Classic Animal

Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live. The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston. But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arrive safely at their new home. This brilliant, amusingly observed tale of mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations.

From tales of humans and animals forced to violence and primitivism, to stories of chaos and civilizational collapse, this elegant collection gathers Jack London’s most famous and influential works for a modern audience. Reflecting the eloquent prose and gripping themes first written over a century ago, these stories speak to universal ideas and truths which have captivated the minds of fans for generations.

Lad: A Dog is a novelized version of twelve short stories about a fantastic collie named Lad. Lad is a noble creature, risking life and limb in defense of the vulnerable. Many people believe Lad: A Dog was the basis for the highly popular "Lassie" series which gripped the imagination of children and adults alike, as has this book for generations past.

Experiencing a story read out loud is one of the oldest forms of entertainment there is. Fireside Reading is a way to slow down, reconnect with the timeless wisdom of great books and rediscover the simple pleasure of being read to. Join Gildart Jackson in front of a cozy fire as he reads The Call of the Wild by Jack London to you and your family from beginning to end.

Are you ready for some delightfully dreadful tales? From cheeky pixies and naughty imps to hair-raisingly horrid children and tricks gone wrong, there is abundant mischief in these cautionary short stories by Enid Blyton. These traditional tales are ideal for listeners of all ages. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for listening at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of readers.

A beastly collection of animal stories from the great storytellers of the world. •The Black Poodle by F. Anstey •Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger by Saki •Pickled Herring by W. W. Jacobs •Curried Cow by Ambrose Bierce •The She-Wolf by Saki •The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe •The Elk by Saki •The Stolen White Elephant by Mark Twain •Memoirs of a Yellow Dog by O. Henry •Sredni Vashtar by Saki •The Grey Parrot by W. W. Jacobs •The Mouse by Saki •The Talking Horse by F. Anstey •Laura by Saki

Enjoy this fantastic edition of Billy Goats Gruff, voiced by the English television and radio presenter Andy Crane. This retelling of a classic tale is sure to have you captivated from start to finish. Andy Crane is best known for presenting Children's BBC between 1987 and 1990 and for his current work as presenter on BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio 5 Live and Granada Reports.

In The Adventures of Peter Cottontail, Peter Rabbit doesn't like his name and tries to find another that has more prestige. His friends think he is silly and devise a scheme to show Peter the problem with changing his name. Peter learns his mistake and changes his name back.

Step into the whimsical world of Denslow's One Ring Circus, where imagination and spectacle collide in a charming tale by W. W. Denslow. This delightful story transports listeners to a lively circus filled with acrobats, clowns, and performing animals, all brought to life with Denslow's signature illustration style and wit. The one-ring circus becomes a stage for wonder and delight, capturing the timeless magic of classic circus performances.

Salten's most famous work is Bambi (1923), or Bambi, in the Woods, also known as Bambi: A Life in the Woods. It was translated into English in 1928 and became a Book-of-the-Month Club success, and then formed the basis of the 1942 animated Disney classic, Bambi.

Black Beauty is the classic horse story, a beautiful and touching tale told by the title character himself. Set in Victorian London, it follows Beauty's life and changing fortunes as he moves from owner to owner. As the horse encounters new experiences and new friends who reveal their own histories, the story quietly paints a fascinating portrait of how animals were treated during that era.

Mother West Wind's Animal Friends is the first in the series of Mother West Wind books by Thornton W. Burgess. In this book, we learn about the Merry Little Breezes of Mother West Wind, are introduced to Prickly Porky, and discover that Peter Rabbit tends to get into more trouble than he should. We also get more of Grandfather Frog's "when the world was young" fables. Like all Thornton Burgess books, there are good moral lessons for young readers and listeners. Each story is about five to 10 minutes in length which makes them ideal bedtime stories.

The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. And he does just that until the day a bumblebee and some men from the Madrid bullfights give gentle Ferdinand a chance to be the most ferocious star of the corrida - and the most unexpected comic hero.

Rudyard Kipling’s best loved book, full of timeless and beloved tales of adventure. The story of Mowgli, the abandoned "man-cub" who is brought up by wolves in the jungles of Central India, is one of the greatest literary myths ever created. As he embarks on a series of thrilling escapades, Mowgli encounters such unforgettable creatures as the bear Baloo, the graceful black panther Bagheera, and Shere Khan, the tiger with the blazing eyes.

This classic and moving story shines light on the supernatural powers of genuine love. Margery Williams beautifully portrays the desire to be fully known and fully loved as the thing that makes one feel most real. The little toy rabbit, forgotten and aging, learns he can only truly experience life through the love of a child. After finally feeling the joys of a child’s love, the poor rabbit once again faces a hopeless future as the fear of being forgotten seems a likely fate.

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Red Riding Hood by Beatrix Potter. "Once upon a time there was a village child who was so pretty - so pretty as never was seen...." So begins Beatrix Potter's retelling of Red Riding Hood, which is filled with the delicious darkness of the original classic fairy tale as well as some trademark Potter wit and flourishes.

The three bears learn a valuable lesson about locking their door. They take a stroll while their breakfast cools, and return to find an intruder has been there - an intruder with little golden curls and very bad manners.

Blacky the Crow is a mischief maker. He has very sharp eyes and sees things he shouldn't. They often get him into trouble. Blacky loves eggs. One day he discovers that Hooty the Owl and Mrs. Hooty have laid eggs in a nest when there is still snow on the ground. Blacky devises a plan with his fellow crows to steal them. Later, we find out that Blacky has a good side too. As with all Thornton W. Burgess books, there are positive messages for young listeners.

This classic book brings out the true spirit of the Gold Rush days at the turn of the last century. It portrays the brutality, kindness, love, and folly that Jack London experienced first-hand during his time in the far north. It was his first successful book, and catapulted him to literary fame.

An absorbing chapter on the coon's secret habits begins this volume, followed by stories about the woodcock, the wildcat, the toad, and many other animals. Two chapters remarkable for their keen insight into the hidden life of animals close this volume, one on "Animal Surgery", describing some of the ways in which wild animals treat their wounds; the other on "Hunting without a Gun", showing the joy of following even the large and dangerous animals with the desire only to be near and understand them.