cover image Grimm’s Fairy Tales

Grimm’s Fairy Tales

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, read by a full cast. Listening Library, , unabridged, 3 CDs, 3.5 hrs., $19.99 ISBN 978-0-14-752636-6

A talented cast of veteran audio narrators brings this classic collection of fairy tales to life. For generations, children have been captivated by the tales set down by the Grimm brothers. Twenty-one classics are represented here. Some, such as “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella,” “Hansel and Gretel,” are well-known, while others such as “The Goose Girl,” “The Six Swans,” and “The Sea Hare” are not. But each story is given star treatment by the eclectic roster of readers. Jim Dale is delightful bringing his vocal talents to bear in the retelling of “Rumpelstiltskin,” giving the story’s namesake a perfectly evil, raspy, wizened voice, and Janis Ian provides a simple but effective reading of the shortest of short stories, “The Riddling Tale.” Scott Brick, Simon Vance, Bahni Turpin, Alfred Molina, and the other readers present these stories of talking animals, wicked stepmothers, evil queens, shoe-making elves, and princes and princesses with professional aplomb. Each brings their own unique storytelling skills to their respective stories, making for a captivating listen. Ages 10–up. (May.)