A very important summer travel companion is a selection of books/stories on CD. Music does soothe and amuse, yes, but for very long car rides (or even quick jaunts around town), audible storytelling CDs are quite the diversion for antsy or cooped up kids in the back.
One of the simplest, no-frills, classics-rich collections is PlainTales. These CDs are filled with wonderfully re-told stories that have been well-loved and revered for years. Whether your children prefer timeless fairy tales, folk stories, tall tales & historical legends, or magical adventures, PlainTales probably has something for them.
We were sent two PlainTales CDs to review and enjoy. The Tailor of Gloucester and Other Tales by Beatrix Potter‘s tales are completely unabridged and in their entirety. Tavia Gilbert, the narrator, does an outstanding job of recounting these warm adventures in a way that conjures up Potter’s illustrations and artwork in one’s imagination, right within the mind’s eye.
The Gingerbread Boy is one of my children’s favorite stories of all time, and so this one is often played on repeat as we drive here and there. Melody Warnick’s retelling of this much-loved story lends new and creative plot details and additions that make it much more entertaining. Between each story is little harpsichord or piano musical snippet, which was a pleasant surprise.
PlainTales currently offers 13 different audiobooks. A handful of their stories have won the prestigious Parents’ Choice Award. PlainTales are organized into three different categories: Unabridged Classics, First Tales, and Explorers. They can be purchased for $12.95 each from their secure online store.
Win it! Thanks to the fine folks at PlainTales, one of you can win 2 of their CDs: The Gingerbread Boy and Other First Tales and The Reluctant Dragon! To enter, just head over to PlainTales and browse around at their selection. Come back and tell me one title you’d like to have for your children (that I didn’t mention within this review). I’ll close the contest next Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!!
Janet F (2 years ago)
I like Animal Tales: Raccoon, Bear and Coyote.
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Sara (2 years ago)
I also like Animal Tales: Raccoon, Bear, and Coyote – Lucas is crazy about animals right now – they are in every story we make up!
Donna (2 years ago)
OMG! I used to have the Gingerbread Man book and 45LP (giving away my age!) and it was my favorite book! I like the Johnny Appleseed and Other American Legends and the Ugly Duckling and Other Tales!
Mary A (2 years ago)
I would also like to try the Tales from the Book of Dragons. Thanks for the giveaway.
Katrina V (2 years ago)
I like The Ugly Duckling and Other Tales by Hans Christian Andersen.
Thanks!
Toni Trainor (2 years ago)
I am new to your blog and this is a fantattic idea. We do several long drive with our 2.5 year old. I like this one too: The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde, and may have to get it.
Thanks!
Cindi (2 years ago)
Hi! I also like The Happy Prince and Other
Tales by Oscar Wilde. What is more important than reading that kindness and giving are the greatest powers we can posses?! Please enter my name in your wonderful prize giveaway drawing.
Many thanks, Cindi
Staci A (2 years ago)
My little one is animal obsessed, so Animal Tales: Raccoon, Bear, and Coyote looks like one we’d love too!
Jen (2 years ago)
Cool! I would love many of the books listed there – but to name 2 I’d say Hansel and Gretal and Jack & the Beanstock.
Thanks!
Jen
Abby (2 years ago)
Paul Bunyan looks like a great tale!
Brandie (2 years ago)
Since my 5 yr old is starting to enjoy stories more often I asked him and he said “Pecos Bill” and “The Reluctant Dragon”.
Hope I win
Donna (2 years ago)
I would also like to have The Happy Prince and Other
Tales by Oscar Wilde.Thank you
Donna (2 years ago)
My granddaughter would enjoy The Happy Prince and Other
Tales by Oscar Wilde.
bridget (2 years ago)
I remember having small records that had stories like hansel and gretel. I would listen over and over so I can see that my kids would enjoy these audiobooks. My daughter loves the Princess and the Pea so I would pick The Ugly Duckling and Other Tales by Hans Christian Andersen.
renee (2 years ago)
Tales from the Book of Dragons sounds interesting.
malka (2 years ago)
what delightful reads
Bettye Short (2 years ago)
I like your website and i would like to win this PlainTales Contest.
sushi_noem (2 years ago)
I’d like to listen to the Arabian Nights one myself;)
Kiley (2 years ago)
The Ugly Duckling would be great! I love that sweet story!
Mandy (2 years ago)
Hard to choose,they all look fun. I think my kids would LOVE The Gingerbread Boy.We buy a Gingerbread story every Christmas and make cookies to eat while we read.
Nad (2 years ago)
The Animal Tales: Raccoon, Bear and Coyote sounds interesting.
Lorie Shewbridge (2 years ago)
It would have to be the Hans Christian Anderson tales, I just love those stories and I would love to listen to them again with my grandson.
Thanks for the chance to win – what a terrific giveaway, nothing is better for children that the love of reading!!
Shawn (2 years ago)
My kids would love The Animal Tales: Raccoon, Bear and Coyote. Thanks for the chance!
Andrea B (2 years ago)
Johnny Appleseed and Other American Legends, because it’s important to learn about our history.
Travis McKellar (2 years ago)
Arabian Nights looks like a good one. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
xenia (2 years ago)
I would like Selected Just So Stories for my daughter, I think she would be really into those. Thanks!
kathy pease (2 years ago)
i like the The Tailor of Gloucester and Other Tales by Beatrix Potter