TRULY WINNIE

This gentle chapter book highlights the challenges and delights of summer camp, where, as Winnie discovers, "you can be someone else for a while." Laura Hamilton's low-key narration explores the consequences of reinventing oneself. For example, Winnie capriciously decides to have her deceased mother become a famous—living—artist. Hamilton has a knack for creating a large and appealing cast of characters that includes kids and grown-ups alike. She invites listeners of all ages to consider whether “not telling” is the same as lying. Imbuing the production with a genuine summer camp ambiance, Hamilton shares chants, camp songs, and counselor names (like Spunky, Dolphin, and Picasso) that ring true to the ear. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]