HANDED DOWN Tales from Southern Appalachia

Talented storytellers revisit beloved tales in this charming collection. With twists on familiar yarns such as “Jack in the Beanstalk” and “Cinderella,” the stories offer enjoyable listening for child, adult, and family. Less familiar fables come complete with time-honored wisdom, memorable characters, and winning narration. Jim Pfitzer lends a genuine Appalachian tone to Hardy Hardhead and his sidekicks, Eatwell and Drinkwell. Kate Forbes characterizes Whitebear Whittington and Ashpet in a voice reminiscent of the Tennessee hills. The production earns high marks for consistency, with an introduction to each section and similar openings to each tale. The stories, first collected by folklorist Richard Chase, are beautifully interwoven with traditional music. There’s no better way to bring the oral storytelling of old into the 21st century. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]