Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Adventures of Reddy Fox
- Author: Thornton W. Burgess
- Narrator: John Lieder
- Length: 01:39:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2011
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Teen, General
- ISBN13: SABFAB9780758
The moment John Lieder’s warm, crackling narration of “Adventures of Reddy Fox” began, I was transported back to my grandfather’s porch in New Mexico, where he’d spin coyote stories as the desert light faded. Thornton W. Burgess’s 1913 classic, brought to life through this free LibriVox recording, carries that same timeless quality – where nature’s lessons are wrapped in the deceptively simple packaging of a children’s tale.
“”A Symphony of Wilderness Wisdom””
Burgess’s Green Forest unfolds like a living tapestry in this audio edition. Through Reddy Fox’s escapades – his chicken-stealing mischief, narrow escapes from Farmer Brown’s Boy, and hard-won lessons from Granny Fox – we get a masterclass in ecological storytelling. The author’s conservationist heart beats through every chapter, teaching young listeners (and reminding adults) about predator-prey dynamics without ever losing that essential childhood wonder. I found myself pausing the narration during my morning hikes through Portland’s Forest Park, comparing Burgess’s descriptions of dew-kissed meadows with the actual spiderwebs glistening before me.
“”Narration That Feels Like Heritage””
John Lieder’s performance deserves particular praise. His voice carries the comforting cadence of a beloved schoolteacher, with distinct characterizations that never veer into cartoonishness. When Granny Fox scolds Reddy, I heard echoes of my Oaxacan host grandmother’s storytelling – that perfect balance of sternness and affection. Lieder handles Burgess’s old-fashioned phrasing (‘Mercy me!’ cries Sammy Jay) with such naturalness that the century-old dialogue feels immediate. The audio quality, while bearing the slight imperfections expected from volunteer recordings, adds to the charm – like discovering a well-loved storybook with slightly yellowed pages.
“”Themes That Travel Through Time””
What struck me most was how Burgess’s themes resonate across cultures. The ‘wisdom of elders’ motif in Granny Fox’s guidance mirrors the abuelita wisdom I’ve collected from Mexican mercado vendors to Portuguese fishing villages. When Reddy learns the consequences of showy behavior after flaunting his bushy tail, I recalled a Balinese proverb about ‘the rice stalk that stands tallest gets cut first.’ This universality makes the audiobook particularly special for family listening – my 8-year-old nephew and 70-year-old mother both found layers to appreciate during our shared listening session.
“”A Few Fox-Sized Quibbles””
Modern listeners might note the absence of female characters beyond Granny Fox, a limitation of its era. Some nature facts have evolved since 1913 (we now know foxes don’t ‘steal’ chickens out of mischief but survival). Yet these are minor quibbles against the story’s enduring heart. The 45-minute runtime feels brief by today’s standards, but like all good folk tales, its compactness is part of its power.
“”For Those Who Loved…””
If “The Jungle Book” taught you to see law in the wild, or “Charlotte’s Web” made you weep for a spider, Reddy Fox belongs in your auditory library. It shares DNA with contemporary animal adventures like “Pax” by Sara Pennypacker, though Burgess’s tone remains gentler, more Aesop than adventure. For podcast lovers, imagine “The Moth” meets “Brains On!” in 1913 Vermont.
“”Final Verdict””
This free audiobook is a gift – not just economically, but spiritually. Whether you’re a parent building childhood memories, a teacher seeking nature curriculum supplements, or a travel writer like me who finds universality in local stories, “Adventures of Reddy Fox” delivers. Press play during your next woodland walk, and suddenly the rustling leaves might sound like Granny Fox’s whisper: ‘Slow down, child. The forest has lessons if you listen.’
With a storyteller’s gratitude for kindred voices across time, Marcus
Marcus Rivera
