Once on a Time (version 2 Dramatic Reading)
A. A. Milne
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
This version of the book is done as a Dramatic Reading with various people speaking each characters part.
When the King of Barodia receives a pair of seven-league boots as a birthday present, his habit of flying over the King of Euralia's castle during breakfast provokes a series of incidents which escalate into war. While the King of Euralia is away, his daughter Hyacinth tries to rule in his stead and counter the machiavellian ambitions of the king's favourite, the Countess Belvane. Ostensibly a typical fairytale, it tells the story of the war between the kingdoms of Euralia and Barodia and the political shenanigans which take place in Euralia in the king's absence. The book introduces us to a princess who is far from helpless; a prince who, whilst handsome, is also pompous and vain; an enchantment which is almost entirely humorous; a villain who is not entirely villainous and receives no real comeuppance; a good king who isn't always good; an evil king who isn't always evil, and so on. The result is a book which children may not enjoy as much as adults. The book was written by Milne partly for his wife, upon whom the character of the Countess Belvane was partially based. (Summary from Wikipedia)
Cast:
Narration: Bob Neufeld
King Merriwig: Mark F. Smith
Princess Hyacinth: Karen Savage
Countess Belvane: Catharine Eastman
Prince Udo: Peter Eastman
Duke Coronel: Glenn Simonsen
Wiggs: Arielle Lipshaw
Woggs: Karen Savage
King of Barodia: Roger Melin
Chancellor of Barodia: Robert Keiper
Chancellor of Euralia: Denny Sayers
Fairy: Neeru Iyer
Old Woman: Catharine Eastman
Attendant: Arielle Lipshaw
Carlo, Men of Euralia, Captain of Archers, Flunkey: David Lawrence
Lookout, Cautious voice, Messenger, Wizard, Sentry: Barry Eads
Audio edited by: Barry Eads
Proof Listening by: Joy Easton and Arielle Lipshaw (5 hr 23 min)
Chapters
Chapter 1 | 14:01 | Read by Barry Eads |
Chapter 2 | 11:25 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Chapter 3 | 15:23 | Read by Karen Savage |
Chapter 4 | 15:29 | Read by Karen Savage |
Chapter 5 | 18:24 | Read by Catharine Eastman |
Chapter 6 | 13:57 | Read by Catharine Eastman |
Chapter 7 | 17:12 | Read by Peter Eastman |
Chapter 8 | 13:46 | Read by Glenn Simonsen |
Chapter 9 | 11:02 | Read by Arielle Lipshaw |
Chapter 10 | 14:48 | Read by Arielle Lipshaw |
Chapter 11 | 15:08 | Read by Roger Melin |
Chapter 12 | 13:06 | Read by Bob Neufeld |
Chapter 13 | 14:01 | Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015) |
Chapter 14 | 14:06 | Read by Neeru Iyer |
Chapter 15 | 4:50 | Read by David Lawrence |
Chapter 16 | 17:07 | Read by David Lawrence |
Chapter 17 | 23:13 | Read by David Lawrence |
Chapter 18 | 16:14 | Read by David Lawrence |
Chapter 19 | 14:07 | Read by Barry Eads |
Chapter 20 | 15:41 | Read by Barry Eads |
Chapter 21 | 17:04 | Read by Barry Eads |
Chapter 22 | 13:23 | Read by Barry Eads |
Reviews
A Must a Listen
A LibriVox Listener
I believe that this is the fourth or fifth time I've listened to this story! Will no doubt listen again.
I am out of words for this one
Coronell
This is simply the best audiobook I have heard so far on Librivox. I cannot expect anything better. Both the author and the readers have done remarkably well. It's a really nice story to listen to. On top of that, you get an excellent team of great readers perfectly chosen for their roles doing a job that cannot be done better. It is a perfect work. You literally cannot make any improvement in this work. I thank all the readers so much for bringing this wonderful story to us!
kids fairy tale
jaded_grl
cute fairy tale story for the young with a few things happening that you didnt see coming. the wruter tells the story in a comical way which at first is confusing but after a few chapters you can start to follow his line of thought. the readers also did an excellent job!
Well read and very entertaining
Lucy_k_p
Each person plays their part to perfection and having different people play each character brings the story to life. This is a humorous tale, refreshingly different from a typical fairytale.
Tera
I had forgotten what an enjoyable story this is. I was extremely pleased with the quality of the narration. Each character's voice was believable, and could only enhance the story. Thank you
Extraordinary Enjoyable
Lottie
I love this story. I love how entertaining and wonderful and, at times, silly, it is. The narration is fantastic. I could listen to this over and over.
Excellent story with good readers
A Friend of Liberty
This is an excellent reading of Once on a Time, we really enjoyed listening to the different voices acting out the parts. Thank you.
Great dramatization.
Margret
I especially like this particular version of this wonderful little book. Somehow, the dramatizations seem to be the best recordings.