Lincoln

This kid-friendly and informative biography will engage a wide audience of listeners. A 1988 Newbery Award winner, the book includes interesting stories that may be familiar (Lincoln's rugged, dirt-floor-poor early life) and other facts that may not (he hated being called "Abe"). As the author offers a glimpse of life at a very different time, Robert Petkoff blends a careful (though never dry) narration with lively reenactments of regional accents. Petkoff recreates the slightly reedy voice of Lincoln, as well as the voices of friends and political figures who surrounded him during his life. This production, which is comprehensive yet fast moving, also includes a bonus feature of an enhanced CD with a slide show of archival photographs, as well as an interview with the author. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine