Classics Animal Stories

Rudyard Kipling's famous tale tells the story of Mowgli, the "man-cub" rescued from the tiger Shere Khan and adopted by a wolf pack. As he grows up, Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle from Baloo the bear, Bagheera the black panther, and Kaa the rock python. His life is full of adventure with the jungle creatures, but soon the time comes when he is forced to leave and take his place among his own people.

Rudyard Kipling's famous Just So Stories provides imaginative answers to the many questions children ask about the world and the animals we share it with. In this magical audio recording, iconic actress and wildlife conservationist Virginia McKenna OBE brings the best beloved of Kipling's stories to a brand new audience.

Are you ready for some delightfully dreadful tales? From cheeky pixies and naughty imps to hair-raisingly horrid children and tricks gone wrong, there is abundant mischief in these cautionary short stories by Enid Blyton. These traditional tales are ideal for listeners of all ages. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for listening at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of readers.

When Black Beauty is just a foal, his mother tells him to be gentle and good, hard-working and obedient to his humans always. Beauty's first job, as carriage horse to Squire Gordon, rewards his good behavior. But when the Gordons fall on hard times, Beauty is sold to an estate whose mistress insists on the bearing rein, a device that forces a horse's head into an uncomfortable but chic position. After scarring his knees in a fall, Beauty is sold once again, to a hard life in a livery stable.

It was such a hot summer. They sky was deep blue and the sun never faltered. All along Brambly Hedge, the mice did their best to keep cool. Poppy Eyebright sought refuge in the mossy shadows of the mill wheel; Dusty Dogwood took to walking by the banks of the cooling stream. Dusty and Poppy spent more and more time together, so no one was at all surprised when they announced their engagement. They decided on a very unusual setting for the wedding ceremony, but even they didn't realise just how unusual it was to prove to be!

Paddington and Mr. Gruber enjoy a day off from their duties as they set out to explore London with Jonathan and Judy. Each turn brings a new discovery, and Paddington's nose for adventure leads to the greatest surprise of all.

Paddington Bear first met the Brown family at a railway station–Paddington station, in fact. He had travelled all the way from Darkest Peru with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase and a label reading ‘Please look after this bear’. Without further ado, Mr and Mrs Brown promptly welcomed the adventurous bear into their family, and in honour of their meeting place they named him Paddington. The Browns soon discover that Paddington is a most unusual bear. Ordinary things–like having a bath–become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is around.

Abelard Hassam di Chirico Flint - Abel, for short - is a rich and silly mouse. He spends most of his days just having fun, going to picnics with his wife, playing croquet with friends, and dancing at parties. Unlike most other mice, Abel has never had to work for anything. All that changes one blustery fall day when his wife’s scarf flutters away in a gust of wind. Abel races off to rescue it and is swept away in a rainstorm. When the storm is over, Abel finds himself washed up a deserted island.

The story of a moose who was too hospitable for his own good.

The story of noble Black Beauty is one of the most popular children's books of all time. In this sensitive children's adaptation, Beauty movingly describes the friends, people, and places - good and bad - that he encounters in the course of his dramatic life as he is passed from master to master.

'A serious, well-behaved young black cat who leads a daring double life defeating vile villains.' When Miss Kitty sneaks out to go hunting in her beautiful boots, she gets herself into all sorts of scrapes, but on this particular night she meets the foxiest hunter of them all - Mr. Tod! This utterly entertaining tale is filled with mistaken identities, devious villains and even an appearance by Peter Rabbit.

E.T.A. Hoffman's magical tale of an enchanted nutcracker, an evil mouse king, and a faithful young girl has been a holiday classic for generations. Combined here with the much-loved music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, the narrated story unfolds with a bewitching blend of wonder and drama that is sure to delight time and time again.

Celebrate the very special anniversary of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and share in 50 years of magic with this wonderful audio collection of five classic stories from the inimitable Judith Kerr.

The best of Twain's wit in 20 stories or anecdotes related to various critters, varmits, and such. Many of these are from his travels out west, including to Hawaii, in addition to a few found in in other titles and from his many newspaper articles.

On the day of Debbie’s birthday party, Mog sets off on an adventure through the alphabet, filled with dragons in the dark and the jaguar with a jug of jelly. M is for Mog, but also for the mad mouse monster! The perfect Mog adventure for learning the alphabet.

This collection includes: "The White Snake", "How Mrs. Fox Married Again", "Old Sultan", "The Six Swans", "The Queen Bee", "The Frog Prince", "Snow White and Rose Red", "The Three Feathers", "The Elves", "The Angel Mother", "The Bremen Town Musicians". and more!

Step into the exquisite miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge in this beautiful new edition of the classic picture book. Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in! Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse's daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost.

The Trustees of the Pooh Properties have commissioned four authors to write in the timeless style of A.A. Milne to create a quartet of charming new adventures for Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their friends. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall: take a trip back to the Hundred Acre Wood with a collection of tales sure to delight year-round. Listeners of all ages will love rediscovering old friends and making new ones in this essential new volume of Pooh stories.

This classic and moving story shines light on the supernatural powers of genuine love. Margery Williams beautifully portrays the desire to be fully known and fully loved as the thing that makes one feel most real. The little toy rabbit, forgotten and aging, learns he can only truly experience life through the love of a child. After finally feeling the joys of a child’s love, the poor rabbit once again faces a hopeless future as the fear of being forgotten seems a likely fate.

In the final years of his life, Chekhov produced some of the stories that rank among his masterpieces and some of the most highly-regarded works in Russian literature. The poignant 'The Lady with the Little Dog' and 'About Love' examine the nature of love outside of marriage - its romantic idealism and the fear of disillusionment. And in stories such as 'Peasants', 'The House with the Mezzanine' and 'My Life' Chekhov paints a vivid picture of the conditions of the poor and of their powerlessness in the face of exploitation and hardship.