From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-A message carved in a mushroom leads Maggot and his gran to the mushroom farm owned by Jack, gran's missing adventurer fianc?. There they find that an exotic strain of mushroom has proliferated and taken over Jack's mind and body. Though gran is soon in the mushrooms' power, Maggot is curiously resistant. Realizing that the repulsive green tea Jack brought back from the jungle is the antidote, Maggot saves gran and a fire destroys the mushrooms. Soon, however, Maggot finds that some spores escaped to his school and he must use the green tea again, this time to save his best friend. As the story ends, listeners realize that more spores have escaped. This mildly scary, humorous story will please elementary graders, especially those who like Goosebumps type stories. Steven Pacey's excellent expressive reading makes the most of this British story by Susan Gates (Puffin, 2000). His English accent is not difficult to understand, and the few Briticisms in the text should not cause much confusion for American listeners. Both school and public libraries will find this fast-paced story a popular addition to their audiobook collections. -Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This hilarious story is far-fetched but an excellent example of looking out for others. Steven Pacey is great as Maggot (the kid) and his bicycle-racing Gran, whom he saves from some exotic killer mushrooms. There are plenty of clever sound effects, compliments of the narrator's distinctive vocal ability. The action is nonstop and also features neat kid-adult relationships, British style. Also, listeners will learn all about the "Royal Spitting Pot"! Lots of fun for kids and feisty adults. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
