Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1099598 in Books
• Published on: 1998-01
• Format: Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Audio CD

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9?Three tales of the supernatural, each prefaced with biographical information about the author, provide an entertaining venue for Jim Weiss's considerable storytelling talents. In Wilde's The Canterville Ghost, Weiss uses his skills at characterization to poke fun at the English aristocracy when it comes up against the ingenuity of a typical American family. "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Hawthorne is a classic tale of the frustrating search for everlasting youth. "The Sending of Dana Da," one of Kipling's lesser-known short stories, focuses on the ingenuity of a poor Indian wizard who relies on human nature (and a bit of feline help!) to vanquish the enemy of a friend. These satiric stories are best shared with upper elementary and junior high school students who can appreciate their irony. For parents and teachers looking for an alternative to the standard Halloween or ghost story fare, Weiss fills the bill admirably.?Cindy Lombardo, Ashland Public Library, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Unsuspecting listeners of all ages, prepare to be delighted by Jim Weiss's rendition of three classic stories! Some listeners may be familiar with Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost, but perhaps not as this lighthearted romp depicts the distinguished spirit. In this version he is tormented by the "modern-American" Otis family. Memorable, indeed, is the ghost practicing his moans in front of a mirror. The Hawthorne and Kipling will be new to many, but Weiss has found elements--the fountain of youth and an Indian wizard--designed to engage young listeners. Weiss's special blend of characters and expression, along with a vibrant connection to the stories' literary heritage, makes his storytelling exceptional. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE's Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

A really fun listen for the whole family!!
I purchased this CD for my two older children (9 and 11), not sure how well it would go over. We listened to it for the first time in the car on a long trip. It was quite a giggle for everyone! We loved the comic points in the Canterville Ghost story, especially. Mr. Weiss's rendition of one of the characters had my husband and I in stitches - sounding just like Carol Channing.

I have since purchased 6 other Jim Weiss story CD's and my Girl Scouts have begun to request them when going on trips with the troop.

You won't be disappointed.

a little disappointed
I'm a novice storyteller, and I was looking forward to finally hearing the renowned Jim Weiss, especially sharing spooky tales. He does an adequate job voicing the different characters, but I was disappointed at the lack of humor displayed at what could have been comical events. I now know these stories well enough to tell them better myself!