial repartee between boy and butler and their evolving tenderness are subtle and crucial. A wonderful family listen. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2019]