The airwaves are alive with the sound of music– laughter and story– as a familiar, melodious voice beckons us to a glorious, imaginary world.
You might think you’re hearing Mary Poppins or Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries, but it’s Dame Julie Andrews in JULIE’S LIBRARY: STORY TIME WITH JULIE. Julie and her daughter children’s author Emma Walton Hamilton read stories each Wednesday. Launching their program two months earlier than planned, the team responded quickly to serve kids in the “extraordinary” stay-home culture.
Ensconced in a reading nook complete with a “squishy rug” in her Sag Harbor home, the 84-year-old Academy Award winner broadcast the first story “Marilyn’s Monster” by Marilyn Singer on April 29. A delightful tale about a young girl who has to think creatively and independently to find a wonderfully horrible creature, “Marilyn’s Monster” runs 18 minutes including introduction and author chat.
This week’s spotlight is on two books starring animals, “Bears Don’t Eat Sandwiches” by Julie Fulton and “The Mouse, the Wolf and the Duck” by Mac Barnett. Each evokes the production teams’ creative talents, featuring catchy instrumental background rhythms. In “Bears,” Jack is a clever boy who embarks on many relatable escapades.
“The Mouse, the Wolf, and the Duck” explains why the wolf howls at the moon and is replete with Peter and the Wolf-type percussion followed by upbeat dance music. In the author chat within the 20-minute show, Barnett points out some wisdom conveyed through the duck: “I may have been swallowed, but I have no intention of being eaten.”
Julie Andrews reminds the listener that reading stories can open up one’s imagination, and the illustrations are a must-see in books available at local libraries or bookstores.
Julie’s Library podcast is ranked a respectable 4.7 out of 5. The two back episodes are easily accessible. This Wednesday, relax and listen-in as Julie Andrews curls up in the cozy reading area her grandson set up for her and treats us to her next tuneful narrative! julieslibraryshow.org
