Showing results by publisher "Spoken Realms" in Literature & Fiction

The Rhinoceros was not always all wrinkly as he is today. In fact he was a rather smooth but bad mannered beast. His bad manners, in fact, are what got him into trouble. When you steal something that belongs to the Parsee-man, you could be in a heap of trouble. Sit back and listen as Phillip J. Mather masterfully tells the Rudyard Kipling tale of How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit has delighted young children for years! This classic story, written by Beatrix Potter and narrated by the warm and soothing voice of Kathy Poelker, presents the escapades of our favorite little bunny as he encounters Mr. McGregor who is working in his lush garden, amid wonderful and tasty vegetables. Peter Rabbit finds himself in a mess after he squeezes under Mr. McGregor’s gate and into his garden - against the caution of Mrs. Rabbit!

From Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling and narrated by Phillip J. Mather, we learn the Camel has a hump given to him by a djinn as punishment for the camel's refusing to work (the hump allows the camel to work longer between times of eating).

Another Grimm's Fairy Tale, "The Enchanted Stag" is a story about how a little sister cares for her brother while he is under a spell by their wicked step-mother. A King saves them both, and then they are betrayed again by the step-mother.... Will the King be fooled by the step-mother, will the brother always be under the spell? Find out who lives happily ever after. Narrated by Kathy Verduin.

How the Whale Got His Throat is the first of Kipling’s Just So stories (published in 1902) as series of fantastical children’s stories, themed with explaining oddities from the animal kingdom. Phillip J Mather’s skilful narration captures the spirit of the age, and will appeal to adults and children alike.

Nineteenth century illustrator/author Edward Lear, best known for his nonsense poems and limericks, created this silly verse tale of the green headed, blue handed Jumblies who go to sea in a sieve - but voice actor/storyteller Diane Havens shares it in her own unique faux-British by way of Queens - the New York Queens, that is.

A man with a beard is not an uncommon thing, but a man with a blue beard is quite the uncommon thing...and not a great hit with the ladies! So come and discover how Blue Beard was able to get a wife, and convince her that he was a good man.... And yet her curiosity into his past drove him beyond her imagination! Find out the shocking end to this tale, narrated through several characters by Kathy Verduin.

For one beast of burden here was hope in a career change. He wished to travel to Bremen to become the town musician. Along the way he found three other aging animals that use the wisdom of their collective years to extend their lives and enhance their circumstances. When they all sang together the "result" was undeniably life changing. A classic narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Today, we are used to reimagined stories. Famed author L. Frank Baum ( Wizard of Oz) created this story from a very short nursery rhyme. You'll learn the reason for the large number of children and the understandable need that resulted in the shoe-like perception of her house. Narrated by Alyssa Hascall.

An entertaining short children's tale by the author of hundreds of childrens stories. Mr. Burgess was a conservationist writer in the early 1900's and his writings resonate still. Read by professional actor and narrator Sara Morsey.

A mean step-mother, a wicked witch, and poor starving children...all make up this tale taken from the Grimms fairy tales, and true to the Grimm style it is. However "Innocent Good" triumphs over "Horrible Bad," in this tale narrated by actress, Kathy Verduin.

What a test a young lady must go through to find out if she is the perfect princess! Only the prince knows who will be the right one.... This short tale, by Hans Christian Anderson tells a tale about how a prince finds a valid princess, narrated by Kathy Verduin.

President Abraham Lincoln once told author Harriet Beecher Stowe, "So you're the little woman who wrote the book that made this great war!" The President was referring to Uncle Tom's Cabin that cast a spotlight on the issue of slavery. This story by Stowe casts a similar light that may be more understandable by a younger audience who may try to discover why crickets were so unacceptable. Narrated by Alyssa Hascall.

A classic story that has been transformed and recast over the decades. This story describes Beauty's sisters, and the loss of family fortunes. Be refreshed by revisiting a story that remains in an original setting. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Published in 1906, “The Gift of the Magi” is O. Henry’s beloved short story of Christmas giving. Jim and Della are a struggling young couple. Despite their limited resources, each must find a way to give the ultimate Christmas gift. Rosemary Benson narrates this enduringly popular tale that symbolizes the loving spirit of giving. This story is featured in the Middle School curriculum, and many free lesson plans, which include an author’s biography, vocabulary, discussion questions, and other activities, are available online.

In order to save his own life, Puss becomes a very clever kitty. He makes his master into something he's not, fools a King and his daughter, and eats an Ogre, all in a day's work! The French tale is narrated with vivid voices, by Kathy Verduin.

Snow White had a wicked step-mother, and she thought she escaped her by staying at the house of the seven dwarfs. However, there was a "tattle-tale" mirror that kept saying where she was. The step-mother found her three times, but was not able to hurt her, because she kept getting saved.... This Grimm's Fairy Tale has many characters, as portrayed through the narration of Kathy Verduin.

Have you ever sensed a beauty just beyond your understanding? Have you ever sought that beauty with every part of your being? Others may also seek that beauty, but are distracted along the way. Follow two young adventurers that must finally answer the question as to the origin of the sound of the beautiful bell. A classic tale from Hans Christian Andersen. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Many modern tales alter the ending and leave some of the story behind. A tale of mutual deception and shoddy home building could bring smiles in this classic tale. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

The six-year-old got his nickname from the famous nursery tale, but he was to become both child tyrant and profound hero. A tale from British India and the pen of lauded author Rudyard Kipling. You will likely see yourself or someone you know in Wee Willie Winkie, and you may find yourself applauding the courage that can be found in strong-willed children.