Carnival
A simple story about a boy who takes a tourist camera to take a picture of a girl in the carnival. At the police station the boy finds out that the girl at the carnival is a policewoman who should have been at the doctor's and not at the carnival. When Jake sees Maria in the Carnival costume, he knows it's love . He chases the float through the crowds - but when he finally meets Maria he gets a big surprise...
A Whirlwind of Romance and Mishaps
Annette Keen's "Carnival!" is a charming audiobook for beginner English learners that takes you on a vibrant journey through the Notting Hill Carnival, filled with a touch of romance and a hilarious twist of fate.
Jake, our protagonist, arrives in London and finds himself swept up in the energy and festivity of the carnival. There, amidst the colorful costumes and pulsating music, he lays eyes on the beautiful Maria. It's love at first sight, and Jake is determined to get to know her. But the chaos of the carnival creates a barrier - he can't hear her phone number over the noise!
In a moment of impulsiveness, Jake grabs a camera from a nearby table and snaps a photo of Maria. This seemingly harmless act sets off a comical chain of events. The camera owner reports it stolen, leading to Jake's arrest. But fate takes an unexpected turn when the policewoman at the station turns out to be none other than Maria herself!
The audiobook's strength lies in its simplicity and relatability. Jake's awkward attempts to woo Maria, coupled with the humorous misunderstandings caused by the stolen camera, create a lighthearted and engaging narrative. The use of everyday language and short sentences makes it easy for beginner learners to follow the story and pick up new vocabulary.
Narrator Jessica Martin brings the characters and the bustling carnival atmosphere to life with her lively voices and expressive delivery. The sound effects of music and crowd noise further immerse the listener in the festive setting.
While the plot is predictable, it remains charming and suspenseful, keeping the listener guessing until the final reveal. The story subtly touches on themes of honesty, mistaken identity, and the power of chance encounters, adding a layer of depth to the seemingly lighthearted plot.
Here are some of the things I liked about "Carnival!":
- Simple and engaging story: The plot is easy to follow and perfect for beginner learners.
- Humorous situations: The misunderstandings and awkward moments create a funny and lighthearted atmosphere.
- Relatable characters: Jake's clumsiness and romantic aspirations make him easy to connect with.
- Vivid narration: Jessica Martin's voice acting brings the characters and the carnival setting to life.
- Themes of honesty and chance encounters: The story adds depth beyond the lighthearted romance.
A couple of minor drawbacks to consider:
- Predictable plot: The story unfolds in a fairly predictable manner.
- Short length: The audiobook is quite short, leaving some listeners wanting more.
Overall, "Carnival!" is a delightful and enjoyable audiobook for beginner English learners. Its simple story, humorous situations, and relatable characters make it perfect for a quick and satisfying listen. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or a practice session for your English skills, "Carnival!" is definitely worth checking out.
How can you read this book?
Click these simple buttons to read this book today.
You may like these books... Buy now!
|
|
|
Annette Keen, Author 
From Childhood Imagination to Accomplished Author
Annette Keen's journey as an author traces its roots back to her early years, where she embarked on a creative path at the tender age of eight. Armed with determination and a vivid imagination, her earliest attempts at writing manifested as handwritten stories on lined paper, lovingly crafted into booklets that were stapled together. While this endeavor proved to be labor-intensive for a young child, it marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for storytelling.
As the years passed, Annette's writing evolved, shifting from tangible booklets to stories that resided primarily in her mind. The spark of creativity remained alive, waiting for the right moment to rekindle her writing ambitions.
That moment arrived with the advent of the word processor—a machine that Annette instantly fell in love with. This technological marvel breathed new life into her writing aspirations and set her on a journey of discovery. She found that crafting short stories was no easy task, but her dedication paid off when her first serious attempt earned her the honor of winning first prize in a competition. This achievement marked the beginning of her exploration into the world of creative writing.
Over the years, Annette honed her craft through numerous creative writing courses, steadily gaining proficiency in this challenging form of writing. Her dedication bore fruit as around fifteen of her short stories were published, a testament to her growth as a writer.
In addition to her short stories, Annette's literary pursuits encompass a diverse range of projects. She co-authored and published a book of vocabulary quizzes tailored for adult language learners, demonstrating her commitment to educational writing. Alongside her writing team, she ventured into the world of role-plays, producing a CDRom book designed for the same market.
Annette's versatility as a writer extends to adapting novels for the Penguin English reading scheme, with two of her adaptations reaching the finals of the Language Learners Literature Award. Her diverse portfolio also includes numerous theatre and music reviews contributed to her local paper.
In recent times, Annette has explored the realm of song lyrics, and she takes pride in the fact that some of her creations have been recorded on critically acclaimed jazz CDs. Her passion for jazz has driven her to promote the genre in her hometown, organizing more than 200 jazz gigs over the past two decades.
However, at the core of Annette's journey lies her longing to be a novelist—a dream that has persisted since the age of eight. It was a dream that couldn't be denied any longer, and her first novel, "The Generation Club," marked the culmination of her journey, bound not by staples but in a classy cover.
Two years later, her second novel, "Distant Cousins," followed suit, solidifying her place as an accomplished author.
Annette Keen's life by the sea provides her with the perfect backdrop for nurturing her creativity. Strolls along the seafront serve as her sanctuary for clearing her mind and resolving those pesky plot issues that often vex authors. With each morning spent plodding along and gazing out to sea, she continues to breathe life into her imaginative fantasies, sharing them with a captivated audience.
A lifelong daydreamer, Annette Keen's journey as a novelist is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the tenacity of a writer who, from childhood dreams to published works, continues to inspire and delight readers.
To explore more of Annette Keen's work and musings, you can visit her website at annettekeen.co.uk.
Comments