Media Mix

Listen & Live Audio; abridged nonfiction; two cassettes. Length: three hours; $16.95; read by Rick Adamson. Available in bookstores or by calling (800) 653-9400.

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If you want something fun for the whole family, bring this along for your next road trip.

Author Eric Widmaier writes with peppy good cheer about such subjects as metabolism, homeostasis and hydration. He is direct enough for the kids to understand and interesting enough to maintain adult attention spans. In fact, you may catch yourself saying, “I didn’t know that,” as he explains the length of time that seals can hold their breath.

The music is a little cloying, but Adamson is a lively narrator. He picks up on Widmaier’s energetic writing style and has a sweet, inviting manner that keeps you listening.