THE MAGIC PLACE

Narrator Candida Gubbins's smooth voice contrasts with the miserable life of a girl named Clementine, who lives with her wicked, thieving Aunt Vermilia and Uncle Rufus. As Clementine wonders how she might ever go beyond the basement room where she is confined and the dreary city where she's trapped, her brave cat, Gilbert, helps her find the magic and strength she needs to escape and find a true home. Gubbins's pacing works well with slapstick scenes as Vermilia and Rufus get themselves into shameful situations, and her hopeful tone shines in Clementine's moments of discovery and bravery. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2020]