There are a lot of books on how to do voice overs — and I’ve read quite a few of them. So it’s a rare pleasure when I have the chance to sit down and read a book that falls outside of the norm in a very good way. And that book is You Can Do Cartoon Voices, Too! by Sunday Muse.
This book / CD set is unique because it is aimed at teaching children how to do voice overs. As a father of two, I’m sometimes asked by my children, “Daddy, why do you spend time talking out loud to no one?” This book has helped my kids understand what it is that I do by showing them how to do it themselves. And it does so in a very wonderful way…
It speaks in their language
Probably what I like the most about the book is that it’s written in a style that kids can easily relate to. There are a lot of colorful photos and illustrations that capture children’s imagination. Even the key points in the text are highlighted with fun fonts in bright colors. Energy and imagination — a huge part of every child’s world — are emphasized throughout every section, making it perfect for kids.
Keeping parents in the know
Even though the majority of the book creatively teaches kids how to do voice acting, the last section of the book contains important information for parents. The truth about auditioning, the amount and sometimes inconsistency of work, the pay, and many other topics are covered to keep the parents dreaming of their child becoming a “voice-acting star” grounded in reality. And, of course, this last section is written with adults in mind (sorry, no cute pictures or funny fonts for you :wink:. Just the truth about the industry and the life of a voice actor.)
The CD
I love CDs — especially when they come included with a book. The CD that comes with You Can Do Cartoon Voices, Too! is… well… pretty good. What I mean is that while the production is top-notch, I just wish there was a little more. There are good examples on the CD that come straight out of the book, making them a perfect match. And Sunday Muse’s demo is just amazing! But like I said, I just wish there were a few more tracks. Maybe I’m being too picky. After all, my kids found the CD to be fun to listen to and practice with. And isn’t that the most important measurement in the end?
Final thoughts
As I said in the beginning, I really do enjoy reading books about voice acting that fall outside of the normal “voice acting” book genre. If you have kids (or just want to read a unique perspective on becoming a voice actor) then I recommend picking up a copy for yourself.
You Can Do Cartoon Voices, Too!
By Sunday Muse
PS
It’s now 30% off the original price! 😀