Paul Fleischman is a master of sound, incorporating a soaring, energetic musicality into his writing. Both of his books of Poems for Two Voices make for irresistable listening. Whether funny, sad, boisterous or serene, each poem in this recording is a virtuoso performance - skillfully illuminating a unique personality from the natural world.
This recording is an audio treat! Paul Fleischman's books of poetry for two voices, Joyful Noise and I am Phoenix, have been acclaimed (Newbery Medal for Joyful Noise) and are favorite reading material. But now, the listener will never do anything else but listen to the poems. Melissa Hughes, Scott Snively, and supporting young voices transport the listener to Fleischman's world of insects and birds. Their voices are crisp and eager. The play between multiple voices brings natural moments into memorable focus whether it be the flash of the fireflies' lights, the mimicry of the mockingbird, the conflicting viewpoints of life in a bee hive, or the flurry of early morning finches. Listen and enjoy, and listen and enjoy again! A.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine
Starred Review - KLIATT...
"Poetry always comes to life when it is spoken and here the perfect blending of voices and words becomes a song to the ears... a treat for all ages."
Earphones Award, AudioFile...
"Melissa Hughes and Scott Snively and supporting young voices transport the listener to Fleischman's world of insects and birds. The play between multiple voices brings natural moments into memorable focus...listen and enjoy—this recording is an audio treat!"
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly...
"Hughes and Snively, with some assistance from several other performers, rise to the occasion, giving Fleischman's words the cheerful musicality the author intended. The result is verse that has an appealing theatrical quality. The cast skillfully energizes Fleischman's work."
About the Author
Born and raised in California, Paul Fleischman - son of the well-known children's book author Sid Fleischman - has written more than twenty books, many of which celebrate his love for natural history, and for music. With his Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices, Fleischman garnered the 1989 Newbery Gold Medal. About his writing for children and young adults, he states: " Music runs all through my works."
