Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales - Large Print Reviews

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Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales
An Audiobook Benefiting Children in South Africa Orphaned and Impacted by HIV/AIDS
Foreword by Nelson Mandela Read by Mat Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, LeVar Burton, Scarlett Johansson, CCH Pounder, Blair Underwood, and more...
Hachette Audio, (2009)
Unabridged Selections on 3 CDs, with Bonus Material
ISBN: 978-1-60024-666-1
Genre: Fiction

Reviewed by Anna Dogole - August 20, 2009

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales is a fabulous collection of thirty-two African folktales, both traditional and contemporary. Most of the stories are from South Africa, but you'll also find stories from all across Africa, including Morocco, Nigeria, Gabon, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, and more. The folktales were written by a variety of authors, and this audiobook also includes a PDF file that contains a collection of full color illustations that appeared in the original book. In addition, the stories in this collection are performed by a stellar cast of artists including Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker, and Alfre Woodard. Their readings are accompanied by original music written by Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela. A message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu is also included.

The stories in this collection run the gamut from creation myths to fables, and Cinderella type fairytales to story songs and they included an array of mythical creatures, talking animals, resourceful children, and royal personages. Some of the varied stories that you'll find in this collection include:

The Wolf Queen
The Mother Who Turned to Dust
The Enchanting Song of the Magical Bird
The Ring of the King
Sannie Langtand and the Visitor
The Hare and the Tree Spirit
The Mantis and the Moon
The Sultan's Daughter
and many more...

This audiobook is a joint collaboration between Hachette Audio and Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) and all the stories in this collection where personally selected by Nelson Mandela. On its own, this collection is a 'must have' for both private and public libraries, and it will provide hours of entertainment for listeners of all ages. It will serve to expand the listener's appreciation and understanding of Africa's rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is also ideal for 'family listening' as all members of your family will find these tales enthralling and memorable. What makes this collection extra special is that a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this audiobook will be used to help "...children in South Africa Orphaned and Impacted by HIV/AIDS."

To learn more about this unique audiobook, or to listen to audio excerpts, visit: mandelasfavoritefolktales.com.

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