Review by Garrett Peck

THE CHOCOLATE MAN: A Children's Horror Tale By Waide Aaron Riddle (audio CD) Published by the author 38:05 running time

When is a book not exactly a book? When it's an audio book. And when is a children's story not exactly a children's story? When it's just as entertaining for adults. Both of these descriptions apply to this superlative dramatic adaptation of Waide Aaron Riddle's very creepy children's horror tale, THE CHOCOLATE MAN.

The story is written in rhythmic, hypnotic verse. The lilting narration and dialogue are all the creepier for it. Take for instance this line spoken by the Chocolate Man himself:

The audio is ably narrated by actor Ron Geren, who employees different voices for the various characters and has particular fun with the title character. In the manner of classic radio dramas, the CD also employs a very creepy music soundtrack and some sound effects to enhance the reading.

In many ways, this project is a revival of several traditions that have long been on the wane and are well overdue for a comeback. Audio is a particular good medium to present horror stories in. It forces the listener to use his own imagination to picture the events being described. There's no chance of having the spell broken by seeing a zipper running down the back of a monster costume like can happen in cinema. Horror stories have always been popular choices for oral storytelling. After all, when people are clustered around a campfire in the dark woods, who says, "Hey, let's tell some love stories!"

THE CHOCOLATE MAN very consciously evokes the traditional fairy tale, like those written by the Brothers Grimm. If you've ever read the original versions of classic stories like "Little Red Riding Hood," you know they've often been watered down in adaptations. Riddle avoids this like the plague. He doesn't dumb down his language for children, nor does he temper his disturbing images. It's quite possible some parents will think this story is too strong for younger kids, but I doubt the kids will feel that way. Riddle was invited to present the story in several Los Angeles area schools last year and was so well received he has been asked to return this year. THE CHOCOLATE MAN has even had several successful radio broadcasts.

Do yourself a favor and purchase this CD. Turn the lights down low, settle back, close your eyes and allow this story to take you away. Even better, share it with your kids. It will remind you what it was like to be a small child, shivering at the powerful magic of storytelling. It might even help you regain a little bit of that magic for yourself. You're guaranteed four Book Wyrms worth of entertainment.

This review copyright 2002 E.C.McMullen Jr.

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