What better way to launch a line of children's audiobooks than with a pair of the best actors to be found? Audio Renaissance couldn't have chosen better. The terrific twosome, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, narrate with not only sterling acting ability but with joy, elan, assurance. Give them the works of artist/author William Steig and you have an audiobook that both children and adults will find irresistible, one to be heard over and over again.
The late Mr. Steig would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year and, most likely would have been delighted to hear his six stories read by an Academy Award winner and a highly acclaimed actor. A beloved author and artist of children's book, Mr. Steig received countless honors during his lifetime, including a Newbery Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book, New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year and on it goes.
He was a bit of a rascal when he wrote including a few big words for children to learn, and he had the amazing ability to speak directly to youngsters as his stories addressed their daily lives, their hopes and fears. He once said, ""I think I like kids more than the average man does. I can relax with them, more than I can among adults . . . Children are genuine . . . I like to think that I've kept a little innocence. Probably I'm too dumb to do anything else." Not dumb at all but supremely intelligent, and we are all the better for it.
Meryl Streep reads Brave Irene, Spinky Sulks, and The Amazing Bone to a fare-thee-well, and Stanley Tucci delivers Shrek!, Dr. DeSoto, and Caleb and Kate.
Streep easily segues from the determined young Irene to poor Spinky who thinks his family doesn't love him. What an actress! Tiny Dr. DeSoto who was liked by large animals because he could work in their mouths while wearing rubbers is one of my favorite Steig inventions, yet I didn't fully appreciate him until Mr. Tucci gave his story voice.
This is an audiobook far too good to miss - enjoy!
- Gail Cooke