CD audiobooks, or what I still call “books on tape,” are my secret weapon against boredom in the car. Our newest gem is Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder which follows in the footsteps of its much loved predecessors, Tell Me a Story and Tell Me a Story 2: Animal Magic. And, as the mother of two girls, I am thrilled that the heroes of these new stories by Amy Friedman are actually heroines.
In just over an hour’s drive, my kids move from Cambodia to Turkey to the old, Wild West in these six stories culled from legends and folktales from the past. And while many stories from days gone by focus on those important (male) gods, soothsayers and heroes, in all of these stories, it’s the girls who save the day in this audiobook, using their brains, their cunning and, sometimes, their brute strength.
The clever Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind uses all three in her American tall tale which is narrated by the perfectly-suited voice of Paula Poundstone. The Whisker of the Lioness turns the tables on typical “stepmother” stories in such a totally clever, yet meaningful, way that I think all new stepchildren deserve to hear its message.
Laura Hall, who I remember as the affable pianist on the improv TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has created a lively score to suit each story.
And since none is longer than 14 minutes, even a short car ride can squeeze in one or two. It’s even been a hit with my son who thinks all superheroes are “he’s.” -Christina
Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder kids’ audiobook CD is available from CD Baby or our affiliate Amazon.
Congratulations to Shannon B., lucky winner of a copy of Tell Me a Story 3!
