Gr 2-5-In this rollicking tale by Gillian Cross, three friends are creating a project to save their school. The Bennett School is celebrating its 100th birthday, and all of its students are making projects to show what the world will be like in the next 100 years. Spag, Clipper, and Barny Gobbo are determined to win first place with their top-secret project. They are certain their project is better than Soppy Elaine's Fashions of the Future, or Spotty McGrew's Slang Dictionary. Unfortunately, Thrasher Dyson, of the neighboring and newer King's Road School, is determined to find out what their project is and thwart it. Richard Mitchley's British dialect provides just the right touch to this English school tale. He also does a fine job of providing distinct and entertaining voices for the myriad of student and adult characters. His skilled narration will keep listeners entertained and eager to hear more. American listeners may be unfamiliar with some of the British terms , but this shouldn't impact their comprehension. This is one in a series of books by Cross about the adventures of Barny, Spag, and Clipper. Children are certain to enjoy this amusing tale.

Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, King County Library System, WA

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.