Nate the Great Collected Stories, Volume 1

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with NATE THE GREAT COLLECTED STORIES: VOL. 2.]--Random House Audio has included the contents of eight books for early readers about cute and clever pancake-loving detective Nate the Great and his faithful dog, Sludge. Broadway actor John Lavelle gives life to the lead character, playing up the wit of Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's style as the little sleuth searches for clues to missing pets, lost keys, stolen snacks, and mysterious messages. Lavelle puts just enough juvenile goofiness into his voice to add to the listener's enjoyment without pushing it over the top. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine