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Helen Slater. Recognize the name? Also known as Billie Jean from the movie “The Legend of Billie Jean”, which she costarred with Christian Slater. What a great 80’s anthem movie. Helen has since left the silver screen and has now come out with a Greek Mythology CD/Audiobook made for children of all ages. Her compilation “Myths of Ancient Greece” is a unique children’s album about Greek mythology comprised of her own original music.
The CD starts off with a good, easy to understand overview of Greek mythology, delivered in both spoken word and song. The easy to follow songs and explanations are very catchy and Disneyesque in nature. As I was listening to the CD, I really got excited at the thought of a new Disney movie being released. The quality of the music and lyrics fits right in with Disney’s mantra. A good example is with track #2 & #3 Demeter & Persephone-Part 1 & 2. After listening to both tracks (~11mins), my 6 year old daughter now understands how the ancient Greeks explained the changing of the four seasons. The song has educational aspects, as well as a touch of romance. The story of Perseus and Medusa was done exceptionally well. It was easy to follow and told in a way that was easy to understand and follow, again for my six year old.
Helen’s voice can hold your attention during the songs, as well as during the narration. It made the 10 track CD easy listening. Admittedly, not all of the tales are of equal interest to the young ones, but Helen does a good job of infusing high energy music and song to keep the interest.
The playful tracks include:
- 1. Opening “The Myths of Ancient Greece”
- 2. Demeter and Persephone-Part 1 “Persephone’s Song” Demeter’s Song”
- 3. Demeter & Persephone-Part 2 “Meadowlark
- 4. Perseus and Medusa
- 5. Orpheus and Eurydice
- 6. Interlude
- 7. Echo and Narcissus-Part 1 “Echo’s Song”
- 8. Echo and Narcissus-Part2 “It’s Not Nice to be Mean” “Get a little Closer to You”
- 9. Cupid and Psyche-Part 1 “Psyche’s Song” “Strike Before You Fall”
- 10. Cupid and Psyche-Part 2 “Venus’ Song” “Cupid’s Song”
Stay connected: Visit The Helen Slater Website: www.HelenSlater.com
Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to Helen Slater or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.
I bet my daughter, who is 10, would be really into this. She loves music, but recently in her English class, they have been working on Greek mythology. She even took the inspiration and decided to be Medusa for Halloween! This is very cool.
So cool! I discovered Greek Mythology when I was 8 (Edith Hsmilton’s book), and have been fascinated by it ever since. Thanks for the head’s up on this – I’m going to get it for my granddaughters. I don’t want them to miss out on the richness of this ancient culture!
I loved her as an actress and what a great second act. You all must watch her Montage Reel on her web site. She’s such a talent and I will follow this. I took Latin in high school so I love Greek and Roman mythology too.