From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5?Any school or public library with an audience for quality audiocassettes will want to consider Jim Weiss's Best Loved Stories in Song and Dance. The recording includes three well known fairy tales: The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Grimm, The Sleeping Beauty by Perrault, and Snow White and Rose Red by Grimm. In addition to Weiss's fine storytelling skills and the outstanding audio quality, there is the added bonus of fairy tales presented in their expanded versions, not the brief, bare-bones tales that have been condensed for youngsters. At close to 20 minutes per story, listeners are provided with a rich vocabulary and several original songs to heighten the period mood of these tales. Weiss uses his expressive voice like a well-tuned musical instrument; it rises and falls, changes mood, and builds the scene in listeners' minds. He is able to create numerous characters within the stories, quietly involve youngsters with the complex storyline, and build to a climax without resorting to excessive background music or other audio effects. Some teachers will find this a useful tool for introducing the richness of these stories, but most students and teachers will listen to this recording again and again merely for the pleasure of hearing an award-winning storyteller recreating these classic tales.?Linda R. Skeele, Western Elementary School, Georgetown, KY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
Seasoned storyteller Jim Weiss offers three traditional fairy tales: the Grimm Brothers' "Twelve Dancing Princesses" and "Snow White and Rose Red" and Charles Perrault's "Sleeping Beauty." Weiss's retellings are faithful to the old stories. His clear voice, careful pacing and dramatic emphases draw listeners into his storytelling circle and hold them there until each tale is told out. Weiss also sings two short songs: "Dance Away Home" and "Snow White and Rose Red." The tunes are catchy, and Weiss has a pleasant singing voice. The lyrics, however, are not equal to the quality of the stories. C.R.A. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
