Nanny McPhee Returns

The story of Nanny McPhee and a diary of the making of the movie alternate in this production. Author Emma Thompson delights listeners with spot-on observations about family relationships and working friendships. As performer, she presents an exuberant and enthusiastic accounting of each character she has created. Thompson shows no reticence in taking on the personalities of an over-fed jackdaw, a nasty little boy, a harried working mom, and a piglet--sometimes in the same sentence. One marvels at her exquisite breath control in drawing out a particular protestation many seconds longer than any human should be able to sustain a single note, varying her pitch and attitude several times within that one exclamation. Only the most jaded listener will be able to refrain from laughing out loud. R.L.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

January 1, 2011

Gr 4-7-Nanny McPhee is back with her Important Lessons (and her giant warts) in this novelization of the movie by Emma Thompson who wrote the screenplay. In WWII England, the Greens have had to say goodbye to Father, who has been sent off to war and seems to have disappeared. The family is struggling to keep their farm from the clutches of a ne'er-do-well uncle, when their snobby, rich cousins arrive to avoid the bombing in London. Just when all seems hopeless, Nanny McPhee arrives with her magic stick to save the day. Read by the author (and Nanny McPhee herself), Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson alternates chapters between the story and the behind-the-scenes film diary. Thompson's intimate narrative feels as though she's letting you in on the joke. The diary offers a fascinating look at the making of a movie, filled with insider knowledge and hilarious asides. This good, old fashioned, moral yarn is a delightful listen.-Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

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