Thumbelina and other Fairy Tales

Hans Christian Andersen's body of fairy tales is large. This recording includes several of the oft-told, such as "The Nightingale," "The Brave Tin Soldier," and the title story, as well as the less familiar "Metal Pig," set in Florence, and the whimsical "Flea and the Professor." No matter what the tale, Andersen's attention to nature's detail and his reflection on the sorrow and hardship life brings are ever present and beckon the listener back again and again. Each narrator is suited to his or her tale. Thumbelina's voice comes through as sensitive and delicate. The emperor's is pompous, but then contrite at the point when the nightingale's wisdom is understood. Enjoy reconnecting with Andersen's stories and sampling the freshness of promising new narrators. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2005
Gr 2-6 -An enjoyable collection of stories by Hans Christian Andersen are read by finalists in the 2004 Voice of the Year competition. The contestants were required too have no formal drama training or professional acting experience.B The backgrounds of the male and female readers ranged from business communications, classroom teacher, student, and legal director to stand-up comedian.B The range of reading techniques here is fascinating and will hold listeners' attention. For example, Eleanor Buchan employs very proper British pronunciations in her reading of -Thumbelina, - with a minimal amount of variety in pace or pitch to differentiate characters. Paul Rew, on the other hand, differentiates each character by the pitch and timber of his voice in -The Flying Trunk. - -The Brave Tin Soldier, - -The Princess and the Pea, - -The Butterfly, -B -The Flea and the Professor, - -The Metal Pig, - -The Storks, - -The Silver Shilling, - and -The Nightingale - round out this collection. Each unabridged story opens with a piano selection that sets the tone for the tale. Sound effects, including rain and cannons, are used appropriately. An outstanding recording of terrific stories, wonderfully told. -"Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.