Moby Dick

January 1, 2003
Comic book aficionados will appreciate master Will Eisner's latest adaptation, Moby Dick. It may not begin, "Call me Ishmael," but the story otherwise remains true to Herman Melville's classic, with Queequeg, Ahab and the great white whale all making their entrances on cue. The cartoon panels that chronicle the final showdown between the captain and the giant fish are particularly spectacular.

In this superb abridgment, the richness of Melville's prose pours out like thick cream from an iron pitcher. Haunting phrases and word-painted, wild scenes are mixed with selections of classical music, mostly somber, selected by a skilled producer. Bill Bailey, a British actor, sounds as American as the whaling men he describes, a low, intense presence with distinct differentiation of the characters. His Captain Ahab is memorable, calling to mind Gregory Peck's movie portrayal. I miss the end-of-side announcements found on most audiobooks but count this as one of the best titles I've reviewed. D.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

December 1, 2005
PreS-K -Kim Duncan's debut album is a bouncy, lively collection of 20 original songs, mostly in a contemporary pop or pop/folk style, intended to enhance imagination, increase attention span, and enhance language development. Kim has a lovely voice and, with the assistance of a few musicians, including her husband, she sings with verve and enthusiasm. She's also very adept at creating character voices in some of the songs. Her Web site (kimmyschwimmy.com) includes a 58-page PDF file of all the lyrics, with movement ideas and other suggestions for using each song. Among the tunes are: -Oowee Goowee, Chicken Pie, - -Percussive Vowels, - -Billy Goat Walk, - -Mr. Owl, - -I Wish I Could Fly, - -Wishy the Fishy/The Shark Song, - and -Mr. Robot. - There are also tunes to enhance self esteem, and songs about colors, growing up, dinosaurs, and jungle animals. This child-friendly album will be welcomed by preschool teachers, daycare staff, and librarians. -"Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX"

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