Customer Reviews

American Tall Tales

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this when my daughter was not quite 5 years old, and she wanted to hear it every day for a week. Thankfully, she now requests it less often, but I am still amazed that she would listen to Paul Bunyan or some of the other stories at all. I read to her often, but sometimes it is nice to get a break, and I'm sure that she enjoys hearing a different voice. Jim Weiss has quite a few different character voices, which I am sure contributes to her interest. A good product, and we have since sought out more of his recordings.

Tall Tales are part of our country's heritage and they're truly enjoyable stories for children. Jim Weiss recorded four stories on this CD: Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill, and The Fastest Draw in the West.

Before he begins telling the stories, he explains what a tall tale is and how they began. As a mom, I loved the stories because they were entertaining. As a homeschooling mom, I loved that Mr. Weiss gives an introduction that upper elementary children will understand. The introduction will help them fit these stories into the framework that they're minds are developing about the history of our country.

These stories are not radio theater. They are audio books. But, they are also more than "just" audiobooks. Weiss does a wonderful job of speaking with varied inflection and tones. It's easy to tell when he's speaking for different characters. My children are 3, 5, and 7 years old. I don't know that my 3 year old fully understands the stories, but he does enjoy them. My 5 and 7 year olds do understand the stories.

On Weiss' website, Greathall Productions, there is a listing of all of the storytelling recordings that is divided by age. I love this feature on the website. The Tall Tales CD is listed for children 5 and older. I agree with that rating. But, younger children will still enjoy listening along.

Honestly, I was surprised and disappointed that I couldn't find a lot of audio books at our local library that I felt were appropriate and educational for my family. But, I have been so encouraged to find Jim Weiss' recordings. There are so many stories I want my children to hear and often we don't have enough time during our school day to read them aloud or enjoy them. Listening in the car is one way my children get the chance to still enjoy these stories!

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of American Tall Tales from Greathall Productions for review.

This cd caught my boys, ages 4 and 7, right away. They loved the outlandish Tall Tales, and Jim Weiss is an awesome storyteller. We use The Story of the World for our homeschooling history, and so we were familiar with Jim Weiss's voice. We will buy anything he narrates. Would make a nice gift too.

I purchased this item for my great grandchildren, ages 7, 6 and 3. They listen to in when riding in my car and they enjoy it quite a lot.

My children have listened to this over and over and over in the three years we've owned it. I need to get a new volume of Weiss' story-telling because I've got this one memorized!!! We keep it in the car. My husband and I are adamant about no dvd player in the car, so good literature on cd is a must.

A worthwhile purchase, especially for long car rides.