TALES TO TELL FROM AROUND THE WORLD, Vol 1

These 20 diverse stories share themes of creativity and perseverance in overcoming hardship. They're told in a lighthearted, easy-to-follow style, which appeals especially to children. Adults who retell the tales can benefit by experimenting with DeSpain's techniques. He's a professional storyteller with a touch of carnival huckster about him. It's easy to imagine him winking at the crowd, enticing all in earshot to gather round. Most likely he's mugging it up for the sound engineer from the recording booth. DeSpain's razzmatazz makes this collection fun to hear and encourages listeners to tell stories themselves. D.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPT 95]