The story of little Otto, a gentle, peace-loving child born into the heart of turmoil and strife in the castle of a feuding robber baron in medieval Germany. (Summary by Arctura)
15 episodes
Alfred J. Church wrote many books looking at classical literature, but is especially well known for his re-telling of classic books in a style so that younger readers may follow the story. The Iliad for Boys and Girls is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad, centred around the events of the siege of Troy during the final year. (Summary by Lizzie Driver)
25 episodes
The Little Duke by Charlotte M. Yonge is historical fiction based on the the life of Richard, Duke of Normandy. He assumes the title of Duke at only 8 years of age, after his father is murdered. The story first appeared in her magazine, The Monthly Packet, as a serial. (summary by Laura Caldwell)
13 episodes
There are certain names which are familiar, as names, to all mankind; and every person who seeks for any degree of mental cultivation, feels desirous of informing himself of the leading outlines of their history, that he may know, in brief, what it was in their characters or their doings which has given them so widely-extended a fame. Consequently, great historical names alone are selected; and it has been the writer's aim to present the prominent and leading traits in their characters, and all the important events in their lives, in a bold and free manner, and yet in the plain and simple language which is so obviously required in works which aim at permanent and practical usefulness. This volume is dedicated to Hannibal. (Summary from the preface of the book)
13 episodes
It is the 1570's, and the people of the Netherlands live in terror under the cruel dominion of Spain. Though many long to be free of Spanish tyranny, efforts at rebellion are failing, and allies are nowhere to be found. Edward “Ned” Martin, son of an English captain and a Dutch lady, is thrust into the conflict when he resolves to help his mother’s people and avenge his murdered relatives. Entering the service of the revolutionary leader William the Silent, Prince of Orange, Ned is called upon to carry out dangerous secret missions deep within occupied territory. Through hairbreadth escapes, fierce sea fights, terrifying sieges, and daring rescues, Ned becomes a witness to the inspiring and heartbreaking events of the rise of the Dutch republic. (Summary by D. Leeson)
21 episodes
A historical novel for children, which tells the story of several months in the life of the then famous Father Farmer, as he traveled a Mass circuit in Pre-Revolutionary, Colonial America. He faced much danger and and adventure, in order to provide the Mass and the Sacraments to Catholics who had not seen a priest in years.Father Farmer was a real life missionary priest during the 1700’s in what is now New England. In 1779 he was appointed as one of the first trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. He also had a reputation as a philosopher and astronomer in his time, and was a member of the American Philosophical Society. (Introduction by Maria Therese)This recording was read from a hard copy; no online text was available at the time.
15 episodes
A charming collection of 14 short American history plays for the very young - ranging from Christopher Columbus to George Washington to Susan B Anthony. (Summary by Maria Therese)Cast:Narrator; First Maid of Honor; Second Woman: AvailleNarrator; Queen Isabella; Pocohantus: CaprishaPageColumbus; First Merchant; Blount; Squanto; Robert E. Lee: Tom CausbyWise Man; Captain Newport; King; Court; People; Richard Henry Lee; Californians; Auctioneer; Union Soldier: Libby GohnLuis; John Smith; William Penn; Noble; First Woman; First Boy; British General; Men; Secretary to the President; Mr. President; Abraham Lincoln; Soldier: Charlotte DuckettSecond Merchant: Courtier; Officer: Aidan BrackPowhatan; William Penn, Sr; Second Maid of Honor; Samoset; Third Boy; Father Gibault; Senator Benton; Ezekiel Webster; Wise Man of Spain: Maria ThereseWalter Raleigh; Bradford; Young George Washington; Second Man of the House; Mr. Sherman; Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Elizabeth KlettQueen Elizabeth: Verity KendallIndian Chief; Second Man: rookieblueFrancis Drake; Governor Carter; Benjamin Franklin: Nathanial W.C. HigginsMan; First Man; Second Boy; Robert Livingston; Father; Mr. Seward: balaNarrator; Susan B. Anthony: Victoria MartinPeople; Third Man of the House; General Scott; Mr. Haynes: KristingjStandish: Thomas Jefferson; George Rogers Clark; Andrew Jackson; President Van Buren; Henry Clay; John Hanks; Ulysses S. Grant: Amanda FridayBrewster; Mr. Hancock; General Flores; Officer: David OlsonNarrator; One of the Girls: Pamela KrantzMrs. Washington: BrittaniaFourth Boy; Speaker; Member of the House: Frances BrownPatrick Henry: GraceMen of the House; Other Man; Member of Congress: TriciaGJohn Adams; John Fremont; John Calhoun: Arielle LipshawOlder George Washington: Delmar H. DolbierDaniel Webster: nomorejeffsAudio edited by: Maria Therese; Hugh Gillis; Elizabeth Klett and Arielle Lipshaw
14 episodes
The accounts of oldtime child life gathered for this book are wholly unconscious and full of honesty and simplicity, not only from the attitude of the child, but from that of his parents, guardians, and friends. The records have been made from affectionate interest, not from scientific interest; no profound search has been made for motives or significance, but the proof they give of tenderness and affection in the family are beautiful to read and to know. - Summary taken from Foreword of book.
