The Last Straw

The third book in Kinney's popular series opens with Greg's New Year's resolution: Since he's already perfect, he'll focus on helping other people address their character flaws. (And he's surprised by their negative reactions to his helpful suggestions.) Though some older listeners may tire of the smart-aleck boy humor evident here, narrator Ramon de Ocampo does not: He brings as much energy to his lively characterization of Greg as he did in the first book. De Ocampo's tone (smart-alecky yet clueless) and his depictions of Greg fumbling his way through playing soccer badly, getting a merit badge in Boy Scouts, and having a first crush are sure to delight the boys who are so clearly Kinney's audience. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine