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Tales from Storyteller, Jay O'CallahanA friend introduced us to this award-winning storyteller, urging us to carry
his tapes. Trusting her good judgment, I decided to see what the fuss was all
about. Well, these original stories (written and performed by Jay) reveal him as
a gifted weaver of tales.
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 The Odyssey: An Epic Telling by Master Talesman, Odds Bodkin. An
incredible retelling of the travels of Odysseus of Ithaca. When our son was 7,
he sat captivated in our living room (along with his mom) as Odds wove this
story of adventure and mythic creatures. Recently, I was privileged to hear Odds
Bodkins perform an hour's worth of his Odyssey performance. I sat with a group
of people in a room with stone flooring and large stained-glass windows. All the
electric lights were off, and the room was illuminated with one large candelabra
next to Odds and votive candles placed in the windows. As he told the tale by
the flickering light, and played his guitar, the audience was totally riveted.
At the conclusion of the story, the audience gave him a well-deserved standing
ovation.
Odds uses more than 37 character voices along with original music on Celtic
harp and 12-string guitar. The Odyssey comes on four audio cassettes or four
compact discs, totaling more than 4 hours, and with a full-color poster that
includes a map of Odysseus' journey across the ancient Mediterranean world.
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Dark Tales of the Supernatural (Odds Bodkin) - Includes:
Treasure Trove, A Tale of Russian Serfs; The Phantom Train of
Marshall's Pass, a Rocky Mountain Legend; The Panther Boys, a
Chinese tale; and The Storm Breeder, a New England ghost story.
(One copy available).
 The Harper and The King: The Story of
Young David (Odds Bodkin) - A young poet, destined to write The Psalms.
A king, haunted by failure. A giant, slaying men like rabbits. Date: 996 B.C.
Camped in the Judean Hills, the People of Israel face enslavement, unless they
fight. Saul, the King, has fallen from the grace of God. Unable to sleep, he
summons a boy, a shepherd named David, to harp for him. Across the valley, a
Philistine giant named Goliath wonders at the meaning of the lives he has taken.
Soon they will all meet. The Harper and The King combines Odds' magnificent character voices with his virtuoso playing on 12-string guitar. Here is a Bible story that tells of a time when God was close, miracles changed history, and faith was everything. CD only. Ages 8+. 60 minutes. #2400 |
 The Little Proto Trilogy (Odds
Bodkin) - Contains three-stories-in-one: The Adventures of Little Proto,
Little Proto's T-Rex Adventure and Little Proto and the Volcano's Fire.
It is sixty-seven million years ago and Little Proto, Odds' beloved dinosaur
character, comes to life in an audio adventure for young listeners. In The Adventures of Little Proto,
Little Proto is on his first of many adventures, to Magnolia Island, where an
old Triceratops lives. It's a heart-warming story with four original songs and
exciting dinosaur sound effects. Family listening for ages three and up. |
 The Rage of Hercules: an Odds Bodkin Musical
Story. (Odds Bodkin) Heroic strongman? Kind do-gooder? In some ways, yes. But the real
Hercules was also haunted by rages he could not control. He was the strongest
adventurer in the world, yet in the end his towering ego was crushed by that
very strength. Brought to life with an immense voice only a master storyteller could create, The Rage of Hercules is fully scored with virtuoso music on 12-string guitar. Here is the genuine myth of Hercules. His loves. His madness. His guilt. His epic Twelve Labors. And much more. Length: 100 minutes. 2 CDs. Recommended for ages 12 to adult due to some violence. Kids who like strong adventure stories will be drawn to this. 2 CDs: #232X |
 With a Twinkle in Your Eye: Funny
Folktales from Everywhere (Odds Bodkin) - Includes Odds' most popular
performance piece, his wacky, rock'n'roll version of The Three Little Pigs.
