Freddy and the Space Ship

Narrator John McDonough When you hear John McDonough's deep, growly voice, it seems immediately familiar. Listeners are drawn to the rich, warm tones of this veteran actor and singer. From Broadway to television and film, and from voice-overs to opera, McDonough's career encompasses the full gamut of acting experience. He has appeared with the Hartford Symphony and with the Glimmerglass Opera Company, and he is the Fox Family Channel's The All New Captain Kangaroo. As a narrator for Recorded Books, he has received wonderful reviews. Kliatt says, "MCDONOUGH'S NARRATION IS RICH AND FULL OF FEELING FOR THE CHARACTERS." [from the back cover of case]

As a preteen I read every "Freddy the Pig" book except "The Clockwork Twins" and that only because my library couldn't find a copy of it. Reading these in order was one of the highlights of my trips to the local library. I'm delighted to see them being re-released in mass market editions. They are absolutely timeless and priceless additions to any child's collection.

While not the best of the stories about Freddy the Pig, this novel is one of the better ones, coming at the end of the middle cycle. The first few books, while entertaining, were before Brooks really reached his stride as a writer, and shortly after this book he was coming down from his peak. Besides exploring outer space with several friends, Freddy must also help save the Bean family from inlaws who make a plague of locusts look like fun. Even Brooks'least Freddy book is head and shoulders above most other children's books, and most can be enjoyed by adults as well.

These books are the hidden gems of children's literature in the United States. They are all so warm, smart and fabulously funny. Freddy and the Space Ship is no exception. It sounds like a cliche, but these novels truly embody the spirit of timelessness. They are all a delight. Freddy and the Space Ship continues the formula, providing witty insights and familiar old characters to a new and exciting, albeit naive, story. Wonderful books. Every child, or child at heart should own one.