The story times in our household always involve me and the kids snuggling on the couch, floor or bed, book in hand and my voice doing all the work. Don’t get me wrong- I L.O.V.E. to read aloud, so much so that it would be listed as one of my hobbies if I were filling out a questionnaire. That being said, I’m beginning to appreciate the joy of children’s audiobooks as a different type of story time experience, one in which I get to be a listener along with the children. I have to say that I’m really becoming a fan.
The children and I recently had the good fortune to receive the CD audiobook Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder, with stories by Amy Friedman and music by Laura Hall. Featuring six folktales from around the world (Great Britain, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Turkey, Siberia, and the US), this collection is filled with adventure, daring characters and important lessons for young listeners, as folktales are known to be. I especially enjoyed the Ethiopian tale, “Whisker of the Lioness,” for the depth of its storyline and beautiful message of love and acceptance in the face of adversity. The kiddos giggled along as Paula Poundstone read the American Tall Tale of “Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind,” which was as boisterous at its title suggests!
In a time when folktales don’t seem to get as much attention as they used to, this audiobook fills that void, offering up a wide variety of settings, cultures and characters. Featuring lovely musical interludes and inviting celebrity narrations, Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder is delightful to listen to, allowing you to take in the stories right alongside your children, while also giving your voice a much deserved rest.
Dawn loves a good tale, tall or not, and has been known to craft her own over at her blog, my thoughts exactly.