Rabbit Ears Storybook Classics, Volume 1

This collection of fairy tales brings together some wonderful stories. Though technically well done, however, each somehow comes up short. Although all the narrators read clearly and with some emotion, the overall effect is flat. In each story, the pacing is almost too slow for listeners (especially children) who aren't following in a book, and though all four narrators have lovely voices, they give such modulated readings that they fail to bring their stories to life. Additionally, because each story is somewhat changed from the original, listeners may find themselves feeling let down--in fact, some of the endings are quite abrupt. The musical accompaniment, while nicely done, seems, like the stories, to go on and on. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine