Frogkisser!

Filled with an assortment of talking animals, this quirky tale of a princess on a mission to save her family from her stepmother’s evil new husband is perfectly suited for the audio format. Princess Anya’s “stepstepfather,” Duke Rikard, is attempting to force her older sister, Morven, to marry a man of his choosing by turning all her other suitors into frogs. Anya sets off on a quest to find allies to help protect her family, accompanied by her sister’s most recent beau, Prince Denholm (currently a frog); her talking dog, Ardent; and a boy-turned-newt named Shrub. Anya’s adventure brings her into contact with all sorts of creatures. Actor Calin proves a thoroughly delightful storyteller in the audio edition of Nix’s tale: her enthusiastic reading coupled with her English accent enhances the fairy-tale aspect, but it’s her personable and light tone that carries the story. Calin also creates a cast of distinct character voices that maintain clarity through conversations. Ages 12–up. [em]A Scholastic Press hardcover. (Mar.) [/em]