Noemi Flores March 8, 2014 LIS 804 04 Audiobook Review

The Little Prince written and illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Translated by Richard Howard, narrated by Humphrey Bower. Bolinda Publishing, 2008. CD Audiobook. Audie award winning Humphrey Bowers warm, Australian voice takes the listener to both the fantastic Sahara and the faraway world of the sweet, lovable little prince. Bowers manipulation of the pacing, volume, and quality of his voice help him characterize the many interesting characters in the novella. His narration reaches beyond the text to convey the surprised thoughtfulness of the pilot, the bluster of the more ridiculous characters, the quiet strength of the snake, and the gruff tenderness of the fox. The little prince is the only less than perfect voice. He sounds earnest and innocent, but not as young as he should sound. In conveying the princes wisdom, Bower sounds more like a fragile old man than a boy. Each CD is bookended by music that is sprightly and then serene. The technical production is professional; the recording is clear and consistent. This audiobook should be listened to with the book because the illustrations are instrumental to the plot. This audiobook will find a happy audience in in children ages 12 and up and nostalgic adults.