Punctuation Takes a Vacation
1 Paperback/1 CD (see all formats)

"From the opening sound effects of an airplane-"This is your pilot speaking"-this is an engaging recording. What would we do without punctuation marks? Mr. Wright and his class explore this notion as they begin a class read-aloud that has no punctuation. ... John Beach rises to the challenge of giving each punctuation mark its own distinctive vocal sound. He articulates each postcard from each vacationing punctuation mark with its specific sound effect. The results are hilarious when Mr. Wrongo's class writes an urgent letter, and the punctuation ends up in entirely wrong locations. It will take several "listens" before the vocals add to the humor of this story and are not a distraction, but it's well worth making the effort."

"Robin Pulver's clever picture book (Holiday House, 2003), illustrated with Lynn Rowe Reed's vibrant, child-like acrylic paintings, shows youngsters exactly what would happen if there were no punctuation marks. Mr. Wright's class discovers the value of punctuation and just how difficult life can be without the little fellows. Feeling distinctly unappreciated, the commas, question marks, periods, and apostrophes take a well-deserved vacation to Take-a-Break Lake, leaving the school in big trouble. Mr. Wright and his charges find that "Nothing makes sense without punctuation." The punctuation marks finally return, and the book ends with a list of punctuation rules. John Beach narrates in a gleeful, ebullient tone. Chris Kubie composed the sprightly music. This is that rare audiobook that truly makes the print version come alive. The sound effects alone are priceless, with homage to Grammy Award-winner Bobby McFerrin. If you've ever wondered what punctuation marks sound like, Beach provides hilarious voices and sound effects for each one. A masterful, creative, amusing, must-have production that simplifies the rules of punctuation."