CHARLIE'S RAVEN

Charlie lives in the shadow of the Grand Teton mountains and shares a fascination with ravens with his grandfather, a naturalist. He hopes that capturing a baby raven, whom he names Blue Sky, will help cure his aging grandfather’s illness. As the bird grows to maturity, listeners hear about raven habits and other interesting facts, as well as legends told by Charlie’s Native American friend, Singing Bird. Charlie learns how to research the patterns and traits of ravens and grows to understand the cycles of life. Ramon de Ocampo’s fully voiced reading is smooth except for some lingering “s’s.” Distinct raven calls are an effective addition, but production has overlong pauses between chapters. L.D.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]