FELIX POWELL, BOY DOG

Ramón de Ocampo's narration quickly reveals the close relationship between 8-year-old Felix Powell and his dog, Mary Puppins. Instead of barks, Felix hears clearly the British accents of his canine best friend. De Ocampo builds Felix's quirky, questioning manner so that listeners are not surprised when he buys an old thrift store blanket that he's sure has magic, hides beneath it, and emerges as a dog. De Ocampo creates believability with Felix's delight in exploring his newfound sensory abilities and running on four legs. Humor emerges with the introduction of Gumbo, a cat who voices her superiority in a Southern accent and is slow to reveal how Felix can return to human form. Science, humor, fantasy, and suspense are well-balanced in the first in this series for beginning listeners. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]