Includes: The Elf of Springtime, a Swedish Tale; The Rahjah's Question, a Hindu Tale; Messenger to Maftam, an African Tale; and The Three Little Pigs, American Style. Performed on six-string guitar, kalimba, foot drum, Celtic harp and alto recorder. Length of recording: 43 minutes. Ages 5+ Cassette only: #201X $9.95 |
 The Christmas Cobwebs by Odds Bodkin, illustrated by Terry Widener - A book by
Odds Bodkin!After losing their home in a fire, a cobbler and his family take up residence in an abandoned shack. Desperately needing money, they sell one of their last remaining possessions - their collection of Christmas ornaments - even though the holiday is quickly approaching. Prepared to celebrate a somber Christmas day, the cobbler and his family are given a beautiful and magical gift from a spider who is thankful to them for not wiping away her web when they moved into the shack. Color illustrations accompany the text. Hardcover, 32 pages. 10.9" x 8.8" x 0.3". Ages 4-8. #4594
Out of print; one copy available. |
Our son's best friend, Alex encouraged me to start reading The Hobbit to both our children (I take literary advice from children very seriously.) I read The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a teenager and enjoyed it immensely, but I wondered if our almost-nine-year old would be up to listening to what I remembered as a rather involved piece of fantasy.
Once I started reading The Hobbit I realized I had never read it myself! (I'd only read The Lord of the Rings). My children and I delightedly followed the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is perfectly content to live life out in his cozy hobbit hole but is drawn into an adventure that changes his life forever. He travels with a group of dwarves to reclaim their ancestral gold and kingdom stolen by the dragon, Smaug. Along the way, they encounter orcs, elves and other interesting creatures, good and evil.
Despite my original misgivings, my children were able to follow the book quite well and enjoy playing "elves" and other games with Alex (a wonderful friend with a creative, imaginative mind, and lots of capes, scepters, crowns and other fun props). Glen also enjoys listening to the audio version on his own before bedtime. Our next project will be a hobbit tea party for our friends!
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Fair is Fair:
World Folktales of Justice by Sharon Creeden. This is another book that came
highly recommended to us by one of our customers. We love it! The author is a
trial attorney who has collected 30 stories from different countries and time
periods that illustrate various aspects of law. Each story is followed by
sources for further reading and also comments that will sometimes relate the
story to our current legal system, items of historical interest, a discussion of
a legal principle within the story, and more. It is especially good as a family
or group read-aloud (we read these to our children on a long car trip) as it
sparks interesting discussions.
The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp is a
fast-paced fantasy that readers of all ages should enjoy (no matter what the age
range says!)
Abraham
Lincoln and the Heart of America - One of history’s greatest stories
is that of Abraham Lincoln, and Jim Weiss brings to it all the compassion,
clarity and humor as he incorporates Lincoln’s own words into this splendid
storytelling biography. 
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain's humorous tale of childhood
friendship and adventure, burnished in a golden light of nostalgia, has been one
of America's most beloved books from the day it was published. Life lessons are
also learned as some of Tom's clever, comic adventures with pals Huckleberry
Finn and Becky Thatcher turns serious. This recording is filled with Twain's
wise, witty observations of human nature. As surely as the mighty Mississippi
carries Tom and his friends, Tom Sawyer will carry the listener on an
unforgettable journey. 
American Tall Tales - An essential part of American folk culture, these
uproarious stories will have you laughing out loud...and occasionally pondering.
Meet Paul Bunyan, taller than the trees and mightier than the rivers; Johnny
Appleseed, whose gentleness and generosity make him a beloved legend; and Pecos
Bill, whose outrageous Texas-sized exploits make him the greatest of all
cowboys. There's even one of Jim's own tall tales, a tongue-twisting, hilarious
take on the old West. Ages 5+ 
Animal Tales
(Jim Weiss) - Children delight in these classic tales by Aesop, Grimm
and Chaucer. 
Arabian Nights - Jim retells the timeless stories of Scheherazade,
The Bird Who Speaks, Ali Baba and
the Forty Thieves, and The Fisherman and the Genie, using subtle variations in his voice to reflect the
personalities of the characters. 
