Tales From the Odyssey CD Collection [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Mary Pope Osborne (Author), James Simmons (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2007 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Tales from the Odyssey

In this acclaimed series based on episodes from Homer's Odyssey, bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne brings one of the greatest adventures of all time to a dramatic life.

When Odysseus must leave his home to fight in the Trojan War, he never imagines that he will be away from his family for so many years. Now, at long last, he is leading his men home across the seas. Many dangers await them–including Polyphemus, the one–eyed giant, Circe, the beautiful witch, sirens, and the Land of the Dead. But the greatest danger awaits Odysseus at home in Ithaca, where a gang of men have moved into his home and plagued his wife and son.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Pope Osborne is the author of the bestselling Magic Tree House series. She has also written many acclaimed retellings of myths, folktales, and works of historical fiction.

From AudioFile

The acclaimed writer of the Magic Tree House series applies her talents to the tales of THE ODYSSEY in this collection of six books. James Simmons uses his incredible verbal range and attention to detail to turn this epic story into a phenomenal production. With his subtle vocal alterations, Simmonss performance makes the Cyclops a truly ugly being, Odysseus heroic, and the goddess Athena mystical. In an engaging delivery he suspends listeners disbelief without going over the top. Thanks to his efforts, and to Osbornes flawless writing, young and old can enjoy this updated version of the Greek classic, with all of the requisite gore, hardship, longing, clever tricks, and help from the gods. H.L.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Audio CD
• Publisher: HarperFestival; Unabridged edition (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061254576
• ISBN-13: 978-0061254574
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #255,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect introduction to the Odyssey, January 29, 2008

By 

Picky Mom (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales From the Odyssey CD Collection (Audio CD)

Because my son loves Greek myths, and also loves Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House series, I thought I'd give these CDs and the accompanying books a go. They have been a huge hit with my kindergarten son, a very strong early reader. At first he read the books while listening to the CDs--which was a wonderful way to learn just how to pronounce the names of the many characters. Then he read the books alone, over and over, enthralled by the epic battles. The quality of the CDs is outstanding. And while the books are written for children, they do not condescend---adults who is not familiar with the Odyssey, or even those who are, will enjoy these CDs too. I have enormous respect for Mary Pope Osborne's ability to bring history to life for children---this CD set only reinforces my respect for her.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, July 31, 2009

By 

Girl Empowered (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales From the Odyssey CD Collection (Audio CD)

I read this collection aloud to my first grade class at the recommendation of our school librarian. They loved it and so did I. The person who reads it on the CD collection has a wonderful voice. I think this collection would be great for a long car ride. I've read a lot of children's books about the Odyssey and have done quite a bit of searching for something that captures the Odyssey accurately and is easy to understand (for both kids and adults) and this is it. The author, Mary Pope Osborne also wrote the Magic Tree House series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Child-friendly way to appreciate Homer's epic in its original oral tradition format, February 24, 2009

By 

Golden Mean - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales From the Odyssey CD Collection (Audio CD)

I bought both Tales From the Odyssey CD collection by Mary Pope Osborne, and DK Classics: The Odyssey, and found both to be a really good and complimentary introduction to Homer's epic. The CD allows us to appreciate the epic in its original oral tradition format and DK Classics version captures Homer's beautiful, rich and eerie world in a visual form. Our family including our second grader thoroughly enjoyed both in its entirety.