Tell Me a Story: Timeless Folktales from Around the World by Amy Friedman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Tell Me a Story: Timeless Folktales from Around the World
Book Review: Folktales, limericks and word play
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a charming collection of eight folktales from around the world, which can be enjoyed by anyone above the age of three. Written by Amy Friedman, and produced by Friedman and Lori Ada Jaroslow, the background music was composed by Laura Hall of "Who's Line is it Anyway?" fame.
1. A Sense of Theft
Narrated by Lori Ada Jaroslow, Broadway Performer
Setting: Eastern Europe
There was a young lady named Zena
Who worked every day as a cleana
Baked goods she'd inhale
Without closing the sale
Which was thought to be a misdemeana
2. Anansi and Turtle's Feast
Narrated by Rick Hall, Actor
Setting: Africa
There once was a spider, Anansi
Who'd trick you if it took his fanci
He hated to share
Any food that was there
Be it yams or buffet fanci schmanci
3. The Selkie Bride
Narrated by Lauren Tom, Actress
Setting: Scotland
A fisherman once caught a seal
Who turned out to be quite unreal
As shedding the skin
Showed a woman within
Though she got the raw end of the deal
4. Two Frogs from Japan
Narrated by Jack McGee, Actor
Setting: Japan
There once was a frog from Kyoto
Who sought other places to go to
His friend from Osaka
Was on the same tracka
Both wishing for a telephoto
5. The Clever Girl
Narrated by Charlayne Woodard, Actress
Setting: Former Czechoslovakia
A farmer once had a fine daughter
Who was smarter by far than she oughter
The magistrate tried
To suppress his bride
But he found that his rules held no water
6. Searching for Fear
Narrated by Poppy Champlin, Comedienne
Setting: North America, but has Turkish origins
There once was a fearless raccoon
Who marched to a different toon
He hunted for fear
With never a scare
Until faced with the time opportoon
7. Rabbit on the Moon
Narrated by William Thomas Jnr., Broadway Performer/Actor
Setting: India
Here, Buddha's disguised as a Brahmin
Seeking animals willin' and charmin'
When instead of some rice
A supreme sacrifice
Turns out to be somewhat disarmin'
8. The Boatman's Howling Daughter
Narrated by Kathleen Wilhoite, Actress
Setting: North America
There once was a girl named Sal Fink
Who was tougher by far than you'd think
When HER temper flares
She wrestles with bears
And generally kicks up a stink
Note: Some tracks are not in the order they are listed on the CD.
Very entertaining, and skillfully narrated by a talented group of performers, this would be an age appropriate gift for a budding storyteller on your list.
Amanda Richards, July 31, 2008
Book Review: Its OK.
Summary: 3 Stars
The CD is pretty short, and the stories were OK. Their original, never heard most of them, but most of them just didn't appeal to me.Book Review: Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
Wonderful and hypnotic is what I would call this. The first story I played for my two girls (6 and 8) in the car on the way to school. It was the first time they ever made it the whole ride in total silence. After just the FIRST story, they begged for me to play it again, but it was time for school. When I picked them up, they asked right away. So So this is what we have done the last three days; listen to a new story on the way to school. I'm only on the third, The Selkie Bride. My oldest daughter rushed into school and immediately began telling the tale to the first friend she ran into.
I can't say enough good about this. The children are captivated and it provides great discussion topics, for example, after the SECOND time we listened to A Sense of Theft, I asked my daughters what they think the judge felt about the case against Zena. I, myself, had to run errands today and listened to the rest of the tales. The depth, the humor, the underlying celebration of the human spirit, all in such clever packages is something I will always enjoy bringing to my children.
Book Review: Transcends Age, Time and Culture, Superb Audio Story Telling
Summary: 5 Stars
This review refers to "Tell Me A Story: Timeless Folktales from Around The World"(CD)
So, one of the really cool things about writing reviews at Amazon is that every once in a while, I will receive a book from an Author or publisher in hopes of a review. I don't review every single one I receive, but every once in a while I get one that I not only can't wait to share with Amazon book shoppers, but as in this case, one that I can share with my entire family. I received this one from producer of this fine CD, Amy Friedman, and I'd like to say thanks so much, for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I took this one with me on my errands outing the other day, and popped it in my CD player. First off all I became so enthralled with these marvelous stories that I was glad I was alone and didn't have anyone with me chit chatting as I listened.Although I am sure any listener would be under it's spell as well. The other thing is that my errands took much longer then anticipated as at each stop, I couldn't get out of my car until I finished the story I was listening to.
The title says much about this book. The readers are professional), will tell you the stories and you cannot help but to fall into a trance by their lulling and often animated voices. These great folktales take place in all different parts of the world and the readers capture the personalities of the people or animals, the accents, the fun and the lessons learned exquisitely. The stories each are not only a joy to listen to, but will leave you with some kind of moral or life lesson learned in a entertaining way. These tales transcend age and time, and offer a glimpse into various countries and cultures that will leave the reader a little more enriched.
There are 8 tales ranging from about 5 to 13 minutes. Well over an hour to get lost in. Although this is classified as a children's book. I have to say that whatever your age, you will enjoy these stories. I even think, the very young will get something out of these tales. Only one,"The Boatman's Howling Daughter", an American folktale may not be suitable for the very very young, as there is some violence(think something akin to Peter Pan and the Pirates). Among some of the other tales, I really enjoyed "A`Sense of Theft". A delightful tale of a poor woman on trial for "stealing" the wonderful smells from the Baker's shop. How will the judge handle this case. Also included is "Rabbit on the Moon", an excellent learning lesson, "The Selkie Bride", what will we do for love?, "Anansi and Turtle's Feast", "Searching For Fear", "The Clever Girl", and "Two Frogs From Japan", a tale that might make one think about where to find happiness.
The CD quality itself is excellent, with some great music to set the mood of the tales as well. It includes a booklet, with story synopsis and great illustrations and bios of the narrators.
Highly recommended. Take it in your car the next time you are chauffeuring the kids around. For once, the ride will be peaceful as the kids(and you), get swept away to far away lands and olden times. Makes a great gift as well, one that could be passed down from generation to generation, that is if anyone can actually part with it.
Hopefully this will be the start of a long line of the CDs, with more lovely tales to come....Enjoy the read.....Laurie
Book Review: The World of Imagination Starts Here
Summary: 5 Stars
In this day and age it's nigh impossible to get a child away from the TV, what with a bazillion channels, cartoons coming out of a lot of them, always on. Then there are video games galore. Star Wars Battlefront, Halo, who knows what else. Then, of course, there are toys, which are all high tech these days, but even the ones that have been passed down through the years, take up you little one's time. Not to mention little friends who want your precious to come out and play. Add all that up and what chance does a CD of Timeless Folktales from Around the World have of getting some serious listening?
Almost none, one would think, but that's not true. Yes there is no video, no whizz bang, slap dash, shoot 'em up, faster than the speed of light travel on this CD. Only stories here. Wonderful stories that will open your child's imagination, take her to a place she could never go in front if that TV, even if she does have a controller in her hand.
So how do you get your little one to listen. Just before bed, that's when. When your darling is snug under the covers, that's when she can really get into the Spider Anansi, the Trickster and how he gets tricked by the Turtle. Or maybe she would identify with the poor Selkie Bride or The Boatman's Howling Daughter.
There are eight delightful tales on this CD, perfect to play just before dream time. After all there is a lot more to live than TV and Video games, so why not open your child's mind to the world of imagination. Get here her started here, you won't be sorry.
Reviewed by Captain Katie Osborne
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