20 episodes
Rolf, a youth in early Christian Iceland, loses first his father, then his property, and finally his freedom to the schemes of a greedy neighbor. Outlawed from Iceland, Rolf travels abroad, meeting with shipwreck, enslavement, Viking berserkers, and many other dangers and adventures. All the while, Rolf searches for a way to prove his father was killed unjustly and win back his own property and freedom. Even more difficult, Rolf must end the cycle of enmity, vengeance, and pride that hangs like a curse over his family. - Summary by Erin Schellhase
31 episodes
When his father dies, Lucius Lepine goes to Spain as a clerk. His fellow clerk, Don Aguilera, doesn't come to work one day. Lucius is worried, he has heard rumors of what has happened to Aguilera. What has happened? Can Lucius find out? - Summary by EstherbenSimonides
35 episodes
One May Day, Robin Hood and his Merry Men sit in Sherwood Forest, waiting for a traveller to share their dinner. Enter a distraught Knight with his fair daughter Marian, who owe money to the Sheriff of Nottingham, and have not the means by which to pay it. Meanwhile the greedy Sheriff is visited by the Baron of the Black Castle, who plots to silence the famous outlaw once and for all! This version of the Robin Hood legend was written, and now recorded, as a play, entertaining for children and adults alike. (Summary by Rachel)
Voice Cast:
Robin Hood: Kristin Gjerløw
Scarlet: Beth Thomas
Little John: Brad Filippone
Much: Esther ben Simonides
Allan-a-Dale: Zames Curran
Friar Tuck: Ted Delorme
King Edward I: Fred Abboud
Queen Eleanor: Adele de Pignerolles
Sir Richard at the Lee: Soumen Barua
Maid Marian, Daughter of Sir Richard at the Lee: Lydia
The Sheriff of Nottingham: Zames Curran
Sheriff's Wife: Newgatenovelist
The Baron of the Black Castle: Todd
Guy: Larry Wilson
Anthony: Rapunzelina
Jock: Elijah Fisher
Joan: Abby
Avisa, Mother of Jock and Joan: Bethany Baldwin
Ladies-in-Waiting: Bria Snow, Availle, and .Vanessa Cooley
Messenger: Ashur Gharavi
Stage Directions: Rachel
Audio edited by Rachel
3 episodes
These are the adventures of Sir Gibbie through the Scotland moors. Not being able to read or speak, Gibbie survives on the streets without a mother and having an alcoholic father. Yet, he wins the hearts of his neighbors and helps others. Children and adults learn through Sir Gibbie self-sacrifice, honesty, and purity. (Summary by Maggie Travers)
62 episodes
A runaway carriage, a spunky little girl, and a street urchin combine on the first page of Dusty Diamonds Cut and Polished: a Tale of City Arab Life in a hilarious combination that you won't want to leave. This story shows first hand what 'city arabs' have to face day by day and the impact Christians can make. - Summary by Adele de Pignerolles
30 episodes
When a raggedy boy from the circus limps into the lives of the Moss family, he is unlike any child they have ever met. With his devoted and clever dog, Sancho, at his side, Ben’s amazing stunts from the big top and kindly, eager persona win the hearts of the Mosses, as well as the nurturing affection of his new mistress, Miss Celia, and the friendship of her spoiled brother, Thornton. From birthday parties to broken bones, times of triumph to times of tragedy, the group sticks together through it all in this heart-warming children’s story by Louisa May Alcott. (Summary by Twinkle)Cast List:Narrated by Christine LehmanBen Brown: Aaron M. LebowitzBab Moss: RachelBetty Moss: SuperCoconutMiss Celia: Lian PangThorny: Kangaroo692Mrs. Moss: Beth ThomasMr. Brown, Billy Barton: Tomas PeterSam Kitteridge: Teresa BaumanAlfred Barlow: Paige Al QasemSancho: Esther ben Simonides
Other characters voiced by Teresa Bauman,
Lilith Branda,
Jarek Celuch,
Edgard Coronado,
Charlotte Duckett,
Gaby,
KHand,
Kalynda,
Lydia,
Ross McGrath,
Adele de Pignerolles,
Sonia,
SuperCoconut,
Twinkle, and
Leanne Yau
Audio edited by Michele Eaton,
Aaron M. Lebowitz,
Christine Lehman, and
Twinkle
25 episodes
