Just So Stories

I didn't know much about about Kipling other than he wrote Jungle Book. I saw the Disney movie. Kipling has been out of fashion for a while being old school British as all, so I was curious and took the chance. I love his playful choice of words. Reiner is the perfect voice for these wonderful, funny stories. This was my first audible, but not my last.

Just So Stories is an amazing book. My parents read it to me, and I read it to my kids. I've always liked Carl Reiner, so I picked this version. The reading is AWFUL!!! First issue: one might think Reiner was on a clock. He races through the stories so fast it's sometimes hard to follow. And, Just So Stories are best read slowly, with rhythm.

Second issue: Reiner does not correctly read the story. As an example, in the reading of The Elephant's Child, Kipling, when referring to the Limpopo River, repeats the phrase "great grey green greasy Limpopo RIver, all set about with fever trees". It is sing-songy, and the alliteration is great for a child. Reiner never reads it the same way twice, rushing through, leaving out words, and adding the word grassy on occasion. I can't believe some editor didn't correct this. It is HORRIBLE!

I've had Audible books I didn't like. I have many I've not finished. But, I never felt ripped-off before. I want my money back!!! The reading is AWFUL!!!

While these stories are classic, I found that they were not so easy for my children (5 & 8) to follow in Audible format. There are a lot of unfamiliar words, and many of the stories would be better with illustrations. This is the one book that should be read and not just listened to.