The Ordinary Animals

By: Rune Matthew Woodman

Narrated by: Rune Woodman

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

In his last year of primary school, Albert becomes lost while escaping from bullies. He finds himself in an underworld of stormwater drains and sewers, where he befriends an ageing rat, a small bird, and a crazy echidna. His new friends believe his visit is the fulfillment of a prophecy that he will save the animals from the control of the evil King Rat and his mistress, the Witch.

All Albert wants is to get home, but secretly the animals defy his wishes and set him on course with the prophecy.

©2012 Rune Woodman (P)2012 Rune Woodman

Exceptional Listening

What made the experience of listening to The Ordinary Animals the most enjoyable?

The distinct voice used for each character,this made the book easier to understand.There is no confusion and you clearly know who is saying what.Beautifully read.

What other book might you compare The Ordinary Animals to and why?

Not something I can do having never read anything like this before.

What does Rune Woodman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Rune's voice is rich and clear, i have read/listened to hundreds of audiobooks and sometimes I have stopped listening due to the narrator,not on this occasion. I believe Rune has grasped each character and brought them to life.It was such an easy book to listen to that I readily encourage other audio fans to have a listen.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was intrigued and wanted to know more.

Any additional comments?

Look forward to what comes next , Rune should narrate more books but especially his own.

Brilliant!!! Very entertaining.

What made the experience of listening to The Ordinary Animals the most enjoyable?

The story line was very captivating. There was always something happening that kept me intrigued to keep on listening. I loved the mix of characters and their individual personalities.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ekkie, the echidna, was my favourite character. She made me laugh a lot.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favourite scene was when Albert realised that he had magical powers. He was no longer the ordinary boy who had been bullied at school.

Loved every second, especially the rainbows.

Would you listen to The Ordinary Animals again? Why?

Yes, of course. Because you listen to it and enjoy it, but I'm sure there's plenty I missed on the first listen.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way all of the characters were portrayed as real people who also have feelings and motivation - especially the way Albert's parents and the bullies acted and reacted. I also like the way it showed the animals plight as something that might be real.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

A particularly memorable scene was early in the audiobook, where Albert had become lost and met the first animal. It felt like the beginning of his voyage, an important moment. It was from there that the wonder, the magic and the mystery began.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next one!

The way stories should be told.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend this to a friend. I was present with my nephew at a short reading by the author because I had already read the book. My nephew was transfixed and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We eagerly downloaded the book that evening!

Who was your favorite character and why?

When I read the book, Ekkie the cuddly echidna was easily the most likeable and the most enchanting of characters. But I found myself growing more and more fond of Anna, the revolutionary peach faced love bird, with every line uttered by the author. I chuckled everytime she spoke!

What does Rune Woodman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The story is made perfect by the excellent narration. The author of this book is the narrator which a rare treat. You get to see how the author sees the characters and how they differ from the way you picture them when you read the book. I definitely recommend reading the book first.