"The Lion Book of Five-Minute Animal Stories" Told by John Goodwin

If you're looking for a book that will take a little longer to read but will provide at least one hour of entertainment then Five-Minute Animal Stories is what you need. A beautiful hardcover book has 10 stories that can be read aloud, silently (if the child can read), or listen to the narrator tell the story on the included story CD. While these are called five minute stories I found it took longer to read them to my children ages 3 to almost 8 because of questions.

The stories are from around the world that are retold in a modern form. The stories include: The Musicians of Bremen, Party Time, The Nightingale, The Cheeky Monkey, The Lion and the Mouse, Princess Petunia and the Pig, The Hare and the Hedgehog, Fish Girl, The Talking Bear and Chauntecleer the Cockerel. The stories come from countries such as China, India and Germany as well as some retelling of Aesop's Fables. With the retelling comes the emphasis of the Christian faith which is noticeable through out the whole book and all the stories. Beautifully illustrated with lively animals over 48 pages this book will be treasured.

The CD comes attached to the inside back cover in a plastic case which can either stay there or the CD can be stored elsewhere. The CD has wonderful sounds effects but without overpowering the narrator's voice that is in itself is engaging. There is no boring reading like is typical for books on tape, Mr. Goodwin, does an excellent job in keeping the children listening along. For those children who can't read just yet following along with book while the CD is playing can build future skills for reading and comprehension.

**I was provided a copy of this book by Kregel Publishing for my honest review.