Is Storytelling to Kids a Lost Social Activity?

With families always on the go go go, time for sharing stories with your children is going, going, almost gone! But the experience doesn't have to be lost, thanks to the PlainTales series, which offers classic stories on CDs that can be played on any player, any time (goodbye long, boring trips this spring break!). The series is now expanding with the release of new collections, PlainTales First Tales and PlainTales Explorers.

PlainTales, created by writer, entrepreneur and father Brian Keairns, was started with the mission of providing great audio stories for children and their parents, believing that hearing the world's best stories read aloud is a great way for youngsters to develop language and thinking skills, all while being thoroughly entertained. Fables, fairy tales and original stories inspire, educate and encourage creative thinking, and the ones featured in the PlainTales series are chosen for their rich language, cultural significance and pure enjoyment, allowing families to share something special, together.

The PlainTales First Tales collection includes:

-- "The Gingerbread Boy and Other First Tales" -- Perfect for the
littlest listener. R/T: 48 minutes.

-- "Paul Bunyan and Other American Tall Tales" -- Three rib-tickling
stories. R/T: 60 min.

The PlainTales Explorers collection includes:

-- "Animal Tales: Raccoon, Bear and Coyote" -- These stories about
fictional friends are rich with detail about real animal behaviors. R/T: 48
minutes

-- "Johnny Appleseed and Other American Legends" -- Fascinating stories
of national treasures. R/T: 67 minutes

Previous releases in the PlainTales collection of celebrated storytelling CDs include PlainTales Classics, Fantasy Classics, Literary Classics and Adventure Classics. PlainTales storytelling CDs are recommended for ages 4-10 and are available for $12.95 each. Website: www.plaintales.com