It's the summer of 1588, and all is not well in England. Citizens are plotting to betray their queen for Spanish gold, and the dreaded Armada is coming closer and closer. It's up to Lord Burleigh and brave Sir Francis Drake to stop them, but will they succeed in convincing Queen Elizabeth that such action is necessary? And when the Spanish ships finally arrive, what will happen to the queen and the citizens of London? (Summary by SweetPea)
Cast List:William Cecil, Lord Burleigh: Tomas Peter
Sir Walter Raleigh: Todd
Sir Francis Drake: K. Adrian Stroet
Master Jock Burwood: James Koss
Will of Babbicombe/Third Conspirator: Joseph Tabler
Don Pedro de Valdez/Dickon: Alan Mapstone
First Conspirator: Leanne Yau
Second Conspirator: Gaby
Ap Thomas: Charlotte Duckett
Queen Elizabeth: Beth Thomas
Lady Mary Howard: Lydia
Mistress Nan Hanway: Rachel
Mistress Alice Bridgewater: Adele de Pignerolles
Stage Directions: Esther ben Simonides
Audio edited by Rachel
3 episodes
This is the last book in the The Andrew Lang "Color" Fairy Books series published after his death by his wife. She wrote the stories and he had edited them before his demise. It is a collection of stories that are a bit different than the Fairy Books: still colorful and well written but telling tales about decidedly odd topics. A word of Caution: please read the stories before your children do, some of them contain some violent imagery. - Summary by Linda Andrus
34 episodes
Jo March's dreams of opening a home for boys comes true as she finds herself the mistress of Plumfield, a boarding school for children -- who have all stumbled in from various backgrounds. When new students arrive at her doorstep, they bring their own sets of troubles with them, such as dishonesty, disobedience, and naughty shenanigans. However, Mrs. Jo, alongside her steady husband, Fritz, uniquely guides each child along to the path to adulthood, inspiring him to become the best he can be. Likewise, though the couple is faced with frequent heartache and even unexpected tragedy, their children never cease to amaze them and fill their home with joy. (Summary by Twinkle)
Cast List:
Narrator: Christine Lehman
Jo Bhaer: rachelrw
Fritz Bhaer: Paul SimoninNat Blake: Aaron M. LebowitzDan: Tomas PeterDemi Brooke: NavinDaisy Brooke: RachelTommy Bangs: Eddy ShermanNan Harding: Adele de PignerollesEmil: Leanne YauJack Ford: toadoftoadhall
Additional characters voiced by
aravagarwal,
Diane Alailima,
Jael Baldwin,
Esther ben Simonides,
BookAngel7,
BurgerChalet,
Gaby,
Ashur Gharavi,
Michelle Kane,
Kangaroo,
Lydia,
Romano,
Stacy Simone,
SuperCoconut,
Joseph Tabler,
The Legendary Chicken,
Beth Thomas,
Twinkle,
Bjorn V,
ToddHW, and
Willy
Audio edited by Adele de Pignerolles, fiddlesticks, KHand, and Twinkle
Additional proof-listening by BookAngel7
22 episodes
"Welcome to all! We show the story of how, nearly three hundred years ago, when this country was not so happy as it is now, some people driven by persecution out of England went on a long and dangerous voyage in a ship called the Mayflower, and made for themselves a home across the Atlantic Ocean." (From the Prologue)Cast List:
Stage Directions read by MaryAnnMaster William Brewster: SpiderScientistMaster William Bradford: ToddHWMaster John Carver: aravagarwalMaster John Alden: JamesMcAndrewMaster John Robinson: Alex KohnMaster Robert Cushman: Roger MelinMaster John Billington: Scott KelleyCaptain Miles Standish: Greg GiordanoOfficer: Esther ben SimonidesSamoset: Adele de PignerollesMistress Mary Brewster: Leanne YauMistress Priscilla Mullins: Linda Olsen FitakMistress Ellen Billington: TwinkleAdditional Singing by George Allen
Audio edited by Rachel
5 episodes
Tor is a young beggar living in the city of Jerusalem during the tumultuous time of the Roman occupation. Shouts of hope are the last thing this street boy expects when he witnesses Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. Tor comes face to face with the man Jesus and from that moment his life is forever changed. With thievery, injustice, and brutality as the backdrop of this novel, Tor learns to trade his hatred for love, and what it means to be a follower of Christ. This novel is for ages eight and up. (Patrick Saville)
12 episodes
