Showing results by publisher "Spoken Realms" in Classics

This classic story by Margery Williams, published in 1922, imparts the timeless message that toys need not be expensive or modern to be appreciated and loved. Through giving and receiving love, even a commonplace stuffed animal can become real in the eyes of a child, and millions of them do every day. Love is the magic ingredient of course, and it works on all of us.

Hans Christian Andersen's classic "The Little Mermaid" read by award winning narrator, Mike Vendetti. Sit back relax, and escape for an hour to the world of bittersweet happy endings.

One husband. One wife. One trusting relationship. A fable from master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Did they participate in a con, or is it possible that these two old folks simply came to the place where love and trust could help her say, "What the old man does is always right"?

This memorable tale written by the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz follows a mannequin who is brought to life by a mischievous elf. More modern stories bear a resemblance to this story as audiences are encouraged to suspend belief and follow the lives and times of inanimate objects.

A short fable from acclaimed author Hans Christian Andersen. In this memorable tale, Andersen tackles the subject of prejudice by looking at the subject through the eyes of an apple branch that assumes he is superior to the dandelion. This story may be viewed as both great story as well as a powerful object lesson.

From Rudyard Kipling's classic The Jungle Book, Rikki Tikki Tavi is the story of a mongoose and two cobras. Taken in after being washed into the garden of a British family in India, he protects the house from the devious cobras Nag and Nagaina with help from his friends and mongoose cunning.

These stories came before the more famous "Winnie the Pooh", but point to the master storyteller A. A. Milne always was. In this beloved tale, the unnamed uncle describes correspondence with his niece Margery. The young girl has as unique a perspective on life as her uncle and has derived her own unique spelling of words.

Another masterful interaction between young Margery and her uncle. From the mind of the creator of Winnie the Pooh comes one in a series of short stories that captures the joy of childhood and the frustration of an uncle unused to interacting with children.

Reddy and Granny Fox must outsmart Farmer Brown's Boy who is out to get Reddy for stealing his pet chicken. Along the way, Reddy encounters many of the citizens of the Green Meadows and the Green Forest and with him we learn little lessons about life such as: the perils of being a show off; the importance of using all of one's senses; that it is a fine thing to show sympathy and kindness to others - even our enemies; and that the value of a grandmother's wisdom is inestimable.

This short fable from Hans Christian Andersen speaks to the end of the glory of growth and the coming of spring. Those who have enjoyed the warmth and growth lament what they believe to be death and destruction.

The Brothers Grimm were not alone in collecting folk fables. Charles Perault has provided dozens of stellar short stories from the same era. In this short story, we consider the difference between a kind sister and one who is less than grateful. It will be easy to decide who was most deserving of the fairy’s favor.

This is the classic story of the earliest years of Israel's great prophet, Samuel. Even when Samuel was young, God trusted the boy with a message. Memorably imagined by Amy Steedman and narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Classic author Amy Steedman delivers a memorable retelling of the story of David, the shepherd boy that would be Israel's most famous king. From the sheepfolds to the palace, from Golaith's taunts to the shepherd's faith.

This is a delightful retelling of the life of Moses. From infancy to leader, acclaimed author Amy Steedman guides us through the difficulties he faced and retains the heart of this biblical story.

Author L. Frank Baum crafted a series of stories that took Mother Goose rhymes and created full stories as fun companions to the rhymes. When Baum wasn’t writing his Wizard of Oz stories, this was a way for him to create meaningful stories. Take a trip with Humpty Dumpty and Coutchie-Coulou as they leave the nest for a human kingdom. A memorable short story narrated by Glenn Hascall.

The Cobbler was not known as an intelligent man. The common thought was tested when he came into some money. Would he prove wise or would his decision making prove something different? A classic short fable from the author of The Brownies. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Grandfather Frog has never left the Smiling Pool. He and Mr. Toad have an ongoing disagreement about whether or not Grandfather Frog should see the Great World or remain isolated in the Smiling Pool. Finally one day, Grandfather Frog decides he will see the Great World for himself. He learns that there are hardships in the Great World that he didn’t anticipate and he must constantly be on alert for dangers not in the Smiling Pool.

The classic story of The Three Bears retold in something akin to campfire or cowboy poetry. Humor touches the tale in all the right places, and the encounter with Goldenhair makes Papa think his little bear might just grow up to be a fine, upstanding bear. A delightful listen.

This is the classic poem featuring three kittens who were naughty and delightful by turns. Familiar to most but perhaps not completely remembered by some.

In the tradition of the Brothers Grimm, Joseph Jacobs collected folk tales that provide a rich tradition in fables. This memorable short story bears strong parallels to Hansel and Gretel, and was collected in the same century as the Brothers Grimm. Follow Johnny and his sister Grizzle as they face the hardest of times to find their way home.