Great Joy

An organ-grinder and his monkey play music outside little Frances's window just before Christmas. Frances stays up one night and discovers that the two sleep on the street. Jane Curtin's insightful narration of this gentle, poignant tale is expressive yet elegant. Her assured voice-- sometimes amused, sometimes compassionate-- illuminates the story's fullest meaning. Whether capturing Frances's childlike innocence or her mother's parental, world-weary tones, Curtin's characterizations bring the story to life. Ernest V. Troost's musical illustrations greatly enhance the story. In addition to the lilting sounds of an organ, Troost uses music to build the drama of Frances's stage fright, and even to suggest the glittering flash of sequins on the monkey's costume. This production is thoughtfully put together--and thought-provoking for the listener. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Starred review from October 22, 2007
With spot-on storytelling rhythms and pacing, Newbery Medalist DiCamillo spins a tale of compassion and holiday warmth from a most unlikely image. Frances is so preoccupied by the hard-luck organ grinder and monkey she can see from her apartment window that it's hard to focus on the fast-approaching church Christmas pageant. It's not until the man and monkey make their way to the performance (at Frances's invitation) that her words, “Behold! I bring you tidings of great joy,” make perfect sense to her. Ibatoulline's (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
) WWII-era scenes have a subdued yet comforting glow, illuminated by streetlamps and stage lights. Ages 4-8.