The fourth book of the Woodville Series shares the progress of a boy whose education had been neglected, and whose moral attributes were of the lowest order, from vice and indifference to the development of a high moral and religious principle in the heart, which is the rule and guide of a pure and true life. The incidents which make up the story are introduced to illustrate the moral status of the youth, at the beginning, and to develop the influences from which proceeded a gentle and Christian character. Mollie, the captain's daughter, whose simple purity of life, whose filial devotion to an erring parent, and whose trusting faith in the hour of adversity, won the love and respect of Noddy, was not the least of these influences. The fifth book in the series is Hope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians. - Summary by Scarlett Martin from Book Preface
Woodville Series:
Rich and Humble; or, The Mission of Bertha Grant
In School and Out; or, The Conquest of Richard Grant
Watch and Wait; or, The Young Fugitives
Work and Win; or, Noddy Newman on a Cruise
Hope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians
Haste and Waste; or, The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain
22 episodes
The sixth and last volume of the Woodville stories contains the record of a mechanical, rather than a moral triumph, though the virtues of patience and perseverance are incidentally illustrated, and the "little captain" of the Woodville is always a good son, a forbearing brother, and a kind friend. Lawry Wilford, the young pilot, is a boy of spirit and energy, who overcomes difficulties by a strong faith in himself, and redeems his family from poverty, in spite of the bad example and the bad conduct of his father and his older brother. Previous book in the series is Hope and Have; Fanny Grant Among the Indians. - Summary by Scarlett Martin from book preface
Woodville Series:
Rich and Humble; or, The Mission of Bertha Grant
In School and Out; or, The Conquest of Richard Grant
Watch and Wait; or, The Young Fugitives
Work and Win; or, Noddy Newman on a Cruise
Hope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians
Haste and Waste; or, The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain
21 episodes
This volume is the result of an avalanche of letters that, reached the author, Annie Fellows Johnston, complaining that she skipped in the Little Colonel series. To entreaties she has responded with this charming, wholesome volume, in which she fills in the skipped places. Mary Ware is a lovable little girl, not a very little one either, because she is old enough to go to boarding-school, and her ingenuity is evidenced by her sleeping calmly under a raised umbrella because a troublesome roommate adjusted the electric light so it shone on her pillow. Likewise it proves that she is unsuperstitious. The volume as a whole is delightful, and any girl may be proud to number its heroine among her book friends. This is the ninth volume in the "Little Colonel Series". (Summary from an original 1908 review)
16 episodes
The Lances of Lynwood brings to life the high days of knighthood and chivalry in the 14th century during the Hundred Years War, in which the English House of Plantagenet contended with the French House of Valois. The courage and loyalty of a young Englishman, Eustace Lynwood, are tested when he joins the army of the Black Prince during sojourns in France and Spain. This book stirs the imagination, with its knights in shining armor, and exemplars of both faithful love and base treachery, as it portrays the glory of medieval warfare, but also the sufferings of sickness, wounds, and death. Many historical figures are presented, mainly drawn from Jean Froissart's Chronicles, and listeners may be led to delve deeper into the events of that interesting era. ( Carol Pelster)
17 episodes
Jean and Jock are twelve years old when they hear news that could change their lives forever. Will they really have to leave their "little gray house on the brae" - maybe even leave their homeland of Scotland? At least they have one more summer at home to enjoy life with their shepherd-father and faithful dog Tam. They could never have imagined what surprises and adventures were in store for that summer! - Summary by HannahMary
15 episodes
