THE TAIL OF EMILY WINDSNAP

Kessler's debut novel—a whale of a tale that pays homage to the sea and its mythical creatures—makes a splash as an audiobook, deftly performed by British actress Williams. Younger listeners may recognize Williams as the voice of mouse-dancer Angelina in the animated television series Angelina Ballerina . But everyone else will simply applaud the actress's turn as 12-year-old Emily Windsnap, who discovers she is half mermaid. Unfortunately, Emily discovers her secret upon entering a swim class at her new, very intimidating junior high school. Her journey to navigate uncharted waters—both literally, in the ocean, and in the halls of school, makes for an entertaining listen. Williams captures the believable rhythm of dialogue between daughter and mother or preteen peers with equal skill. Wringing notes of excitability, trepidation and newfound confidence, she unfolds Emily's discoveries at just the right pace. And adding extra oomph, Williams's portrayal of Millie, a sometimes-clairvoyant friend of Emily's mother, is a great bit of comic relief. Ages 8-up. (May)