The Enchanted Castle

Edith Nesbit crafts an adventure in which three children on summer vacation encounter an enchanted castle and a magic ring. While the story may be a hundred years old, Joanna Page brings freshness and urgency to the tale. Her children live up to their descriptors--officious Jerry, nonchalant Jimmy, and practical Kathleen--and they're brought to life with just the right amount of a British accent. Page moves the narration briskly, letting the layers and intricacies of the story shine--from the children's first realization of the ring's power to the coming to life of the Ugly Wugglies. Try this over school vacation. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

This is a story you can't help but love. Old-fashioned and magical, it's a safe choice for any audience. Three children discover a castle in a nearby forest; an enchanted princess and a magic ring follow, and the adventures begin. As a fine fantasy, it will sustain Harry Potter fans til the next installment, but what makes it special is the likable children and their timeless friendship. Narrator Virginia Leishman sets the tone perfectly. Her gentle, musical cadence is comforting and lulling. Soon you find yourself feeling dreamy and hypnotized. Before you know it, you've begun to believe in this magical place, and you don't want to wake up and come back. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

Pretending a castle they've discovered is enchanted, three children come upon a "sleeping princess" in the garden (It's Mabel, the housekeeper's niece, who is also doing some pretending). When Mabel shows them a secret treasure room, enchantment becomes a reality. Joanna Ward gives an even-paced, unembellished and totally satisfying reading. She skillfully renders dialogue with slight characterization, a good choice to avoid overwhelming Nesbit's rich dialogue. The popular British author's adventures of childhood have always been good read-aloud choices; the audiobook format superbly showcases them. C.R.A. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine