Pinky and Rex and the Mean Old Witch

Easy Readers, books written for children just beginning to read, are among the most difficult books to record successfully. But leave it to seasoned reader Christina Moore to find a way! Moore overcomes the inherent textual limitations of short sentences, simple constructions and repetitive vocabulary to produce a collection of excellent audiobooks that will appeal equally to the emergent reader following along in a book and to the sibling or parent listening for pleasure. Moore's pacing and expression enhance and enliven the simple texts. Subtle vocal differentiation allows the listener to distinguish between best friends Pinky and Rex, while the exaggerated, often whiny, voice of Pinky's younger sister offers a fine counterpoint. High on emotion, the tone and emphasis in all dialogue are appropriate and authentic. Every library serving young children should clear a space for the entire Pinky and Rex audiobook collection! T.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

April 1, 1998
Gr 1-3-Gentle stories for those just beyond beginning readers, these books in the Pinky and Rex series (Atheneum) written by James Howe are expertly narrated by Christina Moore. Pinky, a boy who loves the color pink, and Rex, a girl, are inseparable friends. Pinky's younger sister, Amanda, is the expected bothersome sibling. In Book 1, all three of the children want to purchase the same stuffed animal in the museum gift shop. In Book 2, Pinky and Rex stage a wedding, and Pinky declares he'll stay home to raise their twins. Rex is a terrible speller and worries about the 2nd grade spelling competition in Pinky and Rex and the Spelling Bee, while Pinky is confident in his ability but nervous about his full bladder. In Pinky and Rex and the Mean Old Witch, Pinky delivers cookies and good will to a grumpy neighbor who threatens to call the police if the kids chase a ball into her yard. In the last book, Pinky agonizes over going away to camp. The narrator speaks carefully and provides a unique voice for each child, making the tapes worthwhile additions to audio collections.-Fritz Mitnick, Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw, PA

Copyright 1998 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.