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Title details for Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Available

Frankenstein

The Classic Edition Reimagined Just-for-Kids!

by Mary Shelley
Maïté Schmitt
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available

Share the spine-chilling tale of Frankenstein with young readers in this fun chapter book! Perfectly spooky, beginner readers will explore the balance between technology and humanity in this adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel.

With just the right amount of scary for spooky little readers, children can delight in the fascinating horror story of Victor Frankenstein.
On a stormy summer evening two centuries ago, Mary Shelley wrote the classic tale about a scientist and his monstrous creation. After Victor Frankenstein discovers the secret to life and uses it to build an eight-foot-tall monster, he realizes he's made a creature that he can't take care of - or control! Frankenstein and the monster chase each other across Europe, along the way learning lessons about ambition and heartbreak, the effects of technology on our lives, judging others based on looks, and the healing powers of nature.

This just-for-kids retelling of Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein:

  • Is an abridged, child-friendly version of Mary Shelley's novel
  • Is perfect for homeschooling, school reading challenges, and beginning readers
  • Has just enough spookiness

    • Creators

    • Series

      Kid Classics

    • Publisher

    • Release date

      June 13, 2023

    • Formats

      • OverDrive Listen audiobook

        • ISBN: 9781604642889
        • File size: 50806 KB
        • Duration: 01:45:50

    • Languages

      • English

    • Reviews

      • AudioFile Magazine
        The first thing listeners will note about Shelley's seminal novel is how different it is from the more familiar Hollywood film. Truthfully, listening to the book will likely inspire a desire to watch the Boris Karloff interpretation. Narrator Richard Pasco never grunts "Fire, bad" in his performance, but, rather, portrays a more intelligent, tragic monster, as Shelley intended. Actually, the monster is a bit of a yakky whiner. Pasco goes over the top several times, making the monster speak like a tragic Shakespearian hero. The effect is not so much unsettling as unpleasant. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
      • AudioFile Magazine
        Jim Weiss, noted for his spirited, thoughtful storytelling for children, tries something different with this very adult classic. He does it well. Though initially his reading seems affected, caricaturing rather than characterizing, the listener is quietly swept up, especially after Dr. Frankenstein creates his monster. From that point on, Weiss reads with a slight European accent that adds to the novel's gothic tone and makes the story even more moving. Weaknesses in the presentation after this rest in Mary Shelley's implausible narrative, not Jim Weiss's reading. P.E.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine
      • AudioFile Magazine
        We all know the Hollywood FRANKENSTEIN and even Mel Brooks's "Frahnken-steen." But how many of us have heard the original version? Kenneth Branagh provides a sincere and well-modulated narration of what is basically a cautionary tale. Victor Frankenstein is a visionary scientist often overcome by nervous fevers, fainting, and dementia when confronted by life's shocks and losses. Frankenstein's particular torture is the creature he has created in hopes of achieving a better human. Instead, he finds he has spawned a monster with the heart of a poet, who seeks acceptance and love, or, if unsatisfied, deadly revenge. Branagh's understated presentation is worthy of this classic. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
      • AudioFile Magazine
        Mary Shelley's classic tale of science gone awry is adapted for radio by Winnie Waldron, whose abridgment focuses on Victor Frankenstein's obsession with death and creation. With Winifred Phillips's Gothic-style musical score and gently emotional reading, FRANKENSTEIN is a fresh and captivating listening experience. This program, which was broadcast on the award-winning NPR series "Radio Tales," is available on CD from MP3.com. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine
      • AudioFile Magazine
        Shelley's classic novel, about a rash inventor who creates a monster, to its and his own sorrow, gives us three narrative voices: that of the inventor, Victor Frankenstein; his creature; and Walton, an explorer to whom their tale is told. As Victor, Anthony Heald's otherwise fine voice is reedy and wavering. Whether so by intent (it fits Victor, who is near death) or nature, it's somewhat distracting. Stefan Rudnicki's harsh voice fits the creature, but he starts haltingly, while the creature, at that point, should speak fluently. As the explorer, Simon Templeman's voice and performance are strong. Despite quibbles over interpretation, all three voices are expressive, the vocal acting highly skilled. This is a vibrant rendition of a tragic story that, even with its old-fashioned prose, is often powerful. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

    Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

    subjects

    Languages

    • English

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