Classic Poems for Boys

I’ve edited enough children’s audiobooks to know when narration crosses into magic, and this one does it effortlessly. Michael Caine’s velvety voice alone is worth the price of admission, but when paired with the rest of the cast—especially Roy McMillan’s playful cadence in 'The Jumblies' and Benjamin Soames’ dramatic flair in 'The Pobble Who Has No Toes'—it becomes something special. My 6-year-old nephew, who usually squirms through poetry, sat still for every track, even demanding a repeat of 'The Quangle Wangle’ at bedtime. The pacing is impeccable; even the longer poems like 'The Story of the Four Little Children Who Went Round the World' never drag, thanks to the narrators’ knack for emphasizing Lear’s humor. If there’s a critique, it’s that the transitions between narrators can feel abrupt at times, and a few poems (like 'The Duck and the Kangaroo') could use a touch more musical accompaniment to heighten the absurdity. Still, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a standout production. For parents tired of the same old nursery rhymes, this is the audiobook that’ll have kids reciting nonsense verses before you can say 'runcible.'