Customer Reviews

The One and Only Shrek!

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

What better way to launch a line of children's audiobooks than with a pair of the best actors to be found? Audio Renaissance couldn't have chosen better. The terrific twosome, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, narrate with not only sterling acting ability but with joy, elan, assurance. Give them the works of artist/author William Steig and you have an audiobook that both children and adults will find irresistible, one to be heard over and over again.

The late Mr. Steig would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year and, most likely would have been delighted to hear his six stories read by an Academy Award winner and a highly acclaimed actor. A beloved author and artist of children's book, Mr. Steig received countless honors during his lifetime, including a Newbery Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book, New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year and on it goes.

He was a bit of a rascal when he wrote including a few big words for children to learn, and he had the amazing ability to speak directly to youngsters as his stories addressed their daily lives, their hopes and fears. He once said, ""I think I like kids more than the average man does. I can relax with them, more than I can among adults . . . Children are genuine . . . I like to think that I've kept a little innocence. Probably I'm too dumb to do anything else." Not dumb at all but supremely intelligent, and we are all the better for it.

Meryl Streep reads Brave Irene, Spinky Sulks, and The Amazing Bone to a fare-thee-well, and Stanley Tucci delivers Shrek!, Dr. DeSoto, and Caleb and Kate.

Streep easily segues from the determined young Irene to poor Spinky who thinks his family doesn't love him. What an actress! Tiny Dr. DeSoto who was liked by large animals because he could work in their mouths while wearing rubbers is one of my favorite Steig inventions, yet I didn't fully appreciate him until Mr. Tucci gave his story voice.

This is an audiobook far too good to miss - enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

The One and Only Shrek! Plus 5 Other Stories is an unabridged audiobook on CD of the original children's fantasy short story that inspired the wildly popular "Shrek" movies. The five additional stories include tales about a boy so annoyed by his family that he decides he has no need for the human race, a brave girl's battle with a merciless blizzard, and more. Read aloud by award-winning actor and actress Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep, these brief yet delightful modern children's classics are sure to entertain, and is especially recommended for fans of the "Shrek" movie. 1 CD, 1 hour.

I've never read a William Steig book I didn't like. This very large and thick book collects six lovely stories and represents a fantastic bargain in children's books.

Note: If you're looking into the audio version, with Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, it is marvelous. We have both the book and the CD and we love them. As I say, Steig doesn't disappoint, neither do Streep and Tucci (and if you know their work in film, you know the standard that sets is very high). Of course here you miss Steig's wonderfully crotchedy illustrations, but you get some priceless readings that will stay with you always.

Heck, buy them both!

Bought this book as a gift because I noticed that Shrek (the movie) referenced Shrek (the book) in the end credits. Did I like Shrek (the book)? Let's just say that the other stories in the book are William Steig classics and should have titular priority over Shrek, but I guess Shrek is more marketable these days... Not to say Shrek was a bad book, it's just those who are expecting the story to be as good as the movie will be disappointed. Four stars because the other stories in the book make up for the green ogre's iffy adventure.

I bought this book for my three grandchildren, girls, who like the Shrek movies. I didn't know about the book until recently, so I bought it so the girls could see the correlation between the book and the movies. There is just one short story about Shrek that makes him less loveable than the movie does, but it's still a good story. But the other stories in the book are just great, good to read aloud. My favorite is the Amazing Bone, about a bone that talks! Kids from 4 - 12 will enjoy this book, highly recommended.

I bought this for my nine-year-old daughter. We are both big fans of William Steig. This book brings together some of his best stories in a nice big book. It is already one of our favorite choices for bedtime reading. It should be a part of every child's library.

This is a delightfully quirky children's book that will delight the young - and those of us who don't take life quite so seriously. You should be warned: The movie Shrek was white-washed a bit. This Shrek is delightfully unrepentant in his nastyness - and it's that which gives the story its charm. But if you have youngins who are expecting a retelling of the movie, they will be quite confused.

The other four stories are great, too - in turns slightly wierd, delightful, and heartwarming. This is a great bedtime story book.

Most people, if not everyone, knows the story of Shrek, thanks to the animated version that was widely successful. But the majority of people probably don't know that Shrek originated with William Steig. And what better way to learn the original story of Shrek than by listening to it on this unabridged recording.

THE ONE AND ONLY SHREK! is actually a compilation of six stories, the first and most famous being the one of Shrek. But have no fear; the other five stories on the CD are just as fun and interesting as Shrek.

Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci alternate narrating the stories. So for parents who aren't keen on audio books, listening to these two well-known and adored actors will enhance the experience.

Meryl Streep is at her best while reading Brave Irene, a story about a young girl determined to get a dress her mother slaved over to the castle in time for the party. The girl encounters many obstacles along the way, only to be rewarded at the end.

And let's not forget Mr. Tucci. He brilliantly interprets the stories and interjects energy and a light-hearted touch to all he reads. Doctor De Soto showcases Mr. Tucci at his best.

All six tales are enchanting and some, believe it or not, leave you with a moral whether you were looking for one or not. If you find yourself on a short road trip, or even just driving around town with the kids, THE ONE AND ONLY SHREK! will help the time go that much faster.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

Our family has enjoyed this story-telling CD immensely. Perfect for medium to long car rides. We have listened to it over and over and still enjoy it. Wonderfully narrated.

a beautiful hard covered book filled with tales by steig. a classic for all ages. Great book to be read aloud....