Rosie Revere Engineer

Rachel L. Jacobs narrates Andrea Beaty’s by now beloved story of a young girl named Rosie who turns spare parts into inventions like a hot dog dispenser, helium pants, and even a hat made from parts of a fan and cheddar cheese spray for her favorite Uncle Fred.

A visit by Great, Great, Aunt Rose propels the young namesake to build a flying contraption. Although the machine launches and hovers, it quickly crashes and Rosie declares the project a total failure. Au contraire declares Aunt Rose. “Your brilliant first flop was a raging success. The only true failure can come if you quit.”

Jacobs’ well pitched narration makes for repeat listening. The musical track, while a little too prominent in places, holds up to the rhyming text and wanes appropriately as the rich sound effects take stage.

Happily, the audiobook offers two versions: a listen only, and a read along complete with audible page turning cues. Good thing, too; David Roberts’ oh-so-clever illustrations are an integral part of Rosie’s pursuit.