Book description
Listening to Shen of the Sea: Chinese Stories for Children feels like settling in for a warm conversation with a wise, patient friend who just happens to speak the language of ancient Chinese storytelling. Arthur Bowie Chrisman, a translator deeply attuned to cultural nuance, has done something rare: he hasn't merely translated these tales, but breathed life into them for a modern child's ear. The audiobook's true magic lies in how effortlessly the narrator embodies the spirit of the original stories-there's a quiet humor in Shen's clever schemes, a gentle rhythm in the moral lessons, and a palpable sense of the Chinese landscape woven through every word. You hear the rustle of bamboo in the background as Shen outwits a river spirit, or the soft chuckle of a village elder sharing a proverb. Chrisman's translation avoids stiff, textbook phrasing; instead, the wisdom flows naturally, like water finding its path. A story where Shen uses a clever riddle to calm a storm feels fresh, not preachy, because the narrator's cadence makes the lesson feel earned, not lectured. The pacing is perfect for young listeners-long enough to build a world, short enough to hold attention-each tale a self-contained journey. What elevates this beyond a simple children's collection is the authentic cultural texture: references to seasons, family roles, and nature's balance aren't just details; they're the heartbeat of the narrative. You don't just hear stories; you feel the rhythm of Chinese thought, where humor and wisdom are inseparable. For families seeking more than just entertainment, this audiobook offers a quiet, profound introduction to a worldview where every cloud has a silver lining and even a river spirit respects a clever child. It's not just a bedtime story-it's a gentle, enduring gift, perfectly suited for the ear, carrying the weight of tradition without ever feeling heavy. You'll find yourself reaching for it again, drawn back to the sound of Shen's voice and the timeless lessons that linger long after the final chapter.
QuestWeaver
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience