Carl Sommer has 13 audiobooks on Listento.it, narrated by 3 narrators, with an average listener rating of 5★ across 3 ratings. The most-rated is The Tortoise and the Hare.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf!
Summary
While grownups understand the magnitude of guarding sheep, children may lack an ability to see the bigger picture. Nicholas finds tending his family's sheep to be mind-numbingly boring, which is why he ultimately makes the impulsive decision to cry "Wolf!" To his delight, his alert prompts the townspeople to drop everything and rush to his aid, but when the people discover they have been duped they are livid. Nicholas finally comprehends the ramifications of his foolhardy decision when the wolf genuinely attacks. This time, no one comes to help resulting in disastrous consequences. A retelling of Aesop's classic fable for children, this story goes beyond the wolf's attack and illustrates the power of honesty and forgiveness.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
The Tortoise and the Hare
Summary
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? Unfortunately, Teddy Tortoise is the only animal willing to race Harry Hare, but everyone knows that tortoises are not famous for their speed. What follows illustrates the benefits that can come from having the courage to try. Listeners will also gain a new appreciation for the saying, “Slow and steady wins the race”.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
Summary
To many children, and a few adults, the idea of more toys and endless treats and goodies seems like the ultimate existence. This spirited rendition of Aesop's classic fable illustrates that this is not always the case. When it comes to personal contentment, bigger does not always mean better. Missing his city cousin, Country Mouse invites him for a visit. However, from the moment he arrives, the flamboyant and arrogant City Mouse shows contempt for his less-privileged cousin by incessantly bragging about his home and good fortune. In fact, he won't even consider spending the night and convinces Country Mouse to return with him for a visit in the city. His cousin cheerfully accepts, but what follows illustrates the significance of a simpler, safer life.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
Stone Soup
Summary
In a village full of selfish inhabitants, the idea that making stone soup would bring them all together might be hard to swallow...literally! With a few stones as the initial ingredients, three famished soldiers cleverly convince the villagers to contribute all of the items needed for a delicious pot of soup. In this spirited adaptation of the beloved folktale, preparing a simple pot of soup teaches the villagers that sharing brings happiness and celebration. After reading this heart-warming tale, children will certainly want to make a pot of their own stone soup. Because it makes a great activity for the classroom, suggest it to a favorite teacher, and remember that individuals can accomplish more when working together.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
Another Sommer-Time Story: Three Little Pigs
Summary
When Dozy, Pokey, and Hardy went out into the world, Papa and Mama warned them to build strong houses because of the big bad wolf. Dozey and Pokey ignored their parents' advice and built flimsy houses. But Hardy listened to his parents by working hard and building a strong house. After the big, bad wolf blew down the houses of Dozey and Pokey, they narrowly escaped to Hardy's house, and learned a valuable lesson about doing their best. In the rewriting of this classic tale, Carl Sommer teaches the importance of diligence, respect for labor, and self-discipline.
©2001 Carl Sommer (P)2018 Carl Sommer
The Lion and the Mouse
Summary
Sometimes it takes a unique event to spark an appreciation for the small things in life, as evidenced by this delightful retelling of Aesop's lovable fable. About to be devoured by the fearsome King of the Forest, Bitsy the Mouse manages to convince Leo the Lion to let her go in exchange for future assistance. While Leo cannot conceive of any way that a tiny mouse could help him, he does admire Bitsy's pluck and releases her. What he later discovers is that big help can indeed come in small packages. Through Bitsy, Leo also realizes the importance of keeping your word.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
Androcles and the Lion
Summary
Although most people possess everything needed for a comfortable existence, some do not fully appreciate what they have. This riveting retelling of Aesop's timeless fable emphasizes the importance of gratitude as it goes beyond the original tale. When Androcles’ enormous effort results in harsh punishment, he finally realizes the impossibility of satisfying his demanding slave master. Even though capture means his delivery to very hungry lions, Androcles escapes. When he comes across a wounded lion, he quickly and kindly offers aid. This results in a budding friendship between the pair until their unfortunate capture. What follows illuminates the significance of an act of kindness and gratitude for life and freedom.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
The Miller, His Son, and their Donkey
Summary
There is an old saying that states, "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." Miller Elmo most certainly could have benefitted from this sage advice. His constant effort to please the local farmers grows into an obsession to satisfy everyone, which the miller unfortunately passes on to his son. The two learn the hard way what can come of always taking the advice of others instead of listening to your heart. This audiobook is a poignant retelling of Aesop's classic fable, verifying that in trying to please everyone, no one is pleased.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
I Am a Lion!
Summary
To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu doesn’t want to listen to Papa and Mama’s lessons - he just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didn’t have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. After being taunted by his friends, Sangu finally learned to be assertive, to value learning, to listen to his parents, and to respect himself. Virtues: self-esteem, respect for parents, assertiveness.
©2017 Carl Sommer (P)2017 Carl Sommer
The Lion and the Three Bulls
Summary
Sometimes it is hard to comprehend why certain individuals choose to spread gossip about others. In this rendition of Aesop's timeless fable, the reason is crystal-clear: The lion is hungry and would do anything to have a delicious bull for dinner. Using malicious gossip, the sly fox helps the lion by separating the bulls for capture on the promise that he will receive his own tasty portion of the meal. Will the lion eat the bulls? In addition to cautioning children about the malicious spiral that gossip causes, this timely tale also illustrates the importance of unity.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
Chicken Little (Sommer-Time Story Classic Series, Book 3)
Summary
The phrase "jumping on the bandwagon" describes the actions of a person who joins in a cause without really considering whether it is the right thing to do. As exemplified in this cheerful retelling of a classic fable for children, this may not always be the wisest choice. Believing in a foolish superstition, Chicken Little is convinced that the sky is falling. In her distress, she convinces a number of other animal friends that this is indeed the case. One after another, the animals join Chicken Little, soon forming a frantic pack. Fortunately, Chippy Chipmunk steps in with wise intervention. What follows confirms the importance of critical thinking and the possible dangers of gullibility.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing
The Emperor's New Clothes
Summary
Sometimes people are willingly dishonest rather than risking embarrassment. Such is the case in this whimsical rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale. Excessive fondness for elaborate and expensive clothing allows a pair of dodgy tailors to hoodwink the emperor. Weaving a grandiose tale instead of actual clothing, the tailors tell the emperor that their exquisite garments, woven with the finest of materials, are invisible to less worthy individuals. Reluctant to admit possible imperfections, no one in the town is willing to be honest, with the exception of one small boy. The conclusion of this tale extends beyond that of the original, shedding light on the benefits that come from always telling the truth.
Public Domain (P)2014 Advance Publishing
Little Red Riding Hood
Summary
Sometimes there is danger in being too friendly; as is the case with kind-hearted Little Red Riding Hood in this loveable rendition of a Brothers Grimm classic. Distracted by the Big Bad Wolf with a bouquet of lovely flowers, the kind-hearted little girl forgets her mother's instructions and strays from the path on the way to Grandmother's house. Little does she know, the crafty wolf has devised a wicked plan to arrive at her house first. Will Grandmother meet an unfortunate end? Young listeners will enjoy this lively tale illuminating the importance of listening to parents.
©2014 Advance Publishing (P)2014 Advance Publishing