The Spiderwick Chronicles, Volume II

Containing both LUCINDA'S SECRET and THE IRONWOOD TREE, this latest audio installment relates the Mallory children's further adventures with faerie folk. They learn that their aunt is in a home because her addiction to faerie food drives her nearly mad and also conclude that Arthur Spiderwick may still be alive. When the twins' older sister is been captured by dwarves, they try to rescue her and learn as well about the evil Mulgarath. Mark Hamill may seem an unlikely choice for vocalizing young characters, but he manages a solid performance. His real talent is in his characterizations of fantastic creatures, whom he makes both scary and entertaining. J.M.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

September 1, 2004
Gr 3-6-In these two books of the five title Spiderwick Chronicles series (S & S, 2003/04) by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, the creatures of Faerie are still seeking Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You, which continues to bring all manner of trouble for the Grace children. Mark Hamill's (Star Wars) clear and well-paced vocal talents add much to this production. Alternately carefree and foreboding, childishly innocent and ominously malevolent, Hamill effortlessly transitions his vocal characterizations from earnest children to crazy old Aunt Lucinda and evil elves, while drawing the whole together with a pleasantly lilting narration. Fans of Lemony Snicket will especially appreciate the suspense and mystery of this fantastical audiobook.-Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.