Sunday, August 12, 2012

WINNIE - THE - POOH


I have listened to a lot of children's audio books, and this is, without a doubt, one of the best I have ever heard.  First, it's Winnie-the-Pooh.  The original Winnie-the-Pooh, complete with Bear bumping down the stairs and Piglet having "haycorns" for breakfast.  Second, just look at the cast.  I fell in love with Stephen Fry when he read the Harry Potter books (I used to order them from from Amazon UK.  Sorry Jim Dale, but Stephen Fry is beyond compare.)  And Judi Dench?  Superb.  Jane Horrocks does Piglet with what sounds to me as a touch of a Scottish accent but someone better acquainted with the British Isles might differ.

This is a book that adults will enjoy at least as much as the kids, perhaps more.  There have been many laugh-out-loud moments, but so far my favorite is when Pooh is telling Piglet about their upcoming trip to the North Pole.  Pooh doesn't really understand what an "expotition" is; he only remembers that the word had an x in it.  Of course, timid litle Piglet doesn't hear the word correctly.  He responds "It's isn't their necks I mind.  It's their teeth."  And if you want to improve your childen's vocabulary, they will learn (as Pooh does) that provisions for a trip include food.  All in all, this is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the real (not Disney) Pooh.