The Dragonfly Pool

Eva Ibbotson is one of the best authors writing for young readers today--a 21st-century E.B. Nesbit or Frances Hodgson Burnett. This story is flawlessly delivered by Tracy-Ann Oberman, who connects perfectly with the charming descriptions of England prior to WWII. She uses just the right deft touch to portray the spunky and deeply caring heroine, Tally, as she discovers the school she's been sent to is not a fearful place, but a wonderful sanctuary of freedom and self-expression. Tally's further adventures include meeting the crown prince of Begania, careening around Europe by train, and rescuing the prince from the Nazis. Oberman's performance is delightful, a perfect match for this wonderful story. D.G Winner of AudioFIle Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine


Patricia Connolly and Eva Ibbotson are a match made in heaven. Tally is an 11-year old British girl sent to a progressive boarding school in the country on the eve of WWII to keep her out of harm's way. Connolly's spirited performance captures in crystal-clear fashion Tally's humor, fierce loyalty, and optimism. Tally organizes a ragtag folk-dancing group to attend a festival in the European country of Bergania in support of the king, who is defying the Nazis. Listeners will be swept up in Tally's adventures smuggling the lonely Prince Karil out of the country while fending off one-eared thugs. Connolly also expertly renders Karil, made miserable by "the scold" (an aunt) and his pompous, impossibly strict grandfather. A.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine