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  • Title: Ring o’ Roses: A Nursery Rhyme Picture Book
  • Author: L. Leslie Brooke
  • Narrator: Larysa Jaworski
  • Length: 00:08:00
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 01/01/2016
  • Publisher: LibriVox
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature, Kids, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Classics
  • ISBN13: SABLIB9781392
Hola, fellow travelers and tale-spinners,

It reminds me of a time when I was wandering the cobblestone streets of Oaxaca, the air thick with the scent of mole negro and the chatter of a bustling market. I’d duck into a courtyard where an old abuela would gather the kids around her, her voice rising and falling like the wind through the Sierra Madre, spinning tales that felt as old as the earth itself. That memory flickered back to life the moment I pressed play on “Ring o’ Roses: A Nursery Rhyme Picture Book” by L. Leslie Brooke, narrated by Larysa Jaworski. This audiobook experience isn’t just a collection of nursery rhymes – it’s a portal to that same intimate, timeless storytelling I’ve chased across continents.

Let’s start with the book itself. Published in 1923, “Ring o’ Roses” is a treasure chest of classic children’s nursery rhymes – some you’ll hum along to instantly, like ‘Ring a Ring o’ Roses,’ others less familiar, like ‘There Was a Little Man,’ that surprise you with their quirky charm. L. Leslie Brooke, a British artist and author, originally paired these rhymes with his vivid illustrations, blending whimsy with a touch of Victorian elegance. The audiobook, offered for free through LibriVox, strips away the visuals but keeps the spirit intact, leaning on the narrator to breathe life into these simple, sing-song verses. And at just under 20 minutes long, it’s a quick listen – perfect for a quiet afternoon or a bedtime ritual with little ones.

For me, this collection stirs up more than just nostalgia. It’s a bridge to my own adventures – those nights in Oaxaca, sure, but also a rainy afternoon in a Lisbon café where I watched a mother recite rhymes to her toddler over a pastel de nata, her voice a soft melody against the patter of rain. Nursery rhymes, I’ve learned, are universal – a cultural shorthand that binds us to our earliest memories and to each other. Brooke’s curation taps into that beautifully, balancing the familiar (‘Humpty Dumpty,’ ‘Little Bo-Peep’) with the obscure, giving us a taste of folklore that’s both comforting and curious. The story unfolds like a well-worn path through a village square, each rhyme a stepping stone that invites you to linger.

Now, let’s talk about Larysa Jaworski’s narration, because the listening experience hinges on her voice. She’s got a warm, measured tone – think of a favorite teacher reading aloud, or that abuela I keep circling back to. You can almost hear the smile in her delivery, especially on playful lines like ‘Jack Sprat could eat no fat.’ There’s a clarity here that’s perfect for kids, no rushed syllables or over-the-top theatrics, just a steady rhythm that lets the rhymes shine. The audio quality, courtesy of LibriVox’s volunteer efforts, is clean and unadorned – no background music or sound effects, which I actually appreciated. It keeps the focus on the words, mimicking that fireside storytelling vibe I love.

But it’s not all perfect. Jaworski’s pacing, while steady, can feel a tad too even at times – like a metronome set to a single beat. I found myself craving a bit more dynamism, especially for the livelier rhymes like ‘Hickory Dickory Dock.’ A slight pause here, a chuckle there, could’ve elevated the performance from good to unforgettable. And while the brevity of the audiobook – barely 20 minutes – makes it accessible, it also left me hungry for more. Brooke’s original illustrations, so central to the picture book’s charm, are a ghost in this format. I couldn’t help but wonder how a skilled narrator might’ve painted those images with words, filling the gap for listeners who’ve never seen the pages.

The themes here are deceptively simple: childhood, tradition, the joy of rhythm and rhyme. Yet, as someone who’s spent years digging into oral histories, I see layers beneath the surface. These rhymes are artifacts – little time capsules of folklore that have bounced from generation to generation, carrying hints of plague (‘Ring a Ring o’ Roses’) or rural life (‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’). Brooke preserves them with a light touch, and Jaworski delivers them with a respect that honors their roots. It’s not groundbreaking literature, but it’s not meant to be – it’s a celebration of the small, shared stories that shape us.

How does it stack up to other nursery rhyme collections? Think of Kate Greenaway’s delicate, pastoral illustrations or Randolph Caldecott’s lively, almost cartoonish energy. Brooke’s work, even sans visuals in this audiobook, sits somewhere in between – elegant yet playful, traditional yet fresh. Jaworski’s narration doesn’t reinvent the wheel like some modern audio productions (I’m looking at you, overproduced fairy tale adaptations), but its simplicity is its strength. It’s a free audiobook that feels like a gift, especially for parents or educators looking to introduce kids to the classics without breaking the bank.

Who’s this for? If you’ve got little ones who light up at ‘Twinkle, Twinkle,’ this is a no-brainer. It’s also a gem for anyone who, like me, finds comfort in the echoes of childhood – those moments when a rhyme or a voice pulls you back to a simpler time. I’d recommend it for a car ride, a quiet night in, or even as a teaching tool for exploring oral traditions. Just don’t expect a sprawling epic – it’s a bite-sized delight, best savored in small doses.

Listening to “Ring o’ Roses” took me back to that desert drive in Chile, when I first fell in love with audiobooks. The Atacama stretched out like a dreamscape, and García Márquez’s narrator wove magic through my speakers. Jaworski’s voice isn’t as dramatic, but it has that same intimate pull – like someone sharing a secret just for you. It’s a reminder of why I chase stories, whether on the road or through headphones: they connect us, across time and borders, to the people we’ve been and the ones we’ll become.

Until the next tale unfolds, amigos,
Marcus Rivera