List $24.00

Written by Stephen Axelsen - Unabridged Fiction - 2 LIBRARY EDITION COMPACT DISCS - 2 hours, 15 minutes

Publisher, Bolinda Audio (October 2006)

NOTE: LIBRARY EDITIONS are packaged in a sturdy, durable outer vinyl case that stands up to years of repeated use designed for library and rental circulation. Albums are shelvable, space-efficient, with at-a-glance spine titles.

Listen to an MP3 audio clip.

"“This is a sweet story of magic, friendship and differences” —The Age (Finalist, 2004 Aurealis Award for Children's Short Fiction)

Reviews

Piccolo Grande's life will never be the same after Aunt Annabelle descends upon him. The chubby, noisy, and squeaky-voiced guardian angel befriends lonely Piccolo after he loses his parents. Narrator Stanley McGeagh is adorable as Piccolo, who has NEVER lied until his aunt arrives and she must show him how. McGeagh also is winning as he portrays a less imaginative and more mature Piccolo and a good-natured Aunt Annabelle. Lines like "the boy, not a sneak by nature, snuck across the room" are enhanced by a delivery that plays up their humor. This unusual story focuses on differences in a most positive way." —S.G.B., 2007 Audies Award Finalist - AudioFile Magazine [Apr 07]

The first book in an enchanting new series for children.

Young Piccolo Grande lives in his fine old family home. But one fateful afternoon his neat and ordered life is turned upside down and inside out when noisy, round and red-faced Annabelle bursts into his life. She claims to be his great aunt but Piccolo recognises her for the angel she is – a guardian angel, sent to mind Piccolo. But where Annabelle goes, disaster follows, and in two shakes of a feather it is the boy who is minding the angel.

About the Author: Born in Sydney, Australia, Stephen has been illustrating for children since 1974. He has illustrated hundreds of stories and cartoon strips for The School Magazine, as well as many books such as Cocky Colin (Richard Tulloch) and Aussie Bites (Margaret Mahy). He is also the author and illustrator of two picture books, The Oath of Bad Brown Hill in 1978 and Eucalyptus Christmas in 1983. He is currently writing and illustrating more books in the Piccolo and Annabelle series.

About the Performer: Stanley McGeagh is a gifted narrator and actor. Since starting his acting career in Ireland he has worked in British repertory and West End Theatre, and he has appeared in various stage musicals, including Applause with Lauren Bacall at Her Majesty's Theatre London. He has extensive TV, film and radio experience, including Frontline, Halifax, and Pozieres.