Johann: Hey Berlioz!
Me (in a deep rumbly voice): Yes, Johann?
Johann: No, the other voice.
Me (in a more normal voice): Yes, Johann?
Johann: Let’s make a band Berlioz, get your double bass and I’ll get my “recordian”. Elephant seal get your cello, sea lion get your guitar. Dragon fly do you have your wings? Ok! We’re ready. Everybody start, everybody dance! (starting to play his accordion)
Berlioz is a character from another Jan Brett book Berlioz The Bear, which Johann is currently enjoying on loan from the library. Berlioz plays the double bass in the village orchestra, but has a problem with his bass, then a problem with the mule carrying the band wagon to the ball. Johann has really enjoyed this book, and reading it can take over 20 minutes as he has conversations with the band members.
In our conversations there are certain characters who have certain voices. Tammy does some and I do others. Only I am supposed to be the voice for Ojo for instance. Others he is fine with either of us to do. Yet others—as above—he remembers (even when we don’t) the exact voice we use. Luckily neither of us has yet used a voice that is a real strain to reproduce. Hopefully we won’t slip up one night while too tired to think straight…