FIFTY FAMOUS FAIRY TALES

Gavin's assured, velvety voice is a good match for this adaptation of an anthology first published in 1917. The genre's most venerable authors—Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault—are all represented as Jack climbs the bean stalk, Cinderella finds her prince and Little Red Riding Hood faces the big bad wolf. Other favorites in this vast collection include "Hansel and Grethel" and "Puss in Boots." Perhaps less well-known but just as entertaining are "The Story of Chicken-Licken" and "The Three Spinners." Kingston's phrasing occasionally sounds a bit formal (consistent with the era of the book's publication), especially because so many of these tales have been retold for children over the years. But listeners who get whisked away by the magical elements of these stories won't mind. Gavin's consistent, even-keeled delivery make this a good choice for bedtime and quiet time, for listeners both young and older. Ages 6-up (Sept.)