Crickwing

A warm story about a handicapped cricket, this production is especially engaging for children who are, or feel, a bit different. Narrator Kevin Free is best as the queen ant, who sounds shaky and regal. Loud sound effects, like POW and SWOOSH, will appeal to youngsters, adding action to the story when the cricket is kidnapped. A rapid melee at the climax is somewhat confusing, but all ends well in this funny account of "inclusion." A few minutes of educational facts about crickets are delivered at the end, and the reverse side includes page-turning signals. A.G.H. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

April 11, 2005
A cockroach with a crooked wing begins picking on creatures smaller than himself and is sentenced to be served up to the army ants—but a few rebels have a change of heart and set him free. PW
called this "an amusing tale lightly rooted in natural history. The illustrations skillfully blur the line between fact and fancy." Ages 6-9.