Publishers Weekly
Knopf includes George's Marvelous Medicine and Fantastic Mr. Fox in its roster of handsomely redesigned hardcover Roald Dahl reissues. In the first novel, George comes up with a potion to improve the mood of his grumpy grandma; the second centers on the efforts of farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean to catch the titular thief. Both feature Quentin Blake's original illustrations and include an interview with the author. (June) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
In a typically wicked Dahl outing, a lad named George does away with his nasty grandmother by giving her a concoction that he brews from a mixture that includes shampoo, shaving cream and floor polish. Ages 7-11. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-Richard E. Grant performs this reading of Roald Dahl's tale (Puffin, pap. 1998) with an appropriately British accent. Fully-voiced, the production is expressive and pleasing, making a great story an even better read-aloud. As George seeks a cure for his grandmother's grumpiness, his creative elixir produces surprising results. Listeners will appreciate the humor, suspense, and resolution in this silly plot so typical of Dahl's writing. Appropriate for listening centers, reading classes, literature studies and general circulation, the length and reading level of this title will be appreciated by those who work with reluctant readers. Consider this purchase essential for libraries with audio collections.-Kirsten Martindale, Buford Academy, GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal - Audio
01/01/2014
Gr 4–7—George's grandmother is a terribly grumpy, "grizzly old grunion" who just loves to order young George around. George decides he will create a medicine to relieve Grandma of all of her awfulness. Adding everything he can find in the house and barn, including shampoo, shaving cream, animal medicines, shoe polish, and paint, George boils up a pot of medicine that has shocking results when given to Grandma. Utter chaos breaks out when his father determines that they should brew up more of the awful stuff to give to the farmyard animals and George can't quite remember exactly what he used the first time around. Derek Jacobi does a commendable job voicing the quirky characters; Grandma is perfectly grating and nasty. The pacing is just right for the wacky presentation, and Jacobi nicely captures the complete pandemonium as things spiral out of control. This is a quick listen and should appeal to fans of Dahl although it may leave some adults feeling squeamish and grateful for the warning to "not try this at home" found at the beginning of the presentation.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT
NOVEMBER 2013 - AudioFile
When George has had enough of his grandmother's incessant complaining, he concocts a very special medicine that has some unexpected consequences. Derek Jacobi excels at bringing Roald Dahl's satire to life. Jacobi deftly offers listeners a narration with a range of distinct voices—from George's childlike innocence to Grandma's nagging. Jacobi's enjoyment of the story shines through with humor. He balances his voice well between a straight narrative and a joyful tone of adventure, the perfect blend for the story. A great listen is sure to have families laughing along. S.B.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine
