Love You Forever

Robert Munsch is one of North America's best-selling children's authors and storytellers. With over 30 million copies sold, it is not surprising that his books are staples of most collections. Each year, Munsch receives thousands of letters from young fans. He likes to meet the children who send him mail, which sometimes leads to another story. Through all of the correspondence, there is one request that is consistent -- are your stories available on CD? Highenergy, zany, fun-filled, engaging performances... just a few of the terms to best describe this highly-anticipated CD release. This performance by Munsch is not so much a "read-a-long" as it is a "fun-a-long." The stories are presented in a way that you've never heard them before, enhanced with musical embellishments and sound effects. Children, parents, grandparents and teachers will "love you forever" for stocking up on this endearing disc.

Strap your 2 to 8-year-olds in their car seats, start your engines, and set a course for 60 or so complaint-free minutes. This is a story lover's Shangri-la, with each of thirteen tales tickling a funny bone or tugging hard on a heartstring. Familiarity with Robert Munsch's many books isn't necessary; the author's boisterous, bumpy narration encourages kids to giggle, groan, and sometimes shout along, and his knack for kooky sound effects (a gobble-gobble turkey sound translates to a full-on, fists-flying ruckus in a story like "Thomas' Snowsuit") lassos the ears of the uninitiated enough to leave visuals to the imagination. The challenge for grownups: Try to make it through the title track at disc's end without tearing up. Few stories outside of The Velveteen Rabbit are as heartwarming. --Tammy La Gorce