Fairies take up action

Artemis Fowl

Listening Library/Random House

Ages 8 and up

5 CDs, $28; or 4 cassettes: $26

(800) 726-0600

www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary

What’s the difference between a fairy and a leprechaun? A fairy is a fairy; a leprechaun is a job. And fairies, as introduced in this first volume of Eoin Colfer’s bestselling, sharp-edged and witty fantasy series, have military budgets, polymer wings, blasters and “mind wipe” devices, and they use them for concealment from their deplorable inferiors: human beings.

Then a 12-year-old human millionaire mastermind named Artemis Fowl discovers their existence, steals their fairy technology and kidnaps a fairy captain in the elite “LEPrecon Unit.” Sly humor lurks around every corner in this unexpected action thriller, and British actor Nathaniel Parker does it full justice.

*

Pool Boy

Listening Library/Random House

Ages 12 and up

3 cassettes: $25

(800) 726-0600

www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary

Smug, spoiled and rich, 15-year-old Brett Gerson’s life changes when his dad goes to jail for stock fraud. After moving with his mother and younger sister into an eccentric aunt’s old house on the wrong side of town, Brett takes a summer job working for 70-year-old Alfie, who used to clean the Gersons’ pool.

In this surprisingly moving first-person novel by Michael Simmons, Chad Lowe gives vivid voice to bitter and defiant Brett, who with Alfie’s unexpected help makes a painful but ultimately rewarding journey toward maturity, forgiveness and generosity.

-- Lynne Heffley