GEORGE'S COSMIC TREASURE HUNT

Hugh Dancy sounds like a lovable museum curator in Lucy and Stephen Hawking's second science fiction novel for kids. George and Annie shoot around the universe searching for intelligent life while science essays by noted astronomers provide factual commentary. After the story, Linda Emond narrates approximately an hour of astronomy facts. The production claims to include a PDF file containing supplementary information; however, it was not present in the downloadable edition. While the science essays interrupt the narrative somewhat, one can't help but warm to Dancy's boyish humor. He also maintains a calm, approachable tone and pace as he wades through scads of scientific information. Science-hungry fans will warm to this astronomical feast. C.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]