Ape Escapes

April 1, 2015

K-Gr 4-Fu Manchu is a 100-pound orangutan who mischievously uses improvised tools and subterfuge to repeatedly escape from his confines at a zoo. Peggy's owners find their patience tested as the naughty dog continually defies training, finally almost dying in a fire she started by stealing food off the stove. Olivia, a literal cat burglar, brings home gloves and other purloined items in the middle of each night. Each animal, though "behaving badly," has redeeming and lovable qualities that will appeal to any audience. Narrator Johnny Heller tells these true but dramatic stories as if he were sitting next to you on a porch recounting incidents from his childhood. VERDICT Animal-loving listeners will enjoy, relate, and look forward to the next three installments planned for this series.-Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

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