The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Enhanced Version)
Retold By Wim Coleman
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
This classic novel has been abridged and adapted into 10 exceptionally well illustrated chapters and enhanced with complete word-for-word audio narration and back ground composition thereby creating a listen-read-along book. This format is ideal for bilingual education - people learning English as a second language (ESL), English Language Learners (ELL), people of any age intending to improve reading skills and students for whom the original version would be too long or difficult. This product is high-interest, low-readability and has carefully paced audio for use as an audio-visual read-along learning tool. Readers of this version will improve fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and listening skills. Controlled Reading Level B (2.0-3.0).
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Children who have had a taste of Hugo's 18th-century epic through the animated film may find this version, with its absence of song, rather sobering. Wynne-Jones (Some of the Kinder Planets) makes no attempt to soften the harsh story of the hideously deformed, big-hearted Quasimodo, who escapes ridicule only in the sanctuary of the cathedral. Although the narrative is fluent and conversational, children may need guidance through some of the more challenging vocabulary and occasional wordy passages. The irony in Hugo's novel is preserved here, as when Wynne-Jones draws a delicious parallel between church and state: Quasimodo is deaf because "the bells of the church had made him that way"; the judge who sentences the deformed man to a flogging "is as deaf as Quasimodo. The court had made him that way." Still, the deeper implications of the story will likely be lost on children. Dramatically framing the text are Slavin's (Extra! Extra! The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Newspapers) subtly hued, skillfully composed paintings. His mastery of detail, especially in period dress and architecture, makes turbulent medieval Paris appear real--sometimes frighteningly so. This polished, thoughtful collaboration may serve as an authentic preview to Hugo's classic, but may be best appreciated with an adult standing by. Ages 5-8.
