Classics Animal Stories

Rudyard Kipling's famous Just So Stories provides imaginative answers to the many questions children ask about the world and the animals we share it with. In this magical audio recording, iconic actress and wildlife conservationist Virginia McKenna OBE brings the best beloved of Kipling's stories to a brand new audience.

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.

Complex, thought-provoking, and beautifully written, Felix Salten’s original Bambi isn’t the simplistic tale told in film. While Bambi grows and matures, he sees that the creatures of the forest are constantly forced to come to terms with their own mortality, for death comes unexpectedly and frequently. At times, the thundering third leg of “He” is heard, killing the unwary and exposed. Bambi learns the vital tools to survive in a world that is perpetually hostile.

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.

It was the middle of winter and very, very cold. The mice of Brambly Hedge forecasted snow. And they were right. In the morning they awoke to find their doors and windows hidden behind deep drifts. There hadn't been snow like this for years. "There's enough for a Snow Ball!" cried the mice with glee, and set to work in the time-honoured way to make an Ice Hall for the festivities. The little mice watched wide-eyed as all the preparations were made. Then at last everything was ready, and the Ball could begin.…

Written for the five-year-old son of her former governess, The Tale of Peter Rabbit was Beatrix Potter's first literary offering. Immensely popular upon its release in 1902, The Tale of Peter Rabbit featured a mischievous bunny who encounters a cranky old gardener and his cat.

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.

In the final years of his life, Chekhov produced some of the stories that rank among his masterpieces and some of the most highly-regarded works in Russian literature. The poignant 'The Lady with the Little Dog' and 'About Love' examine the nature of love outside of marriage - its romantic idealism and the fear of disillusionment. And in stories such as 'Peasants', 'The House with the Mezzanine' and 'My Life' Chekhov paints a vivid picture of the conditions of the poor and of their powerlessness in the face of exploitation and hardship.

The origins of the remarkable Doctor Dolittle are revealed in this delightful, updated audiobook! This classic story with an updated magical twist is sure to be a family favorite! When Doctor John Dolittle’s love of animals scares away his human patients, he finds himself on the verge of bankruptcy. Luckily, his parrot, Polynesia, has a solution - she teaches him to talk to animals. Using his new skill, Doctor Dolittle becomes a veterinarian, and his reputation soon spreads in the animal kingdom. With it, come requests for help from animals all over the world.

Doctor Dolittle, a little, lovable, old doctor, has so many animal pets spread throughout his house and garden that patients will not come to him anymore. As a result, he becomes poorer and poorer. But he occupies nearly all of his time as the animals' doctor, and soon discovers that he can talk to the animals; Jip the dog, Dab Dab the duck, and Polynesia the parrot.

Presented here are three of the most popular children's books of all time: A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh, Ruth Stiles Gannett's My Father's Dragon, and Hugh Lofting's The Story of Doctor Dolittle.

Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration of all that is festive during the holiday season. This wonderful story of Christmas delights—from presents to snowflakes and even Santa Claus—with The Very Hungry Caterpillar making an appearance alongside each one. This sweet little audiobook is the perfect Christmas present for readers young and old.

A Heron speaks as if he's a human being, thinking more about everything that he sees and he tries to figure out the truth about existence.

Everyone enjoys a spirited competition, but when the challenger is a big-headed braggart, it's easy to cheer for the underdog - or in this case - the under-tortoise. The colorful characters in this retelling of Aesop's beloved fable will tickle the fancy of any child. The forest animals are beyond tired of Harry Hare's boasting. So what if he is the fastest animal in the forest?

The best of Twain's wit in 20 stories or anecdotes related to various critters, varmits, and such. Many of these are from his travels out west, including to Hawaii, in addition to a few found in in other titles and from his many newspaper articles.

This collection includes: "The White Snake", "How Mrs. Fox Married Again", "Old Sultan", "The Six Swans", "The Queen Bee", "The Frog Prince", "Snow White and Rose Red", "The Three Feathers", "The Elves", "The Angel Mother", "The Bremen Town Musicians". and more!

Kipper has one, two, three, four, five, six favourite toys. But he's worried. Someone or something has been nibbling a hole in his toybox. What can it be? And are his toys safe? If you listen very closely you might just hear the answer...it's a little mouse! Kipper has been a much-loved picture book character for over 25 years.

Classic Cat Stories is an anthology that includes fairy tales and fables from the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Charles Perrault as well as comic tales from Saki and E. F. Benson. Cats, of course, have always had a dark and mysterious side, which is explored to chilling effect by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe in 'The Black Cat'. But above all, we love them, and you’ll find here stories about all kinds of cats that tug at the heartstrings like 'The Man of the House' by Ethel Colburn Mayne and other stories that celebrate their curious ways.

Paddington and Mr. Gruber enjoy a day off from their duties as they set out to explore London with Jonathan and Judy. Each turn brings a new discovery, and Paddington's nose for adventure leads to the greatest surprise of all.

In these selections, an animal plays an important role in the action or plot of the story. The animals in these stories are real or are stand-ins for humans: Sredni Vashtar by Saki (H. H. Munro) Kholstomer, The Story of a Horse by Leo Tolstoy A Dark-Brown Dog by Stephen Crane Kashtanka by Anton Chekhov The Cat That Walked By Himself by Rudyard Kipling The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe The Fly by Katherine Mansfield The Boar-Pig by Saki (H. H. Munro) The Tiger Guest by Pu Songlbying Jackals and Arabs by Franz Kafka