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The Heather Forest Audio and Book Collection

Storytelling Recordings
Books
Heather ForestAn award-winning collection of world folktales retold by Heather Forest including:
  • Seven audio recordings of stories told in a minstrel style weaving poetry, prose, original music and the sung and spoken word
  • Seven children's picture books based on folktales
  • Three world folktale anthologies

Storytelling Recordings

Nationally acclaimed storyteller and author Heather Forest presents folktales in a unique minstrel style interweaving original music, guitar, poetry, prose, and the sung and spoken word.


Musical Folktales for Younger Listeners:

SingSing Me A Story
A colorful collection of musical tales celebrating themes of cooperation and sharing. Singable refrains make this a favorite for cartime or bedtime. Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Little Red Hen, Stone Soup and many other old folktale favorites are included. (Grades PreK-2)

Listen to a sample

HearthTales Around The Hearth
Heartwarming folktales from around the world with lots of singable refrains. This imaginative recording, accompanied by guitar, includes Aesop's fables, and multicultural tales, which celebrate themes of cooperation, sharing and perseverance. (Grades PreK-2)

Listen to a sample

AnimalsThe Animals Could Talk: Aesop's Fables
The wit and wisdom of ancient Aesop's fables comes to life for modern listeners in this musical collection of nineteen tales. Upbeat guitar, bass, and cello accompaniment of tales told in poetry and song make this recording a favorite for family listening. (Grades K-3) Parents Choice Award 1994.

Listen to a sample

Musical Folktales for Young Adults & Adults:

SongspinnerSongspinner: Folktales and Fables Sung and Told
This recording of tales from around the world, told with music and poetry, has won an American Library Association Notable Record Award. Booklist says it contains "exquisite adaptations". Unusual wisdom stories from cultures around the globe come to life! (Grade 4-adult)

Listen to a sample

WomenfolkTales of Womenfolk
This recording is a collection of musically told folktales from around the world which feature courageous and resourceful heroines. No passive princesses here! (Grade 4-adult)

Listen to a sample

BeholderEye of the Beholder
Tales about the comedy and pathos of points of view- includes a unique musical version of "Beauty and the Beast." (Grade 5-adult) Parents Choice Gold Award 1993.

Listen to a sample

Folktales from Around the WorldFolktales from Around the World, Vol. I & II
Six imaginative folktales from diverse cultures are dramatically presented with original vocal music, guitar, cello and electric bass accompaniment. (Grade 5-adult)  Storytelling World Honor Recording 1996.

"A true troubadour. . . even the narrative parts of her storytelling seem to be sung: her delivery is so precise and compelling, she just draws one into her spell. Her stories are lovely, magical things and her singing voice is true, simple, and unadorned." --Martha's Vineyard Times

Listen to a sample


Heather Forest Picture Books


Sun and the WindThe Contest Between the Sun and the Wind - An Aesop’s Fable
This ancient tale celebrates the power of gentleness. Walking along a winding road, a man finds himself swept into a magical world where a contest of strength takes place. Illustrated by Susan Gaber. August House Publishers, 2008.

Dedicated “to Peace Makers everywhere,” this fresh rendition will please young eyes and ears.

-Kirkus Reviews

This fable is beautifully retold in simple verse, bringing a timeless message to young readers.

-- School Library Journal


  • Book, Softcover $7

FeathersFeathers, a Jewish Folktale from Eastern Europe
This poignant tale about the power of words shows how a careless rumor can affect a whole village. Illustrated by Marcia Cutchin. August House Publishes, 2005.

Forest's retelling is simple and elegant, using some dialogue and spare descriptions. Cutchin's bright watercolor illustrations fill in the Eastern European setting well, using varying and fresh perspectives. Brightly colored feathers play prominently across the pages. The artist's style is rich in detail... This is an entertaining tale, ably retold, with a timeless lesson.

-- School Library Journal


  • Book, Hardcover $16

Red HenThe Little Red Hen, An Old Fable
This classic tale colorfully rendered in whimsical pictures by Susan Gaber celebrates the joys and chaos of learning to work together. August House Publishers 2006.

Forest and Gaber's third collaboration bakes up a culinary concoction of cake (in place of bread) that is fresh, folksy and fun.

-- Kirkus Review


  • Book, Softcover $7

BakersThe Baker's Dozen
This Colonial American Tale tells the story of Van Amsterdam, the baker, whose red and white iced St. Nicholas cookies become famous. But fame makes the baker greedy. When he begins to use less of his fine quality ingredients, suddenly his breads fall flat, his muffins harden, and his pies taste sour. Then an old woman helps the baker to remember the joy of giving! This is the legend behind the custom of giving thirteen in a "baker's dozen." Illustrated by Susan Gaber. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers: 1988. Newly republished by August House Publishers (2013)


  • Book, Softcover $7

FlummoxedThe Woman Who Flummoxed the Fairies
An old Scottish tale retold for all who love a touch of magic, a bit of good sense, and a lot of fun! The fairies never get a taste of the fine cakes made by the bakerwoman who lives at the edge of the forest. Her cakes are so good they are eaten down to the last crumb. The fairies want her to make cakes only for them, so...they capture her. But the bakerwoman flummoxes the fairies -- she confuses, perplexes, surprises, and befuddles them with an ingenious plan that ends up pleasing everyone! A Junior Library Guild selection. Illustrated by Susan Gaber. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers: 1990. Newly republished by August House Publishers (2013)


  • Book, Softcover $7

HouseA Big Quiet House
An old Yiddish folktale from Eastern Europe which features a wise adviser who comically inspires a man to view his troubles with some objectivity. A lilting text makes this a fine read-aloud for young listeners. American Booksellers Pick of the Lists 1996.


  • Book,Softcover $7

StoneStone Soup
A traditional tale about sharing told throughout Europe. Two hungry travelers come to a comfortable town nestled in the mountains and teach a stingy community about the collective power of everyone giving just a bit. A recipe for a tasty stone soup is included.


  • Book, Softcover $7


Folktale Anthologies by Heather Forest


WonderNEW BOOK!
Ancient & Epic Tales from Around the World
A multicultural collection of twenty -nine ancient tales retold in prose and dramatic dialogue. August House Publishers 2016



  • Book, Hardcover $25

WonderWonder Tales from Around the World
A collection of twenty-seven multicultural folktales which stretch imaginations and offer insights into diverse cultures. The stories are evocatively retold with a touch of poetry. Each story is complemented by an ornate, full-page line drawing by David Boston. (160 pages) August House Publishers 1995.
  • 1996 Storytelling World Anthology Award


  • Book, Softcover $16

WisdomWisdom Tales from Around the World
Contains fifty gems of story and wisdom from such diverse traditions as Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, African and Native American. Retold for ages 10 to adult. Extensive annotated bibliography and reference notes.
  • 1997 Storytelling World Anthology Award


  • Book, Softcover $16

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