Two Trickster Tales From Russia: The Audiobook

This is the audiobook version of the gorgeous children’s picture book published last year by Christmas Press, a new Australian small press launched by Sophie Masson, author of many children’s and YA novels, artist David Allan and designer Fiona McDonald.

Later this year, the press will publish more international folk tales by other Australian children's writers, which is something to look forward to. 

Meanwhile, if you enjoy your books in audiobook format, this is a delightful version of the print book, narrated by Xavier Masson-Leach, with incidental music and sound effects by Xavier and Bevis Masson-Leach.

In the first story, “Masha And The Bear,” the grumpy bear is given a strong Russian accent, while the characters in “The Rooster With The Golden Crest” speak like American hillbillies, with appropriate -- and charming -- music for both. The whole thing goes for about 14 minutes, but since children tend to have short attention spans anyway, it may be just the thing to play before bedtime. It reminds me a little of a version of Peter And The Wolf I reviewed for January Magazine some years ago.

You can get more information on ordering the audiobook here. See my review of the print version of this book here. ◊


Sue Bursztynski lives in Australia, where she works as a teacher-librarian. She has written several books for children and young adults, including Crime Time: Australians Behaving Badly and the YA novel Wolfborn. Her blog The Great Raven can be found athttp://suebursztynski.blogspot.com.