The Secret Garden (Junior Classics) [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Frances Hodgson Burnett (Author), Jenny Agutter (Narrator)

Book Description

Series: Junior Classics | Publication Date: November 2001

When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, her uncle's estate, everybody said she was the most disagreeable looking child ever seen. Depressed and withdrawn, Mary stumbles upon an arched doorway into an overgrown garden, and soon a charming and magical journey begins.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Although an abridgement, this audiobook captures the essence of the classic children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Raised in India, Mary Lennox is sent to live with an uncle she never met at Misselthwaite Manor in England when her parents die. At first, Mary hates living on the English moors. Like her deceased parents, Mary's uncle ignores the child and leaves her in the care of the housekeeper and other servants. Encouraged to play outside by Martha, a housemaid, Mary meets Ben Weatherstaff, a gardener, and she learns about the secret garden. While playing in the garden, Mary discovers the locked door leading in to the secret garden. One night, Mary hears someone crying, and discovers her invalid cousin in a dark room. The two children explore the healing magic of the secret garden. British actress Jenny Agutter narrates the story with a carefully modulated accent, and classical music plays in the background. Despite the quality of the audiobook, the Victorian language may be a deterrent and the story's plot may be outdated for most modern listeners. Consider adding this audiobook to collections where classic children's literature is popular.
Sarah Prielipp, Chippewa River District Library System, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile

This is the beloved story of Mary, the orphan from India; Colin, the invalid son of heartbroken Mr. Craven; and the once loved garden that brings each child to a newly awakened sense of self and the world. When Mary returns to her uncle's house in England, the bereaved and lonely child becomes more so until the household staff implore her to investigate the world outside. The lost key to Mrs. Craven's garden is unearthed, the house explored, and Colin befriended. In this abridgment, the overall sense is idyllic. The scenes that bear witness to the deeper changes in the two children and the haunting beauty of the story are not included. Nonetheless, the presentation is pleasing, with a British flavor to the narration and appropriate period music. Narration of title and tape number information would provide more ease in listening. A.R. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Audio CD
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks; Abridged edition (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9626342358
• ISBN-13: 978-9626342350
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,629,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)