Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes – Audio CD

Ullman, Liv (narrator) and Winston, George (guitar accompanist). Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Windham Hill Records, 1995. ISBN 0-39921-771-1

Plot

Young Sadako is terminally ill with leukemia because of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. In the hospital, she begins folding paper cranes. He hopes that folding 1000 of them will return her to health. On this audio CD, Sadako's story is gently narrated by Liv Ullman with guitar accompaniment by George Winston. The CD includes the story with narration and music plus all of the solo guitar music alone.

Critical Evaluation

The story is familiar to many children and adults. This audio re-telling with guitar music is an enjoyable way to experience the story for the first time or to hear it again. This audio recording was originally produced as the soundtrack for a short film. Liv Ullman's voice is tender and full of emotion throughout the story. Her Norwegian accent adds a foreign feel to her narration. George Winston's guitar accompaniment is subtle and adds to the story. His "Birds in Flight" melody is played on a guitar but sounds like Japanese music. I enjoyed listening to this story again with my children.

Annotations

Liv Ullman and George Winston tell Sadako's story through spoken words and music.

Author

This audio recording is based on the book of the same title written by Eleanor Coerr. The author based her story on Sadako's biography, Kokeshi.

Genre

Fiction -- history

Curriculum Ties

Language arts – biographical stories

Social Sciences – world history

Visual arts – origami

Performing arts – guitar

Booktalk Ideas

Have a workshop where children learn (or teach each other) how to fold paper cranes.

Listening Level/Interest Age

Grade 3 to 6 (age 8 to 12).

Challenge Issues and Defense

None.

Why is it here?

Sadako's story is a touching reminder of the beauty of hope and our need for peace.