Best Loved Stories in Song and Dance
(Jim Weiss) -Through story and song,
Celtic Treasures
(Jim Weiss) - Ancient stories of bards and warriors, enhanced with
piano music. Stories include: Dectera and Fifty Maidens, Cuchulain's Name, The
Wooing of Emer, Finn MacCoul, The Battle for Tara, and more!
A Christmas Carol and Other Favorites
(Jim Weiss) - Features A Christmas Carol by
Charles Dickens, The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, and Dick Spindler's
Family Christmas by Bret Harte. 
A Collection of Just So Stories (written by Rudyard Kipling and
read unabridged by
Egyptian Treasures: Mummies and Myths (Jim Weiss) - Includes The Great Myths of
Egypt, Osiris and Set, The Secret Name of Ra-Amun, A Rival for the Throne, The
Courage of Isis, The Pyramid Builders, and The Mummy's Tomb.
Fairytale
Favorites in Story and Song Sit back and listen to these classics:
Stone Soup, Puss in Boots, Shoemaker & the Elves, and Rapunzel.
Includes the songs, Stone Soup and The Pussycat Rag. Recipient of
the Parents' Choice Award.
Famously
Funny!: A Collection of Beloved Stories and Poems - Prepare to laugh
out loud as you listen to this collection. Jim has gather some of the
funniest stories and poems from some of wittiest writers of all time for a
recording that will delight your whole family. 
Galileo and
the Stargazers - True stories about scientists who changed our view of the
world. Includes: Archimedes and the Golden Crown (our daughter's favorite),
Ptolemy vs Copernicus, Tycho Brahe Scans the Skies, Kepler and Galileo, Isaac
Newton.
Giants! A Colossal Collection of Tales and Tunes Listen to Jack and the
Beanstalk, The Fantastical Tale of Finn MacCoul, The Giant of Grabbist and Oscar
Wilde's The Selfish Giant, along with two giant songs. Listeners will be left
with a giant grin on their faces.
Good Luck Duck
(
Good Night A bedtime tape with six "vignettes" that take the listener
into scenes that bring about feelings of safety and love. In each scene, the listener
imagines falling asleep (on a tropical island, in a mountain cabin, in a tree house in the
forest and more). A minute of soothing music follows each story. Jim's honey-toned
voice is perfect for this kind of tape. Many parents have told us how much it has helped
their young ones fall asleep.
Greek Myths Stories of Hercules, King Midas (my son's favorite), and
Medusa become understandable to children. Jim offers asides to help those unfamiliar with
the gods of ancient Greece. Emphasis on character over violence.
Heroes in Mythology - Three great adventures:
Theseus and the Minotaur, Prometheus, Bearer of Fire, Odin and the Norse Men.
Jewish
Holiday Stories (Jim Weiss) - Includes Chanukah, The Festival of Lights, Purim,
and Passover. 
The Jungle Book Jim's version of this classic tale brings the
characters from Rudyard Kipling's stories to life. Four tales are included: Mowgli's
Brothers, Tiger! Tiger!, Red Dog and The Spring Running. Recipient of the Parent's
Choice Award. 
King Arthur & His Knights The Sword in the Stone, Sir Percival Meets A Lady,
and the Round Table are a few of the tales told on this marvelous tape. This is our
family's favorite. Jim's Sir Bedivere voice is wonderfully believable. 
Masters of the Renaissance:
Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and more by
Mystery! Mystery!
(Jim Weiss) - Three popular, classic mysteries are retold for young people: Poe's Purloined Letter, Chesterton's The Blue Cross, and
a Holme's mystery, The Red-Headed League. 
The
Prince and the Pauper (Jim Weiss) - The genius of Mark Twain abounds in this remarkable
adventure of two young boys who exchange identities and learn the nature of true
nobility. Swirling around these two boys are dashing heroes, appalling villains,
hair's breadth escapes and outrageous laughter. The thousand-voiced Jim Weiss
brings to life all the beloved characters and the wisdom of their lessons in
this value-rich classic.
