RABBIT EARS TREASURY OF FAIRY TALES, VOLUME 2 King Midas and the Golden Touch, Jack and the Beanstalk

“King Midas and the Golden Touch" is softly narrated by Michael Caine; original music by Ellis Marsalis is played by Yo-Yo Ma as a stirring backdrop. Midas's lust for gold starts innocently with a wish for a golden butterfly for his daughter. In the story’s sweet conclusion gold coins turn to butterflies after Midas learns his lesson. Michael Palin has a lot more fun with his comic account of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” As characterized by Palin, Jack's mother sounds shrewish, and the Ogre's wife sounds snooty. Jack is chipper yet vague, and the Ogre is exactly what one wishes for in a menacing giant. David Stewart's original music flits gracefully throughout, closing with a catchy tune that will stay with listeners. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]