STORIES TO STIR THE IMAGINATION Volume 1

These volumes each include four stories told by Frances Kelley, a storyteller with a knack for choosing details that please the mind's eye. Kelley's talent lies not only in her excellent dramatic presentation (shrewd pacing keeps children listening intently), but also in her selection of detail. She creates just enough pictures to fire the imagination but never so many as to overwhelm it. Kelley also entertains by using a range of voices to depict characters, from gravelly male to high-pitched child. These satisfying volumes include such familiar characters as William Tell, greedy, gold-loving Midas, the Dutch boy who saves Holland by plugging a dike with his finger, and the Ugly Duckling, among others. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]