Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Henry and Beezus Audio
Fiction
For ages 7 to 10
Unabridged audiobook (CD)
Performed/read by: William Roberts
Harper Children’s Audio, 2010 ISBN: 978-0061774065
More than just about anything, Henry Huggins wants a bicycle. He’d like a brand new red one but his parents just don’t have the money to pay for such a thing at the moment. So Henry decides that he will try to save for and earn the money himself. Unfortunately this is not an easy thing to do when you have a dog (Ribsy) and a friend’s little sister (Ramona) on the loose. First Ribsy steals the neighbor’s roast, and then the dog retrieves and brings home all the newspapers that Henry has delivered. Henry has to find a way to get Ribsy to leave all newspapers alone, wherever they are, and this is not an easy thing to do.
Then Henry hears about a bike auction. Maybe he will be able to get a bicycle after all. The problem is that Henry’s friend Beezus has to bring her little sister along, and this causes all kinds of problems for Henry. In the end, he leaves the auction with a broken down girl’s bicycle. What could be more disappointing and embarrassing than that? Then Henry goes to the grand opening of a new market and, with Beezus’ help, his fortunes turn around.
Anyone who has enjoyed the company of Henry Huggins, Beezus, Ramona, Ribsy and the rest of the gang before, will enjoy this entertaining and often very funny book. Poor Henry somehow ends up getting into all kinds of peculiar situations quite by accident, and the adventures that he has are down-to-earth enough that they could happen to anyone. This makes his stories and problems very accessible to young listeners, who will delight in Ribsy and Ramona’s antics. Thankfully, Henry has a wonderful friend in Beezus, who does her best to help and support him.
Wonderfully and warmly written by one of America’s most beloved children’s book writers, this is an audio title that children will find hard to resist.
