Audio Books and CD's

Mermaids Shoes | Molly Whuppie | Stories to Light the Dark

The Mermaid's Shoes and other enchanted tales

Winner 'Honours' US Storytelling World Awards

Price: $20 + $5pp

60 minutes long

This exquisitely produced Australian CD will retain a child’s interest for years. The title track is an original tale about the mermaid of Byron Bay. One full moon night she hears funky drum rhythms on the beach and sees dancers twirling and leaping by a beach fire. She is so inspired that she swaps her mermaid’s tail for human legs, so that she can become a dancer. The mermaid’s shoes hold a magic that allows her to transform under the full moon. But will the Sea call her back?

Culturally, the stories and songs range between Australia, China, Ireland, Russia and Japan. The album begins and ends with songs Jenni wrote to express the magic in the realm of story and the power of hope, faith and persistence. The most popular CD in the series so far.

Also available via itunes and itales. Itales is a downloadable format for stories similar to itunes, where you can buy one track at a time.

"Jenni is an emphatic teller of tales. Her spoken narration is clear and energetic, and her singing voice is melodic and inviting…. Accompanied by exotic instruments such as the lyre, tabla, cavaqhino and harp, as well as delightful character voices by her two children, Jenni creates a magical atmosphere. These stories are sensitively told, magical tales designed for four to nine year olds. Jenni regards her stories as soul food and…if your children are fans of magic, fantasy and fairytale, then this is just for them."
Extracted from review by Cassy Cochrane for Brisbane's Child magazine, May 2007, 4 out of 5 Stars. www.brisbaneschild.com.au

“The stories on Jenni's latest CD are wonderful. The Mermaid's Shoes is a story of longing and transformation, about our deep need to attain the unattainable and in the process lose a part of ourselves. In a story that parallels the Mermaid surrendering her tail for shoes and human legs we are fed a much richer parable: what part of ourselves do we lose when we sacrifice our authenticity for a desire of the ego?

There's an element of melancholy in some stories, a sweet sadness that draws us in, like in Goldenheart, the story of a depressed father who has been a depressed child. Somewhere in the story the child manages to unlock the sadness of his father's heart. Then there's my favourite, the classic tale of the Eastern Goat and the Western Goat set in Russia.

On the CD, Jenni's two children, who she credits with making her a much better storyteller, play the roles of the goats. It's adorable. Jenni has woven her Celtic influenced folk music throughout the recording. I think you'll find, like I have, that The Mermaid's Shoes by Jenni Cargill is a must have for any parent."
Extracted from a review by Mandy Nolan for Byron Shire Echo; 20 March, 2007

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Mermaid's Shoes testimonials and feedback

'Just wanted to let you know that the kids absolutely LOVED both CD's and have been going to bed listening to them every night. You have a real talent.' Michelle Gray, Surrey Hills, Victoria.

“Thankyou so much for sending me four of your Mermaid’s Shoes CD’s. I gave one to my oldest son for his 7th birthday last week and the rest are for pressies. It is the kind of present that feels great to give. I am a musician, composer and writer too, and find your stories and the way they are produced very inspirational. Solomon and Ulysses have asked to meet you! Glad to be on your mailing list now, and bit by bit I intend to introduce your work to an audience of interested listeners up here in Brisbane.” Lynnette Lancini, Brisbane, Qld

“My children have been going to sleep to the sound of your Mermaid's Shoes CD. It's beautiful! We all love it. The kids at our preschool have enjoyed it at rest-time, as well! I'm looking forward to buying your other CD soon.” Xiola Nolan, Pre-school teacher, Lismore, NSW.

“My kids absolutely love your CD, The Mermaid’s Shoes!!! It’s fantastic in the car! It’s been a lifesaver on long trips.” Jacqueline Orme Ward, Director, Pendragon Shoes, Sunshine Coast, Qld.

”I have just listened to your two kids story CD’s. I really, really, really enjoyed them. Of course, your accent is special to American ears. But the tales: I particularly was touched by The Mermaid’s Shoes (echoes of The Little Mermaid, but happier- a delight) and Goldenheart- stunning beauty, simple (which is very, very hard) tales well told, love the sparse instrumentation that adds lots, kid voices ... just a wonderfully loved and created story listening event/world/environment! More, more! Your CDs are gorgeous sparkling gems. So thank you and cheers from the other side of Equatorial Pacific. I will feature them prominently on my story radio show. Aloha, Bravo and Mahalo Nui Loa (big thanks).”
Jeff Gere, Master storyteller, Director of ‘Talk Story Festival’ and host of ‘Talk Story Radio’, Hawaii, USA.

“Your CD Mermaid’s Shoes arrived and I have listened to it and it is wonderful. Lisa, the other Butterfly Wings facilitator told me to tell you that her kids loved it. They used it as entertainment for their trip to Caloundra and just wanted to listen to it over and over again. Well done. You are doing a great job and there is such a shortage of good story CD’s for young children.” Gwen Raynor, “Butterfly Wings” early childhood intervention trainer, Brisbane, Qld.

“My daughter, Ayla, still listens to you every night. Now it is the “Mermaid’s Shoes” she requests. Finally it has overcome “Wonder Tales”. - Tabitha Robortella, Anglesea, Victoria.

“I was listening to Mermaid Tales with a four year old friend today. She really enjoyed it, stopped and listened attentively. It was lovely to see.” Wendy Johnson, Byron Bay, NSW.

“Your story CD’s are so excellent Breana listens to them over and over and never tires of them. Thankyou!” Sybil, Maleny, Qld.

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