The BFG

Versatile British actor David Walliams pulls out all the stops from his vocal repertoire to create a romping narration of this children's classic. There's no voice too big or too small for him, whether it's giving the Big Friendly Giant a deep, rumbling Cockney accent or endowing the queen of England with a prim and proper tone. Helping him along are well-placed sound effects sprinkled throughout--from the loud roars of evil giants to the soft tinkling of glass. The sounds enhance the wacky adventure, which only Roald Dahl could dream up. The four-plus hours whiz by with whimsy and inspired fun. Whether you're a child or a child at heart, you'll have a wopsy, splendiferous time. E.E. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

In a perfect combination of plot and narration, Natasha Richardson has created a splendid rendition of a true children's classic. Dahl's ability to twist words into a clever and creative new language is fascinating to children, and an enjoyable challenge to adults. The gruesome descriptions of the horrid giants and the subtle allusions to other stories will entertain children young and old. Richardson's narration adds the final perfect touch--her voices are marvelous, investing Sophie with the innocence and longing of a lonely but proper little girl, creating a lovable if sometimes irascible giant, and even finding the exact tones for the imperious yet understanding queen. Even the narrator is absolutely right--objective yet compassionate! With voices full of emotion, indignation, and humor, Richardson builds and maintains the story, bringing it to its charming end. A true gem! W.L.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

November 1, 2013

Gr 3-6-Dahl's classic story about the Big Friendly Giant and heroine Sophie, first published in 1982, comes to life in this audiobook read by David Williams. The BFG is not in the business of gobbling up "human beans," but instead spends his days eating the foul-tasting snozzcumbers and drinking frobscottle. He spends his nights spreading good dreams to children. One night after Sophie sees the BFG spreading good dreams, he takes her back to Giant Country because she witnessed him at work. Sophie learns that there are bone-crunching, 50-foot tall giants who feast on "little chiddlers" from around the world. The two pair up to stop the Bloodbottler, Meatdripper, and other giants from traveling the world at night. They devise a plan to recruit the Queen of England to help stop the terrifying giants. The story is magically narrated by Williams who gives each character depth and personality. Sound effects and music enhance the telling. Children will want to listen to the story again and again.-Jessica Gilcreast, McDonough Elementary School, Manchester, NH

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.