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From Horn Book

January 1, 2006
This simplified retelling will introduce readers to the characters, plot, and setting of the classic novel. It lacks, of course, Alcott's rich language as well as the emotional impact of the real thing. For those who can't wait to read the original or feel intimidated by it, this is a very diluted substitute.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Horn Book

July 1, 2005
The complete text of Alcott's classic tale of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March is reprinted with a ribbon bookmark and a list of open-ended questions ("Do you think she overreacted, or was her anger justified?") designed to stimulate thought. Repeated scratchboard illustrations head each chapter, giving the book a generic appearance.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

December 1, 2000
Gr 5-8-This audio version of Louisa May Alcott's classic is both satisfying and disappointing. The narrator, Liza Ross, a voice artist with theater and television credits, does a remarkable job of bringing to life the voices of more than ten male and female characters, allowing the personalities of each character to emerge. Meg's longing, Jo's determination, Beth's gentleness, Amy's dreaminess, Marmee's loving morality and Laurie's charm and wit all shine through. The narration is nicely punctuated by classical piano music. Listeners will be disappointed that this abridgement ends with the first part of the novel (John Brooke's proposal). This is only mentioned briefly in the story description in the inside cover of the cassette, with no indication if the second half of the novel is or is not available. Listeners in elementary and middle school will enjoy this version, but older students will want to hear more of the March family's adventures.-Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From AudioFile Magazine

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, familiar to so many of us, bring their sweetness and moral lessons to audio. The four girls and their mother struggle with war-induced poverty and self-imposed virtue, overridden by a sense of love and family. C.M. Herbert reads the story with the gentle affection and conviction one imagines in Jo March as she reads to her elderly aunt. Her characterizations receive a light touch, distinguishing each sister from the others without actually performing. Herbert allows her amusement and sadness to show at appropriate moments but maintains an overall detachment from the text that suits its soft formality to perfection. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine