Customer Reviews

Brown Bear & Friends CD

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

 

 

As much as I enjoy audio books I'll admit that my initial reaction to this one wasn't overly enthusiastic. The first in this series was written forty-some years ago, and has captivated generations. It has been reprinted almost countless times in a variety of editions. The Bear stories are known and loved by millions.

To top that, what could these stories possibly be without seeing Eric Carle's iconic illustrations?

I learned the answer to that question with the first few minutes of this reading by Academy-Award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow. She offers a warm, winning narration of the Bear stories that enchants both young and older ears. So captivating is her voice and delivery that the stories come to life in listener's minds as if for the first time.

It's a special treat to have all of the tales available on one CD, there couldn't be a more perfect bedtime story.

- Gail Cooke

I would like this to be a practical review, because I almost don't buy this CD, since there is not much info about it and the tracks are not detailed, but it's oh so worth it!

**First four tracks are the books in English (Brown Bear, Polar Bear, Panda Bear, and Baby Bear)

**Tracks 5-8 are all four books in Spanish (It doesn't state whose voice it is, but she sounds like a native speaker, the lady is actually funnier than Gwyneth!)

**Track 9 is Bill Martin Jr. himself reading "Brown Bear" (I didn't like it, but it's interesting)

**Tracks 10 and 11 are interviews with Eric Carle.

So, I hope this helps! and, don't hesitate, go ahead and buy it! Think about it, you can look at the book you have, and hear the audio in Spanish, it's a great learning tool.

My young grandaughter was mesmerized by the songs and words. A great gift for young children.

Wonderful addition to my Eric Carle,/Bill Martin, Jr. collection! What a treat to hear Bill himself reading on the CD!

I am very disappointed in this cd because i think the reader and director missed the point of these wonderful books by bill martin jr. My own children, my students, and i have always loved the rhythm and pattern in the texts. On the cd, the books are read like prose, without the joyful musical quality that makes them so fun, inviting the listener to join in. I gave the rating of 2 instead of 1 because Paltrow's voice is warm and loving.

It is a good book to be used at bedtime story. I bought it to read in my preschool classroom. it is very slow and the students got bored by the third page of Panda bear.

My 2 year old loves listening to this CD! She is a big Eric Carle/ Bill Martin Jr fan, carrying the books around with her constantly! This CD is a pleasure to listen to, and it is great for when I am occupied and cannot read to her.