Nim's Island

Coinciding with the release of the movie, this finely produced audiobook captures the spirit of Orr's (Peeling the Onion ) fantastic tale. Nim has lived on a remote island with her scientist father, Jack, ever since when she was a baby and her mother died. And when Jack sails off on a three-day trip, Nim has no trouble staying behind with her three friends: a sea lion, a marine iguana and a green sea turtle. The three days turn into two weeks when a storm disables Jack's boat, and father and daughter communicate through notes delivered by a frigate bird. Reading lightly differentiates characters' voices, but her real strength lies in her expressive delivery. Children will savor the slivers of information about the tropical habitat, the adventure and survival themes, and the imaginative twists that Orr works into the story. Ages 9–12. (Reviews, Feb. 19, 2001). (Apr.)