From AudioFile
It would have been easy to gush through this five hanky classic, but Hannah Gordon presents a realistic, yet warm and human, interpretation of each of the various dour and happy characters. Her narrative style reminds me of the late Elizabeth Montgomery of BEWITCHED as she describes the effect a glad orphan girl has on her maiden aunt's vinegary universe. The book is full of tears and laughter, and Gordon evokes them with small catches in her voice, trembling hesitations and sudden babbles of enthusiasm. She doesn't hit a false note anywhere, a master at her craft. D.W. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Midwest Book Review
The unabridged classic story of an orphaned girl who lives with a strict maiden aunt receives fine narration by Hannah Gordon, whose accented British voice provides the perfect backdrop for a strong story of courage and discovery. Kids who balk at classic presentations will love this more exciting audio version.

Book Description

The whole town is Playing the game, and tile whole town is wonderfully happier -- all because of one little girl who taught tile people a new game, and how to play it.

When Pollyanna's father dies, she is sent clear across the country to a small town in Vermont where she will live with her strict Aunt Polly. But Pollyanna doesn't seem to notice how stern and unfeeling her aunt really is. Pollyanna simply plays her "glad" game -- finding a silver lining in every cloud. Eventually Pollyanna brightens the lives of everyone in town, even the most reclusive citizens, as she takes in every stray cat, dog, and orphan. But then a terrible accident happens and Pollyanna doesn't think she can feel glad about anything anymore. All of her new friends from town turn out to support her, but will that be enough to restore Pollyanna's cheerful outlook on life?

Download Description
Nancy, she said a few minutes later, at the kitchen door, "I found a fly up-stairs in Miss Pollyanna's room. The window must have been raised at some time. I have ordered screens, but until they come I shall expect you to see that the windows remain closed. My niece will arrive to-morrow at four o'clock. I desire you to meet her at the station. Timothy will take the open buggy and drive you over.

Card catalog description
When orphaned, eleven-year-old Pollyanna comes to live with austere and wealthy Aunt Polly, her philosophy of gladness brings happiness to her aunt and other unhappy members of the community.

ANNOTATION

In early twentieth-century Vermont, orphaned, eleven-year-old Pollyanna comes to live with her austere and wealthy Aunt Polly, and uses her philosophy of gladness to bring happiness to her aunt and other unhappy members of the community.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When orphaned Pollyanna Whittier comes to live with her stern maiden aunt, the entire town of Beldingsville is affected by the bubbly nature of this lively eleven-year-old. Not only is she perpetually cheerful, she also brightens the lives of everyone she meets. How does Pollyanna manage to be so eternally optimistic? How does she spread her bright outlook among the sick, sad, and abrasive people of the town and transform the life of her lonely aunt? It's the "glad game," she says, describing the antidote to hardship and depressed spirits. But in a serious accident, the town almost loses its "Glad Girl," and everyone looks for a way to make this youngster happy again. Translated into a number of languages since its original publication in 1913, Pollyanna has been made into a Broadway play, as well as a popular motion picture starring Hayley Mills. One of the best-loved stories for children of all time, this classic -- along with its spirited heroine -- will inspire readers for years to come.

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile - Don Wismer