Tales from the Arabian Nights

This is a gorgeous introduction for young listeners to fine literature, a vastly different time and culture, and enchanting music. Narrator Toby Stephens is dazzling as he presents three of the best-known tales: "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp," "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," and "The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor." He skillfully renders the stupendous description, cunning adversaries, and wide-ranging emotion as he spins Scheherazade's stories. At times, Stephens's accent has a modern sound that should appeal to a contemporary audience. Both male and female voices are distinct and appropriate to characters' ages and situations. Rimsky-Korsakov's stirring music adds vastly to the rich emotion generated by the exotic tales. Listeners of all ages will be enthralled. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine