Two Trickster Tales From Russia: The Audiobook

                                                               

 This is the audiobook version of the gorgeous children's picture book published last year by Christmas Press, a new Australian small press launched by Sophie Masson, author of many children's and YA novels, artist David Allan and designer Fiona McDonald. Later in 2014, the press will publish more international folk tales by other Australian children's writers, which is something to look forward to.

Meanwhile, if you enjoy your books in audiobook format, this is a delightful version of the print book, narrated by Xavier Masson-Leach, with incidental music and sound effects by Xavier and Bevis Masson-Leach.

In the first story, Masha And The Bear, the grumpy bear is given a strong Russian accent, while the characters in The Rooster With The Golden Crest speak like American hillbillies, with appropriate - and charming - music for both. The whole thing goes for about 14 minutes, but since children tend to have short attention spans anyway, it may be just the thing to play before bedtime. It reminds me a little of a version of Peter And The Wolf I received for review some years ago.

The book and the CD are now available in many Australian bookshops or you can order them from .here, or as a download.  If you live outside Australia, email your inquiry to christmaspress@gmail.com.