In Amy Friedman's latest endeavor, she serves as curator for this collection of animal stories performed by seven different tellers with a range of presentation styles. The narratives expertly inject subtle directives for a potentially positive impact the daily lives of listeners. The Poet and the Dragon explores the limits of loyalty, trust, and friendship through the wanderings of a poet who was ousted from the kingdom because of his bravery in telling the truth. His quest resulted in a new but unusual friendship, and his departure left the villagers with the message: "Listen to your heart. Only your heart will tell you the truth."

Kerplunk, the Australian rendition of the popular folktale The Sky Is Falling, demonstrates the subtle plot trans-formations from one culture to another. The passionate and enthralling story delivery reinforces the concept of examining a problem's logical solution before panicking; i.e., "to think before you jump." Clever humor (such as the kangaroo "holding court") and supporting musical accompaniment (including the accordion, drum, and penny whistle) elevate this story's appeal.

The mystique of ventriloquism carries The Talking Cat to new heights. The plot is enlightening, and the husky voice of the teller charms the listeners to enjoy an old story that has been rewritten for young ears. Four addi-tional stories continue with variety and appeal. Youngsters who typically might hesitate to "sit and listen" to a recording will be drawn to this vibrant and feisty collection.