The
Queen's Pirate: Elizabeth I & Sir Francis Drake (Jim Weiss) - From daring sea voyages to
glittering throne rooms to the dreaded Tower of London, you will experience the
pageantry of olde England with two of history's most fascinating characters.
Jim's exhilarating signature style is at its best as he makes history spring
alive in this entertaining and passionate telling. (Features the lives of Queen
Elizabeth I and Sir Francis Drake). 
Rip Van Winkle/Gulliver's Travels
(Jim Weiss) - Jim begins the story of Rip Van
Winkle with a brief background on the author, Washington Irving, and also sings a
short version of the tale called Rip's Rap. He continues with Gulliver's
adventures in Lilliput and concludes with Fool's Gold, a story of a wise rabbi
who has to decide between helping a rich man or poor man when a bag of gold has been
found.
Romeo and Juliet CD (Jim Weiss) - Jim
seamlessly integrates his own storytelling art with the profound beauty of
Shakespeare's famous verse, bringing both young and old listeners the ecstatic
joy, sudden sorrow and tender sighs of one of the greatest works of literature's
greatest author.
Shakespeare
for Children A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Taming of the Shrew
are told on a level children can grasp. As usual, Jim is able to take complex
stories and translate them into tales easily understood by children (not to
mention adults!) An excellent introduction to Shakespeare. 
She & He: Adventures in Mythology
(Jim Weiss) - This collection includes the tales of
Psyche and Cupid, Echo and Narcissus, Atalanta and the Golden Apples, and more - with an
emphasis on the value of love and honor. The Greek myths become accessible to even young
children.
Sherlock Holmes for Children This is the first Jim Weiss tape I ever heard, and
it's terrific! (I'm a fan of mysteries). Jim's range of voices is truly
amazing. The four stories told are The Mazarin Stone, The Adventure of the Speckled
Band, The Musgrave Ritual and The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. If you want
to encourage children to think deductively, look no further than master sleuth, Sherlock
Holmes! (It's elementary, of course). 
Spooky
Classics We're happy to offer a "scary" tape that won't frighten your
child too much and adds plenty to laugh about. Jim brings alive three classic
tales: The Canterville Ghost (Oscar Wilde), a medieval English lord whose
haunting terrifies visitors to his castle until a wholesome American family
moves in who is unimpressed with aristocrats or ghosts; Dr. Heidegger's
Experiment (Nathaniel Hawthorne), a tale about human nature that will get
you thinking; and The Sending of Dana Da (Rudyard Kipling), a rollicking
tale that cat lovers will especially enjoy. A terrific recording! Jim will
delight you with his many different voices.
Sweet Dreams
(Jim Weiss) - If you and your children enjoyed Jim's tape, Good Night,
you will be delighted to add this tape to your bedtime routine. Like Good
Night, Jim describes in his soothing voice six different scenes that ease
the listener into sleep. The Forest Cabin, The Pond, Behind the Waterfall,
The Toy Shop, The Desert Retreat, and The Cove are the six story
visualizations that are accompanied by sleepytime music.
Tales from Cultures
Far and Near (Jim Weiss) - Classic stories from Japan, Spain, China
and more. Wisdom, romance, and humor illustrate our human commonalities. (Have
you ever noticed that "trickster" tales are present in just about every
culture?) Imaginative twists and intrinsic morals bind the tales together.
Length: approximately one hour.
A
Tale of Two Cities (written by Charles Dickens and told by
Tales from the Old Testament Nondenominational rendering of The Story of
Ruth, Noah and the Ark, Wise King Solomon, Abraham and the Idols, David and Goliath,
and more. Wonderfully done!
