Some Shorts (nah, not the ones you wear in the good ol' summertime ... it's far too cold!)

January 2, 2015  -- Books 005-008

I'm not going to review these books.  They are short enough for you to enjoy without my extra endorsement.  I "partook" of them in audiobook format.  I am sure that the picture book versions are wonderful, if you can get them.  If not, be sure the stories in audio are fine without the pictures to go with them.

These are books I return to from time to time -- they are short and very enjoyable.  I think you will enjoy them too.  :-D

005 - The Wizard

Written by: Jack Kent

Narrated by: Ian Thomson

Length: 7 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-15-08

Publisher: Weston Woods Studios

The story of a mouse who wants to change into something else and a frustrated wizard who helps the mouse ...

Find it at:

OverDrive audiobook 

OverDrive video 

Powell's Books

Audible

 

006 - The Hat

Written by: Tomi Ungerer

Narrated by: Gene Deitch

Length: 8 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:06-08-06

Publisher: Weston Woods Studios

A top hat changes the life of a penniless man ...

Find it at:

OverDrive

Powell's Books

Audible

007 - Miss Rumphius

Written by: Barbara Cooney

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 8 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:01-01-08

Publisher: Penguin Group USA and Audible

The story of the Lupine Lady ...

Find it at:

OverDrive Audiobook

OvderDrive Video 

Powell's Books

Audible  -- there are two versions of this book available in audio format -- see them both here. 

However, I prefer this one because I find the music and bird song quite distracting in the other. 

008 - Jamie O'Rourke and The Big Potato

Written by: Tomie DePaola

Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck

Length: 9 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:02-06-08

Publisher: Penguin Group USA and Audible

The laziest man in all Ireland outwits a leprechaun ...

Find it at:

OverDrive (has the ebook of the sequel: Jamie O'Rourke and the Pooka)

Powell's Books has two links:  Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato: An IrishFolktale and 

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato

Audible

Chivalry

January 2, 2015 -- Book 004

I feel like I am "cheating" by heading off into a set of shorts so early in the year.  But actually, I just couldn't seem to settle my mind long enough to start a longer book.  Hence, a few shorts come up next:

Selected Shorts: Chivalry

Written by: Neil Gaiman

Read by: Christina Pickles

Length: 26 mins 

Radio/TV Program

Release Date:08-15-12

Publisher: Symphony Space, Inc

This short story can be found in a collection of Neil Gaiman's work, called Smoke and Mirrors.  The audio version of that book is read by the author and is a great listen.  BUT, I prefer this version, read by Christina Pickles.

The story is about a British pensioner who happens find and buy the Holy Grail at a local re-use it shop;  it cost 50p. 

Christina Pickles' reading is a delight to listen to. 

Find Chivalry at:

Audible

Find Smoke and Mirrors at:

Overdrive

Powell's Books

Amazon

Book 003 for 2015

Book 003

 

A Season of Gifts

Written by: Richard Peck

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:09-22-09

Publisher: Listening Library

From the Publisher's Summary:

The eccentric, forceful, big-hearted Grandma Dowdel is the star of the Newbery Medal-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn't over - not even close.

It is now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm - or medicine, depending on who you're asking - on all of them: 10-yearold Bob, who is shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his two fascinating sisters; and even Bob's two parents, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.

As Christmas rolls around, the Barnhart family realizes that they've found a true home - and a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime.

©2009 Richard Peck; (P)2009 Listening Library

And, I had listened to this book once before and enjoyed it very much.  It helped that I "knew" Grandma Dowdel from the previous two books and had grown to love her.  However, as I set the audiobook to play for me, I remembered the section about the summer camping trip and decided to put off the book until warmer weather (even though it is basically a holiday tale).

Even though, technically, this is not book 003 of my 2015 Reading Challenge, I thought I would share it with you anyhow ... I hope you take the opportunity to discover all three Grandma Dowdel stories for yourself!  I'm sure you'll be glad you did.  :D

Find A Season of Gifts at

Overdrive

Powell's Books

Amazon

Audible