The Problem Child

This fairy-tale frolic is the third in the Sisters Grimm series. L.J. Ganser's warm voice expresses just the right amount of humor as he narrates Sabrina and Daphne Grimm's attempts to rescue their parents, who are being held captive by local homicidal maniac Little Red Riding Hood. Equally entertaining are the scenes involving the Grimm's magical neighbors. Baba Yaga's cackles, the Little Mermaid's whines, and Puck's crowing create dramatic moments in the girls' various enchanted quests. While the action will be key for most listeners, they will also appreciate the details of family dynamics expressed in the story. These fairy tales come to life with captivating results. C.A. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

January 1, 2007
Gr 4-6-While this adventure (HNA Books, 2006) by Michael Buckley might be a bit confusing to those who have not read the previous two books, listeners will quickly catch on to the fact that Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are detectives, like other members of their family. Buckley has a grand time adapting fairy, folk, and fictional characters to the modern day. For example, Snow White is a teacher who is being romanced by the unethical and slick Mayor Charming, and the girls' parents have been kidnapped by what turns out to be a psychotic Little Red Riding Hood and her lethal "kitty" who turns out to be Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky. With the help of a newly found uncle and their guardian, the girls must stop Riding Hood's mad quest to create her own family, mostly comprised of Sabrina's relatives. Secondary characters like Puck, with whom Sabrina shares a love/hate relationship, and the not-so-Little Mermaid add piquancy to the story. Actor L. J. Ganser has an oddly staccato delivery that enhances the telling. He provides a number of different voices and vocal characterizations to help differentiate between the many characters. His Puck is appropriately obnoxious but boy like, and his Little Red Riding Hood is perfectly creepy. Listeners will have fun identifying the many familiar characters."B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.