The Fledgling

Georgie can fly. Well, she thinks she can. She has, hasn't she? Georgie's desire to fly--to soar gracefully through the clouds--guides this warm and magical story of a young girl who finds her prince, her "Goose Prince," who helps her realize her deepest dream, in spite of her loving but realistic family, meddling neighbors, and boorish townspeople, who want to keep her grounded. Set in and around Walden Pond, and imbued with the gentle reflections of Henry David Thoreau, this story examines the relationships of people living in (and out) of harmony with nature, and the similar relationships found within and without the family. Mary Beth Hurt's narration of this overlooked 1981 Newbery Honor Book is flawless. She brings each character to distinct, vibrant life: from tremulous, eager and gentle Georgie to vociferous Madelyn Prawn; from thoughtful, compassionate Aunt Alex to emotional, caring, but self-centered Eleanor; from the self-serving, narrow-minded Ralph Preek, to the charming, gallant Goose Prince himself. Hurt's gentle, soothing voice moves the story calmly through the glorious flights, quickens and tightens as we move towards the inevitable climax, and fills us, in the end, with wonder and hope. A gem! W.L.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine