3321:M&W- Chapter 9:Non-Fiction Author Profile

Jim Weiss is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and recording artist. He is the recipient of over 31 major awards from the American Library Association, Parents' Choice Foundation, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and more. Weiss tells traditional stories in a way that kids love. His gentle voice explains things clearly, and they include wonderful introductions to Sherlock Holmes, Shakespeare, and other classic tales.

Animal Tales told by Jim Weiss

This is a collection of generally familiar tales which have been tempered for the very youngest, told in an especially gentle manner. Jim uses various voices (particularly effective at holding the interest of little ones), and there is an emphasis, where appropriate, on character and the "moral of the story." Includes: Goat Gets Away (African), The Cat Who Went to Church, Chanticleer the Rooster (from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales), The Lion and the Mouse, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Crow and the Pitcher, City Mouse and Country Mouse, Giggly Biggly and The Invitation (an original by Weiss).

Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America by Jim Weiss

Here is one of history's greatest stories -- that of Abraham Lincoln -- told with compassion, clarity, and humor. Lincoln faced seemingly insurmountable challenges all through his life, leading to an ultimate triumph and sudden tragedy. Jim sprinkles the biography with examples of Lincoln's famous wit while recounting his farsighted, ethical, and often controversial actions during the most tumultuous time in American history. This remarkable era springs to life in a way that will stay with listeners of all ages and makes plain why our 16th President holds a special place in our history and our hearts.

This Auto-recording book, narrated by Jim Weiss, is one way to introduce youngsters to some of the wonderful stories that make up the foundation of our culture. He tells the stories in a quiet voice, yet manages to bring the stories alive so that children can understand them. Each of the three stories has a brief introduction, and a follow-up such as telling children that they can still visit the maze of the Minotaur in Greece, and that people still become lost within its walls. Heroes in Mythology would make a wonderful listening center activity in the media center or classroom, and it could be used as a springboard to learning about other myths.