Listen Up to Audiobooks February 2007
By Lisa Von Drasek

To read Lisa Von Drasek's related article Author Accolades click here

The Light Princess by George MacDonald, read by Cynthia Bishop and Full Cast Family (Full Cast Audio, 2006, ISBN: 1-933-32269-1, 2 CDs, $29.00, ages 8+).

This is a whimsical classic story of a princess who is cursed with a lack of gravity. Her physical being is hard to keep on the ground, and her character is exceedingly light-hearted. One can imagine all the troubles this causes for her father and mother, the king and queen. The delightfully rich language is expressed by an accomplished cast of actors as well as supported by superior musical accompaniment.

Sorcerer's Apprentice: Stories in Music, read by Yadu, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, music by Paul Dukas, conducted by Stephen Simon (Magic Maestro Music, 2006, 1 CD, $16.98).

This story may be familiar for those who have seen the Sorcerer's Apprentice segment of the Disney film Fantasia. Mickey Mouse takes center stage as the lazy assistant who casts a spell, causing flooding by self-propelled water buckets. We hear the majestic music of a symphony orchestra with the engaging storytelling of the narrator Yadu (a.k.a. Dr. Konrad Cynski, a professor of Humanities at Minnesota State University – Morehead). Bonnie Ward, the executive producer of the series, gives the background of the story and Stephen Simon talks about the music. There is also a version without the narrations as well as a suggestion for how children can play along with their own percussion instruments.

The Night Kitchen Radio Theater: Volume 1: The Emperor's New Clothes and Pinocchio, performed by The Night Kitchen Radio Theater, directed by Arthur Yorinks (Listening Library, 2006, ISBN: 0-739-33664-9, 2 CDs, $19.95, ages 9-12). I am not exaggerating when I say that these productions are unlike any audiobook you've ever heard. Yorinks has taken these classic tales and created original radio plays. Recorded at Kennedy Center and broadcast on XM Satellite Radio, these retellings have the flavor of vaudevillian sketch comedy. The accomplished actors relish their roles as the despotic emperor, his self-assured advisors and the sly tailor. Sound effects and original music add to the thrill of a live performance.

To read Lisa Von Drasek's related article Author Accolades click here

Lisa Von Drasek is Children's Librarian at the Bank Street College of Education in New York, NY.

February, 2007, Vol.37, No.5