DEC 07/ JAN 08 - AudioFile
This superb collection of six Steig stories is beautifully narrated by Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, who delight in Steig’s quirky characters. Tucci’s characterizations are perfect, whether he’s Shrek spouting love poetry to the ugly princess or a cackling fortune-telling witch. His quick-witted Dr. DeSoto, mouse dentist, is equally fine, and he has full insight into the wicked fox’s nature as well. In “Brave Irene,” Streep’s mellifluous voice transforms instantly from the even-toned narrator to the infuriating wind that tortures Irene. In “The Amazing Bone,” Streep tenderly portrays the besotted pig, Pearl, and dazzles as a talking bone that displays its repertoire of languages and sounds. Both Tucci and Streep distill their fine acting ability to pure voice, enhancing this classic collection. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, AudioFile Best Audiobook of 2007, 2008 Grammy Nominee © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Since one of the great pleasures of Steig's books is the language he uses, it's a particular delight to have the recording of The One and Only Shrek! Plus Five Other Stories read by Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. You can really hear that the brilliance of 'Shrek' lies in the language Steig uses...one of the most delightful moments is when Shrek accosts a peasant, who is busy 'singing and scything,' and Tucci snarls Shrek's greeting: 'You there, varlet, why so blithe?' Shrek then robs the yokel of his lunch: 'Pheasant, peasant? What a pleasant present!'” —Los Angeles Times
“Listeners will surely hear the glee dripping from the full-bodied, though never over-the-top, performances by Streep and Tucci.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“I did, I admit, compare my narrative abilities to those of Tucci and Streep...And yes, they were better. What did you expect? But what great material they had to work with.” —Malcolm Jones, Newsweek
“Since one of the great pleasures of Steig's books is the language he uses, it's a particular delight to have the recording of "The One and Only Shrek! Plus Five Other Stories" read by Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. You can really hear that the brilliance of "Shrek" lies in the language Steig uses rather than in the slender story. The ogre's extreme repulsiveness gives Steig plenty of opportunity to trot out a vile vocabulary, but one of the most delightful moments is when Shrek accosts a peasant, who is busy "singing and scything," and Tucci snarls Shrek's greeting: "You there, varlet, why so blithe?" Shrek then robs the yokel of his lunch: "Pheasant, peasant? What a pleasant present!” —The Los Angeles Times
“Both actors give masterful performances.” —Booklist
“If you haven't already experienced the real, Steig version of Shrek!, here's a chance to do so...This compilation makes entertaining listening for the whole family. Streep in particular reads with great flexibility and warmth of expression.” —TheStar.com
“If you're among Steig's many adult fans, you won't want to miss this.” —Cookie Magazine
“What better way to learn the original story of Shrek than by listening to it on this unabridged recording...Meryl Streep is her best while reading Brave Irene...And let's not forget Mr. Tucci. He brilliantly interprets the stories and interjects energy and a light-hearted touch to all he reads.” —TeensReadToo.com
DEC 07/JAN 08 - AudioFile
This superb collection of six Steig stories is beautifully narrated by Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, who delight in Steig’s quirky characters. Tucci’s characterizations are perfect, whether he’s Shrek spouting love poetry to the ugly princess or a cackling fortune-telling witch. His quick-witted Dr. DeSoto, mouse dentist, is equally fine, and he has full insight into the wicked fox’s nature as well. In “Brave Irene,” Streep’s mellifluous voice transforms instantly from the even-toned narrator to the infuriating wind that tortures Irene. In “The Amazing Bone,” Streep tenderly portrays the besotted pig, Pearl, and dazzles as a talking bone that displays its repertoire of languages and sounds. Both Tucci and Streep distill their fine acting ability to pure voice, enhancing this classic collection. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, AudioFile Best Audiobook of 2007, 2008 Grammy Nominee © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