Tell
Me A Story! A Treasury of Classics (Jim Weiss) - Young and old alike will enjoy this
collection of time-tested favorite stories. Includes Rumplestiltskin,
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Little Red Hen, Things Could Always Be
Worse, The Hare and the Hedgehog and Tell Me A Story (song).
Thomas Jefferson's America (Jim
Weiss) - Thomas Jefferson lived a dozen lifetimes in one. Patriot,
scientist, architect, president, author of the Declaration of Independence, he
preferred above all titles, "father" and "grandfather". Yet demand for his
unique skills drew him from the quiet home he loved. In this recording, you will
thrill to true stories of war and peace, loyalty and betrayal, battles against
empires and struggles against slavery.
The Three Musketeers/Robin Hood
(Jim Weiss) This is a great introduction to two classic tales
(and a fun way to learn some history). Includes the stories: Robin the Outlaw; Little
John; Of Gold and Lady Marion; Athos, Porthos, Aramis; The Queen's Diamonds; Duel
and six other stories. As with all of Jim's recordings, violence is downplayed.
Treasure Island
CD
(Jim Weiss) -
Pirates! Buried treasure! Loyal friends and treacherous villains! Here is Robert
Louis Stevenson's immortal adventure with all its vivid characters. Set sail on
this classic adventure which requires all the ingenuity and smart thinking of
the main character (a young boy). Sudden plot twists and hair's breadth escapes
will thrill listeners. You are sure to feel the sea breeze blowing through your
own hair! 
A
Treasury of Wisdom: True Stories of Hope and Inspiration (Created and
told by 
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by
Uncle Wiggly's Storybook
(Jim Weiss) - These seven "must have" stories for the
very young feature the charming adventures of Uncle Wiggly Longears, the elderly
rabbit gentleman, Nurse Jane, his muskrat lady housekeeper, and their lively
human and animal friends. The kind, polite, humorous and ingenious rabbit always
saves the day. Selected from the original stories and read lovingly by Jim
Weiss.
Rascal by Sterling North (read
by Jim Weiss) is an autobiographical story about the author's life with his pet
raccoon. 
Around the World with Jay O'Callahan
is a collection of stories from Jay's other recordings that celebrate different holidays
throughout the year.
The Golden Drum. The main
character, Ororingy, uses wit and courage in her quest for the magic drum that
will save he enchanted land of Artana. She becomes Artana's most powerful woman
warrior. 
The
Island Put together evil pirates, a fairy queen and an honorable sailor,
and what do you get? An imaginative tale of adventure! Recipient of the
Parents' Choice Award! 
Jeremy: A Christmas Story Jeremy transforms Christmas for children
everywhere in this Christmas tale of generosity and love. Also includes:
Christmas Candles, "a story of love that burns bright from the windows of a
home on Pill Hill." Recipient of the Parents' Choice Award! 
The
Little Dragon and Orange Cheeks Four of Jay's most popular children's
stories are included: Little Dragon, Orange Cheeks, Woe is Me Bones, and
Tulips. 
Little Heroes - Set off on a daring adventure with Michael the
Grasshopper, as he learns that he is beautiful just the way he is. Then meet
five other little heroes in these wonderful stories about friendship,
imagination and delight. Michael the Grasshopper, Raisins, The Bubble, The
Red Ball, Don't You Dare, and Nonsense. 
Raspberries - How can magical berries change an unlucky farmers life?
The main character, Sad Simon, discovers the answer in this imaginative tale
that has many interesting twists and turns. It is a hopeful story for the whole
family. This is my favorite Jay O'Callahan story, and it showcases his amazing
creative talent. 
CD (Soundelux/Minds Eye version) - Excellent 12-hour dramatization with
lots of sound effects! 9 CDs come in a wood-branded gift box. 
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy & The Hobbit (Highbridge Audio version)
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Read by ensemble cast. This slip-cased collection
includes The Hobbit, Tolkien's magical prelude to Lord of the Rings,
and all three volumes of the trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two
Towers and The Return of the King.
A
Hobbit's Journal: