She & He: Adventures in Mythology

This is one of the best storytelling audiotapes I have ever heard. Jim Weiss, the narrator of these classic Greek myths, does every voice. Weiss creates each character distinctly, sets the mood- and lends the proper dignified tone to the classic pieces. His enunciation, diction, and accents really bring the stones to life. Often, storytelling on tape misses that essential ingredient that happens when a live performer connects with the audience. Weiss is able to recreate the live storytelling experience with all its spark and spontaneity. The stories included are ""Psyche and Cupid"", ""Pygmalion and Galatea"", ""Echo and Narcissus"", ""Atalanta and the Golden Apple"" and ""Baucis and Philemon"". The retellings are comparable to standard versions but more lively due to Weiss' talents. Grades 3-7""

-School Library Journal (1992)



""Jim Weiss' retelling of five famous romantic myths from ancient Greece and Rome is a clear, strong rendition, which is easy and enjoyable to listen to. His introduction gives youthful audiences the background needed to relate to these stories of long ago. Especially welcome is the myth of ""Atlanta and the Golden Apple"", with its emphasis on a strong female character who is known both for her athletic abilities and for her keen mind. This is wonderful to balance storytelling collections that may have too many ""beautiful and passive princesses"". (Ages 9-16)""

-Booklist (1991)


""She and He: Adventures in Mythology are tamer tales (than Greek Myths) that are appropriate for younger audiences as well. These are love stories with complex twists and turns. Weiss gives an informative introduction to these tales and explains why the Greeks and Romans told them. He delivers this information in a matter-of-fact way, without lecturing. He also uses humour to disengage old stereotypes. From this tape my kids learned that ""psyche"" is the Greek word for ""soul"" and ""butterfly"". We also learned about the origins of the ""echo"" and the flower ""narcissus"".

-Homefires (1995)