Some of you may be new to homeschooling so let me tell you the homeschoolers’ secret weapon: audiobooks. As my kids get older, we end up driving around more and more. Between classes outside the home, field trips, and longer road trips, we spend a lot of time in the car. If my boys had their way, I’m sure they’d spend all those free hours playing video games, but I hate wasting all that time.
One of my favorite audio production companies is Heirloom Audio Productions. Their offerings are audio dramas rather than a book on tape, and all of them are fun, exciting, and have amazing production value. We recently had the chance to review their newest story, The Cat of Bubastes, based on the story by G.A. Henty. This two hour, action packed drama was the perfect way to pass the time on a recent roadtrip to Cincinnati.
The Cat of Bubastes is the story of Jethro and Prince Amuba as they are enslaved in ancient Egypt. The story deals with issues like loyalty, responsibility, and faith. All of G.A. Henty’s stories are faith based, and all of Heirloom’s productions are based upon G.A. Henty’s stories, so faith plays a part. I always feel that the stories do a wonderful job of portraying characters and their faith in realistic ways, as opposed to coming across as forced and “preachy.” As Jethro and Amuba go through hard times in the story, they trust in their faith in God and appreciate the gifts they receive through God. While these stories are wonderful affirmations of faith for Christians, they also provide a good example of Christianity to those outside of the faith.
In addition to a really interesting and adventure-filled story, the production of The Cat of Bubastes is amazing. I love everything about it from the musical score to the actors performing the parts. Many actors come back for multiple productions, and we have enjoyed the work of Brian Blessed and John Rhys-Davies in many stories. This time we also got to enjoy hearing the seventh Doctor (Doctor Who, for you non-Whovians), Sylvester McCoy and Anthony Daniels, better known in my house as C-3PO from Star Wars. The big names not only bring a lot of talent, but they also pique my kids’ curiosity. Once we begin playing the audio dramas, the kids mostly forget about who is doing the voices, but it’s easy to grab their attention to begin with when you can say, “hey, listen! That’s The Doctor!”
As I said, we listened to this during a roadtrip, so for us it was mostly used as educational entertainment. The CD set also comes with access to some great online features that can really enhance your learning if you so choose. First, you receive access to the MP3 version, which allows you to listen in even more places. You can also download the music score, written and performed just for The Cat of Bubastes. Also, and most helpful in my opinion, is a nearly fifty page study guide. This guide focuses on discussion questions for comprehension, history, and Bible study to go along with the story.
We always love Heirloom Audio Productions, and The Cat of Bubastes did not disappoint. It provides a great look at ancient Egypt and Christianity in a fun, adventurous, and completely entertaining way.
