ROOM ON THE BROOM

Josie Lawrence narrates this beloved children's story, emphasizing the author's crisp rhymes and satisfying rhythms. Sound effects of a strengthening wind set up the story as a witch and her cat mount a broomstick for flight. The wind leads the witch on dashes to retrieve belongings that have been swept away. Fetching them, she encounters a series of other creatures. Lawrence portrays a panting dog with a Cockney accent, a polite bird with proper enunciation, and a menacing fire-breathing dragon bent on "witch and chips" for tea. Lawrence's blend of scratchy and kindly tones creates an engaging witch. Her words are wedded to the sound effects and music, making this production even more dynamic. S.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]