PRINCESS STORIES

Children's book publisher Barefoot recently dove into the audiobook waters with a debut list that includes this collection of seven fairy tales from around the world. Princesses of all manner star in stories, some familiar ("The Princess and the Pea" from Denmark, "The Sleeping Beauty" from Germany) and some less so ("The Princess Who Lost Her Hair" from Africa and "The Birdcage Husband" from central Asia). In the fairy tale tradition, each princess knows how to meet a challenge head-on, using a combination of style, cleverness, kindness and honesty. And fittingly, one common thread weaves each of the tales together—all the heroines eventually find love (with a suitable suitor) and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, Wolfson's flat and uneven delivery fails to give the brief and jauntily adapted stories any sparkle. Young fairy tale fans may well prefer the magical-looking print version in this case. This enhanced CD includes images from the book—some of Olwyn Matthews's fine, jewel-tone illustrations—which can be viewed on a PC. Ages 5-10. (June)