Rascal

Some audiobooks have star narrators. Others let the narrative itself be the star. RASCAL falls into the second category, and the Newbery Honor book's down-home narrative is as warm and compelling as a long conversation with your best friend. This first-person account tells the story of North's boyhood and his relationship with a raccoon he discovered as an abandoned kit. North, Rascal and North's good-natured St. Bernard, Wowser, bounce from one adventure to the next. Sala could easily be North; his no-nonsense Middle American voice brings this charming animal story to life. M.C. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine


North's story of his raccoon, Rascal, and their year together holds as much delight today as it has for many years. Weiss uses his natural talent as a professional storyteller to weave the many emotions of humans and animals into this alluring and nostalgic tale. His enjoyment of the text seems to spontaneously infect the listener with enthusiasm while capturing the quiet peace and contentment found in North's remembrance. His Irish and German accents, used for some secondary male characters, sound realistic, while his softened voice and controlled tones serve well for female voices. A remarkable classic tale offers pleasant listening. P.A.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine