Showing results by publisher "Phoenix Books" in Literature & Fiction

This adventure story has everything you could want: the good guy, some bad guys, the girl, sword fighting, revenge, romance, of course a happy ending, and rodents of unusual size. Join Westley the plucky farm boy, Buttercup the beautiful young maiden, Inigo Montoya the driven, embittered swordsman, and many other strange and unusual characters in this swashbuckling tale of good-natured silliness. It is read by Rob Reiner, who directed the motion picture based on this classic tale.

Provocative to some, stimulating to others, boring to jaded sophisticates, this is a book that must be heard—although it can aslo be thrown with great effect.

"...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." So says Rat, as he welcomes the lonely Mole to the community of the River. Whether messing about in boats, touring in Toad's motorcar, or simply relaxing at home, Mole, Rat, Otter, Toad, and Badger demonstrate the honorable human characteristics of kindness, patience, and tolerance toward all that have made this classic tale beloved by generations since it was first published in 1908.

Three sisters listen to their grandmother recount a mesmerizing childhood memory on a rainy afternoon. The long complex story, filled with danger and excitement, relates what happened when Ying-ying was seven and celebrating the Moon Festival in China. On that long-ago night of the Moon Festival, she encountered the Moon Lady, who grants the secret wishes of those who ask.

Tales like How the Leopard Got His Spots and The Elephant's Child answer questions only children would ask and answer them in a way only children would believe. Kipling very much intended his Just So Stories to be read aloud - and no one does it better than Carl Reiner as he brings each original story to life. A superbly amusing and entertaining experience, Kipling's Just So Stories will delight both young and old alike.

Eight of Shakespeare's most celebrated plays have been specifically adapted to introduce young listeners to his works. Based on the work of E. Nesbit, these classic retellings capture the drama and flavor of each original play, while simplifying plot and detail.

Join the Owl and the Pussycat on their long journey to save the walking, talking Bong Tree in this clever story filled with love and laughter, silly songs, fabulous felines, vile villains, precocious pie-rats, and lots more to tickle one's fancy. Enhanced by an original musical score that contains 10 hysterical songs.

> The Wonderful O tells of a man named Black who despised the letter "O". He deleted it from his language and omitted it from his words. Opals, moonstones, owls and oaks could not possibly be his items of choice. He preferred emeralds, rubies, sapphires and maps. At least they had no "O". Soon he wanted his entire village to omit the letter "O". But the villagers found words they would not do without HOPE, LOVE, VALOR, and the most important one of all.

Combine a crime, a criminal, a fat man in a fez, and a guy named "Chicken Man," and you get a zany sci-fi adventure that defies gravity. As Wizard of Comedy Daniel M. Pinkwater transports the Snarkout Boys and the Rat through the tunnel under North Aufzoo Street to the warmth of Beanbenders, you'll meet some strange characters and learn much about the versatile avocado.

Children of all ages will delight in listening to these four original stories performed by Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning celebrities. Betty White reads Mary Sheldon's A Day at the Zoo, the story of Lizzy and her troublesome friend Eric on the day they finally get to visit the zoo. Sharon Stone performs Dancing in the Park, the story of a dancer named Claudia who is determined to cheer up a sad little boy in the park. Jeremy Irons gives a lively performance of Ari Meyers' The Triumphant Beautiful Egg, and more!

Amy Tan's light, airy voice engages the listener as if sharing a bedtime story. The naughty white kitten, Sagwa, comes from a long line of royal Chinese cats. Her mischief changes the spirit of the cruel magistrate and future for her ancestors. A beautifully written story about why Siamese cats are really Chinese and why their faces, ears, paws and tails turn darker as they grow up.

Bubber, a lemming, is faced with following his entire race to self-induced extinction. Bubber struggles to decide if he should participate in what appears to be an insane death walk, only to constantly be told by family and friends that this is just the way things are. The story provides a superb lesson on conformity, free thinking and personal accountability.

A naughty white kitten, Sagwa, comes from a long line of royal Chinese cats. Her mischief changes the spirit of a cruel magistrate and helps shape the future for her ancestors. This beautiful story illustrates why Siamese cats are really Chinese cats and why their faces, ears, paws, and tails turn darker as they grow up.

It is business as usual down at the Digby, Wisconsin fire house until the day that eight year old Matty, the fire dog, gives birth to seven beautiful puppies. Six of the puppies are perfect in every way, but the seventh has a bad leg. As the chief says, "That poor old dog. It looks like he's got a bad digit" And that's how Digit got his name.

Do you believe in Santa Claus? You will after you've experienced this magical Christmas classic that pits cynics against Santa-believers. Miracle on 34th Street begins when a last-minute replacement in the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade claims to be the genuine Santa. Is he the real thing or just a charlatan in a red fuzzy coat? In a classic courtroom climax, the department store's Kris Kringle must convince everyone, including a skeptical little girl named Susan Walker, that Santa Claus really does exist.

In this much-anticipated sequel to Tell Me a Scary Story—Carl Reiner's first children's book—odd beams of light come from nowhere, along with oodles of goopy goo, memorable characters, and mysteries for kids to solve. As the story becomes scarier, Reiner pauses to ask if he should proceed, “Or is it too scary?” That's for kids to decide! Here's a fun story with delicious thrills and scary stuff that children will ask for again, and again.

Treasury of Classic Children's Stories is a delightful collection narrated by beloved entertainment icons. Bedtime and playtime will never be the same again as families gather to listen to classic tales brought to life by award-winning performers. Audrey Hepburn performs story adaptations by Mary Sheldon; John Ritter tells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk; Sharon Stone delivers an off-the-wall rendition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—as retold by Richard Hack—and Orson Welles performs the all-time favorite The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde.

After the loss of her parents, Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle's great mansion on the Yorkshire Moors. Unsure about her surroundings, Mary struggles to find a place in this new existence. Through the gentle guidance of the maid, Mary gradually becomes interested in a garden at the house, the key to which has vanished. In her quest to find and explore the possibilities the garden holds, Mary befriends a host of loveable characters. Is the garden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life?

It's Lizzy's favorite holiday...Christmas! And this year, a very special surprise awaits Lizzy and her best friends, Eric and Petunia - a fantastic journey to the North Pole to visit Santa's workshop. This delightful story is read by actress Betty White.

Meet the Silly family—Willie, Millie, Lilly, and Billy—and their silly neighbors, relatives, and friends in this lyrical romp of storytelling. Inspired by his grandson, Hollywood legend and award-winning director and comedy writer Carl Reiner weaves a whimsical tale of family fun. Read by the author, this recording highlights fun rhymes, tongue-twisting tales, and hilarious characters that will make children everywhere giggle with delight.