Homeschool Review Crew: The Cat of Bubastes

We have had an opportunity to review several audio dramas from Heirloom Audio Productions over the last few years.  Heirloom Audio Productions is passionate about bringing history to life.  Their fast paced audio dramas use music and sound effects to draw the listener into the story and transport them back in time.  I was excited to have a chance to review their latest release, The Cat of Bubastes.



The Cat of Bubastes is based on the story The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. Henty.  In this story, Prince Amuba and Jethro are captured as slaves and sent to the city of Thebes.  Amuba and Jethro end up in the household of Ameres.  Amuba becomes the companion of Chebron.  One night the boys stumble upon some men plotting a murder.  Shortly after this Ameres's older son is found dead.  Then the death of a cat could have disastrous consequences for both of the boys and the entire household. Their character and loyalty will be tested as will their faith in the one true God.

The Cat of Bubastes is recommended for ages 6 and up and contains a little over 2 hours of listening adventure.  There are some intense moments in the story, but it is not bloody or gory and some children under the age of 6 may enjoy it.  It is narrated by Brian Blessed (Star Wars, Tarzan, Robin Hood) and also stars  Anthony Daniels (Star Wars), Sylvester McCoy (Dr. Who, The Hobbit), Elizabeth Counsel (The Chronicles of Narnia), Russel Boulter (Ben Hur), and John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones.)
There are many different options for purchase.  The MP3 version is $19.97 and includes a 47 page downloadable study guide and a downloadable print of the verse found in 1 Chronicles 17:20.  The 2 CD set can be purchased for $29.97 and includes the downloadable study guide, the printable verse, and the soundtrack MP3 download.  Or you can purchase the Family Four Pack for $99.97 which includes 4 2 CD sets, downloadable study guide, printable verse, MP3 soundtrack, access to Live the Adventure newsletter, The Cat of Bubastes ebook, and behind the scenes documentary.
The downloadable estudy guide is a wonderful way to expand on what you have learned while listening to the audio adventure.  There are 3 different sections in the guide for each track on the CD:
Listening Well: This section contains questions about what you have heard on the CD.
Thinking Further: These questions are a little deeper then basic comprehension questions. You may have to look something up, draw conclusions, or speculate about what the characters may have been thinking.
Defining Words: This section gives her child an opportunity to enhance your child's understanding of the story by defining words that were used.
There are also expand your learning sections that contain further information about the Egyptian culture such as mummification, hieroglyphics, crocodiles, diet, and more.  The guide also contains information about G.A. Henty, Moses, and the background on the Cat of Bubastes,  There are also three different Bible studies: God Meant if for Good, The Knowledge of God, and Idolatry and Tyranny.  You will also find a list of book suggestions for more on Ancient Egypt.
The Cat of Bubastes will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.  It is a very interesting story brought to life by the music and sound effects, making the listener feel as though they are part of the story.  Brian Blessed is an amazing narrator.  I just love to listen to his voice.  The other actors are wonderful as well. The Cat of Bubastes would be a great addition to any curriculum about Ancient Egypt.  It also is a great story for any family to listen to together interested in listening to a story full of action and adventure with virtuous characters.
To see what my Crew Mates had to say, stop by the Crew Blog!