For years, generations even, the books of Dr. Seuss (Theodor "Ted" Seuss Geisel) have been favorites. Well-worn and well-loved copies have been treasured legacies that have encouraged the imaginations of millions of readers. With the fanciful drawings of the colorful characters of Seussville and the enchanting stories told in their own special ways, it comes as no surprise that they continue in popularity year in and year out.
While they found new lives in animated television productions and live action movies, it cannot be denied that the telling of these tales from one generation to another is a part of their appeal. Where once a parent read one of these stories to a son or daughter, now that same child may share the story with their own child -- all the while still seeing and hearing the magical tales as if it was for the first time again.
But with the rise of technology, these tales have sprouted new wings as they have gone first to record albums, then to tape cassettes, then to home video, the Silver Screen, the Broadway stage and now? Why of course, to the iPod!
Image courtesy of Apple Computer, Inc.
This past Tuesday, as part of its weekly release of new products, Apple's iTunes Music Store brought a new series of unabridged audio books from Audible.com to listeners – those of Dr. Seuss. This series of recordings brings the Seuss canon to a new generation using the delivery channel of the 21st Century and at only $2.95 each.
Check out this list of titles and who is doing the reading of them:
The Cat In The Hat – read by Kelsey Grammer
The Cat In The Hat Comes Back – read by Kelsey Grammer
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? – read by John Cleese
Dr. Seuss's ABC – read by Jason Alexander
Fox In Sox – read by David Hyde Pierce
Gertrude McFuzz & The Big Brag – read by John Lithgow
Green Eggs And Ham – read by Jason Alexander
Hop On Pop – read by David Hyde Pierce
Horton Hatches The Egg – read by Billy Crystal
Horton Hears A Who – read by Dustin Hoffman
How The Grinch Stole Christmas – read by Walter Matthau
I Can Read With My Eyes Shut – read by Michael McKean
I'm Not Going To Get Up Today – read by Jason Alexander
Oh Say Can You Say? – read by Michael McKean
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! – read by Michael McKean
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish – read by David Hyde Pierce
The Lorax – read by Ted Danson
Thidwich, The Big-Hearted Moose – read by Mercedes McCambridge
Yertle The Turtle – read by John Lithgow
Image courtesy of Apple Computer, Inc.
I particularly enjoyed hearing Walter Matthau's reading of the Grinch. As fond as I will always be of Boris Karloff's patently grinchy tones in the 1966 television animated version, Matthau brings his own brand of foul to the telling of the tale. As well many of the other readers of these new audio books make good use of experience from their role in various animated productions. All in all, a good time!
So if you're looking for a new way to enjoy an old favorite or even just out search for something new to enjoy on the daily commute, check these out. And while you're at it, check out the rest of the audio books on the iTunes Music Store. Some interesting surprises await…
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