MEDIA

Once upon a Toad

by Heather Vogel FREDERICK
6 CDs. 6:55 hrs. Ideal Audiobooks. Mar. 2016. ISBN 9781520001135. 1 MP3-CD.
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Gr 4–6—Cat Starr is a 12-year-old bassoon player from Houston, TX, whose mother is an astronaut on the International Space Station. Sent to live with her father in Oregon while her mother is in space, Cat struggles to get along with stepsister Olivia and her friends. When her great-aunt Abyssinia shows up unexpectedly, strange things start happening to the girls, leading to a kidnapping, a robbery, evil government agents, and a fairy godmother. Frederick gives new life to an old story by creating believable characters in this modern-day fairy tale. Known for her popular "Mother-Daughter Book Club" series, the author explores the difficulties of a blended family with comedic plotlines and witty dialogue. Narrator Tara Sands adds her own flair with great character voices.
VERDICT This delightful offering is recommended for middle grade listeners who enjoy updated fairy tales. ["For fans of fantasy and fairy tales, this is a gem": SLJ 5/12 review of the S. & S. book.]
Reviewed by Alice Davidson, Indianapolis , Aug 01, 2016

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