ANDY SHANE AND THE PUMPKIN TRICK

Andy Shane is reluctant about attending the Halloween birthday party of his classmate, Dolores Starbuckle. But when his grandmother becomes involved in the party planning and when pumpkins are being mysteriously smashed, Andy is lured in and makes a good friend. Rachel Lillis's narration captures the essence of the young neighbors. As Dolores, she narrates with a bossy edge; as Andy she schemes eagerly and pouts readily as crime-solving plans fail. Lillis creates a unflappable, matter-of-fact voice for Granny Webb. Leisurely pacing enables listeners to absorb the action and anticipate Andy's next moves. Sound effects such as "wooing" ghosts and cascading marbles underscore important moments in the plot. A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]