audiobooks

This amazing dramatization of the Pooh books is performed by a marvelously talented group of British entertainers who truly bring the Pooh characters gently and lovingly to life. As for this tape, I finally got this figured out. This is part of a four-tape program that represents the complete two-book Winnie-the-Pooh story collection, except the stories are out of order (probably so that they would fit equally on the tapes). Book 1, "Winnie-the-Pooh," is represented by "Pooh Goes Visiting" (stories in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10) and "Piglet Meets a Heffalump" (stories: 5, 6, 7, 8). Book 2, "The House at Pooh Corner," is dramatized by "Tigger Comes to the Forest" (stories in order: 1 2, 4, 3, 9, 10) and "Pooh Invents a New Game" (stories 5, 6, 7, 8). When stories that depend on previous information are out of order, it gets confusing. My suggestion: Get the "Winnnie-the-Pooh" / "The House at Pooh Corner" gift pack, which is also four tapes (the same recordings), but in the proper order.

If you have a small child, there simply isn't a better way for them to enjoy the magic of these stories as they were meant to be heard. The truncated, illustration-heavy Disney books, which seem to be everywhere, simply don't tell the stories.

Other notable versions, such as Lionel Jeffries's excellent reading, are no longer available, and Charles Kuralt's, while clearly in the right spirit, can be a little dull for smaller kids.

Sephen Fry is wonderful, and Jane Horrocks's piglet is a delight. Judy Dench and Geoffrey Palmer also bring excellent characterizations to the stories. My 2 year old and I love this version, and it makes her want me to read the book to her. There is no higher recommendation than that from a child!

This tape represents a whole new Pooh. The readers create an elegant experience that is gentle and at the same time fun and adventurous. My favorite Pooh reader was always Lionel Jeffries, but as those tapes seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth, the Stephen Fry series may become my new favorite. The talented people involved in this production make it a true classic. I have listened to this over and over, and it doesn't lose its freshness. Take it along on your next car trip with the kids! (or without them!)