We just received the newest audio drama, The Cat of Bubastes, from Heirloom Audio Productions and it did not disappoint.
If you are unfamiliar with audio dramas, they are different from ordinary books on tape, where a narrator reads a story aloud in a mostly monotone voice. An audio drama makes a story come alive through real-life sounds, music, and a variety of different voices. An audio drama is filled with adventure and excitement, keeping listeners on the tips of their toes.
From Adventures in Odyssey to Focus on the Family’s Radio Theatre, we have a small collection of audio dramas that we love to listen to on a rainy day or in the car on a long trip. We are very happy to be adding Heirloom Audio Productions’ newest release to our ever growing collection.
The Cat of Bubastes
The Cat of Bubastes is based on the book Cat of Bubastes – A Tale of Ancient Egypt by G.A. Henty. Heirloom Audio Productions brings this G.A. Henty classic to life as we listen in to the story of a royal born slave and his priestly friend. Follow Amuba and Chebron as they embark on a great adventure during the time of the Israelites’ slavery in ancient Egypt.
The Cat of Bubastes is recommended for kids ages 6 to adult and contains a set of two CDs, featuring over two hours of fast-moving adventure. I received the physical CD set as well as a few special bonuses that come with the purchase of the family four pack package. Included in the bonuses is:
- Cat of Bubastes MP3 set download
- Cat of Bubastes E-Book by G.A. Henty
- official MP3 soundtrack
- printable cast poster
- 41 page study guide and discussion starter
- inspirational verse poster with the quote, “O Jehovah, there is none like Thee, neither is there any god besides Thee”
- unlimited access to the Live the Adventure Letter Website and E-Newsletter
- special behind-the-scenes videos of the cast creating Cat of Bubastes
The study guide and discussion starter is a wonderful companion to the story. Each section of the story has a corresponding section in the study guide to help children understand the storyline, encourage deeper thinking, and define some of the larger vocabulary used in the story. It also includes a nice biography of G.A. Henty, the author of the story and Moses.
Although we didn’t use the study guide while we listened to the story, we did go over a few of the study questions after we had listened to the entire story. Going over the study questions was a great way to evaluate listening comprehension. Besides the discussion questions, the study guide also contains three great topical Bible studies; one on how God causes all things to work together for good, one on how the only way to know God is through Jesus Christ, and the last one is about false gods and false religion. Lastly, there is a section at the end of the study about giving some historical background behind The Cat of Bubastes.
Thoughts and Usage
The whole family gathered together to listen to this fascinating two hour audio adventure. We split it up in 30 or 45 minute segments for a few evenings before bed. We had never heard of the Cat of Bubastes before, but we thoroughly enjoyed the adventure! The storyline was exciting and engaging.
The story surrounds the life of a foreign prince, Amuba, who is captured and taken as a slave into the home of an Egyptian priest where he becomes the servant and friend of the priest’s son, Chebron. The story is mixed with thrilling adventures of wild animals, conspiracies, and danger, along with selfless and heroic deeds.
At one point, Amuba foolishly lied to his friend Chebron about how to properly shoot an arrow to make it look like he had been a great hunter in his homeland. When his lie became obvious, he humbly begged for Chebron’s forgiveness. Chebron cheerfully brushed it off with the simple words, “It’s not our successes that make us greater; it’s our failures.”
After the two friends save the life of a young Israelite girl named Ruth, we hear of the one true God, YaHWeH. Although many of the Israelites themselves have rejected God and turned to false idols, there are some, including Ruth and her grandfather, who still worship the True God.
This story gave us a whole new perspective on life in ancient Egypt and what it would have been like for both the Egyptians and the Israelites during their time of slavery described in the book of Exodus. Like the other Heirloom Audio Productions of G.A. Henty’s stories, I would certainly recommend The Cat of Bubastes for your family.
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