Tell Me a Story 2: Animal Magic
Ann Crewdson, Issaquah Library- KCLS, WA -- School Library Journal, 4/29/2008
Tell Me a Story 2: Animal Magic. CD. 61:48 min. with booklet. Prod. by Universal Press. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2007. ISBN 978-0-9790867-1-7. $16.95.
K-Gr 6–These seven multicultural folktales have been selected from Amy Friedman’s long-running newspaper feature syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate. These timeless, captivating tales span the world, from Nigeria to China, France, Guatemala, and Australia. Each story is introduced by Eva and Ruthie Hall, and narrated by stage and screen actors such as Tony award-winner Len Cariou. Follow the magic drum with a corrupt tortoise, plunge into the sea with a Chinese poet, and sing a song with a Guatemalan cricket who finally finds his way home—while learning the lessons of greed, faith, and love. A Native American tale about the coyote and how fire was brought to man tops off this amazing collaborative effort of musical talent, mystical storytelling, and intriguing illustrations by Jillian Gilliland. Music for these tales was composed by Laura Hall, and listeners will be enthralled by the keyboard, string, and percussion accompaniment. These moral lessons from faraway lands can serve as a springboard to understanding diverse cultures and will enchant listeners. An essential purchase for school and public library folklore collections.
