From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4--Richard E. Grant reads Roald Dahl's story (Puffin, pap. 2002) in an animated and pleasant voice perfectly suited for the telling, including the requisite British dialect. One day looking for his favorite sweet shop, young Billy happens upon the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company comprised of the giraffe, the pelican (Pelly), and the monkey. The giraffe, with an extending neck, can reach all of the high places, the pelican can hold the soap and water in his bucket-sized beak, the monkey does all of the washing, and Billy becomes their manager. Their first customer proves to be a great challenge. They are hired to clean all 677 windows of Hampshire House, owned by the richest man in all of England. Of course, there are many adventures along the way. The brevity of this story makes it especially useful for beginning as well as reluctant readers. This audiobook is certain to be a hit at public and school libraries.--
Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Audio Cassette
edition.
Richard E. Grant uses a full range of tones and tempos to create distinct voices for all the characters in this story of Billy's encounter with the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company. Grant's Pelly speaks with a speech impediment and a singsong rhythm; his monkey is slightly breathless, but, sadly, his giraffe does not sound female as the text clearly indicates. Grant shines when various characters sing; his portrayal of the opera star turned duchess singing about her stolen diamonds is a particular delight. Grant's straightforward narration lets Dahl's droll language and dialogue take center stage. This winning production will make the whole family smile. A.F. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio Cassette
edition.
