Henry and Beezus (Henry Huggins)
Grade 2-6?Based on the endearing book by Beverly Cleary (Morrow, 1952), William Roberts does a fine job presenting the antics centered on Klickitat Street. He differentiates the voices of the numerous characters, a challenge when the key players are all kids of similar ages. Ramona's voice is particularly screechy, while Henry's is subdued. In this book, Henry has saved his money, acquired through various enterprises including the sale of cases of mysterious bubblegum found in a vacant lot, to buy a bicycle. Today's listeners may not put things in the "Bendix" and may be astonished that Henry can get a used bicycle (albeit a girl's model) for $4.04, but dogs still misbehave as do little girls like Ramona. Klickitat Street, though short on diversity, seemed a great place to grow up. This is fun family fare and fine for young readers as well.?Fritz Mitnick, Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw, PACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theAudio Cassetteedition.