Customer Reviews

Tales From the Norse Legends (Junior Classics)

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

 

 

My family (me, 3 boys ages 8,7,6 and my 75 year old mother) listened to these Norse tales on a long car trip. They are dark and pessimistic but also fascinating as a glimpse at another world view and creation mythology. My six year old doesn't like really scary tales but listened to this with interest. Most of it was probably over the younger kids heads but the booming kettle drums and the stories, for example, of giant wolves tied in unbreakable chains until the ending of the world kept their attention. The recording does suffer from some variability in the sound level, at one point being too soft to hear over the road noise. Good for kids who like fantasy and myths.

....and I'm happy, because it is a lovely audiobook that will not drive an adult up the wall. As for the music, mentioned by one reviewer, there is very, very little of it, and perfectly fine. Just short clips at the beginning of a story or a few bars during times of tension. There is nothing gruesome or graphic, and thus is suitable for introducing little ones to fine English, a well-done reading, and the core Norse myths. Are far as "dark", my son found the very personal peril of Peter Rabbit caught in a net in the garden more upsetting, and listened to these adventures unflapped. He likes to listen during meal times, and will pick this OVER A VIDEO. Need I say more?

Two of the four music composers used on this CD are out of place. The actor reading the stories makes a good go of it. The stories are great, however this is not a reading from the ancient sagas, simply a retelling of the stories. None the less a good audio book overall. Suitable for all ages.