The Mixed-Up Mask Mystery

When Jill, Gwen, and Fletcher the dog head to the new park for the opening party, they hardly expect to stumble on a mystery. But when someone turns to vandalism to prevent the party from taking place, Fletcher and friends help identify the culprit. Whether portraying human, canine, or rodent, William Dufris and Christine Marshall create a cast of unique and descriptive characters. Particularly memorable are Fletcher, the easygoing, slow-moving hound; Jasper, who acts before he thinks; and a squirrel who means trouble. With impeccable timing and the appropriately exaggerated voices that younger children enjoy, Dufris and Marshall work seamlessly together to create an enjoyable "first reader" mystery. W.L.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Grade 2-4–Told through the eyes and voice of basset hound Fletcher, the audio version of Elizabeth Levy's beginning chapter book (Aladdin, pap. 2003), illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein, presents a dog's-eye view of a mild-mannered mystery. Voiced by William Dufris and Christine Marshall, this production with a large cast of characters with distinctive voices seems like a radio play. The fast-paced storytelling, with minimal sound effects, will pull children along as Fletcher and his pals bumble through to the eventual discovery of the culprit trying to sabotage their masked ball. With much gross dog humor, minimal plot, and mellow action, this gentle early mystery will be enjoyed by emergent readers.–Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN
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