The Trouble with Twins

June 6, 2016
Twins Arabella and Henrietta Osgood were inseparable when they were younger, but although they “were both beautiful girls... Arabella was somehow more beautiful than Henrietta. And that is where the trouble began.” When Henrietta’s jealousy takes a vindictive turn (her sister’s bangs are involved), she is sent away to live with a grim, demanding aunt, which separates the girls for the first time in their lives. Meanwhile, the adults in the story have more than a whiff of Dahl—frequently ridiculous, useless, and even downright nasty. Henrietta and Arabella’s journey to overcome numerous obstacles to reunite is filled with physical trials and emotional growth as they realize how much they need each other. An unnamed mother recounts this tale to her daughter, whose frequent interruptions (“ ‘Spectacles?’ asks the girl. ‘Glasses,’ says the mother”) create a clever, warmhearted overlay to this eccentric adventure. Sardà’s angular, Gorey-esque spot illustrations capitalize on the story’s gothic atmosphere, a promising debut for Siebel. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Miriam Altshuler, Miriam Altshuler Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

Katherine Kellgren and Cassandra Campbell share narrating this story-within-a-story. Campbell touchingly portrays a mother reading a tale to her daughter, who asks questions as the plot unfolds. Kellgren energetically introduces Arabella and Henrietta Osgood, identical twins who couldn't be more different. After Henrietta, more difficult and less favored by her parents, "punishes" her sister, she's sent to live with Aunt Priscilla, who lives in a creepy house with her black cats. Kellgren's best creation is former actress Aunt Priscilla, who's the most dramatic member of this group of eccentrics. When Arabella misses Henrietta, she has a thrilling and perilous journey to bring her sister home. Listeners will enjoy hearing the girls grow to appreciate each other and marvel at the unexpected conclusion. S.G.B. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine