The Cinnamon Bear: A Holiday Adventure

by Eric Gilliland

New episodes of this original podcast will release daily, Mondays-Fridays, beginning November 29th through December 23rd.

Ah, remember ye olde days when the family would gather around the giant Philco radio and listen to serials? You don’t? We don’t either. But apparently that’s how Cinnamon Bear was born on November 26, 1937, as the star of a holiday season cliff-hanger-style children’s radio series. We hear it was quite the rage!

Well, that was then. Now a whole new series, The Cinnamon Bear: A Holiday Adventure is being brought to life by an all-star cast, and it ain’t your grandpappy’s spiced eggnog. For starters, Jimmy and Judy, those ridiculously naïve kids from the original, are now skeptical, savvy, and sarcastic little buggers (hey, parents - sound familiar?). They follow the magical Cinnamon Bear (Alan Cumming) on an out-of-this-world trek to find their lost (or stolen!) tree-topping star. Along the way, they’ll encounter some bizarre (and hilarious) characters, including Mr. Presto the Magician (John Goodman), the Crazy Quilt Dragon (Stephen Root), and—spoiler alert!—Santa Claus himself (Ryan Reynolds). Mix in a playful score by cofounder of the Pogues James Fearnley, and you’ve got a deliciously rich and rewarding holiday experience kids and parents will love.

Performed by a full cast, including:

· Michael Arden
· Craig Bierko
· Rocky Carroll
· Alan Cumming
· Rachel Dratch
· Bridget Everett
· Dan Finnerty
· Johnny Galecki
· Ana Gasteyer
· Nancy Giles
· Eric Gilliland
· John Goodman
· Marcia Gay Harden
· Ed Herbstman
· Melanie Hoopes
· Helen Hunt
· Catherine Keener
· Thomas Lennon
· Camryn Manheim
· Milo Manheim
· Ari Melber
· Andy Mientus
· John Cameron Mitchell
· Chris Parnell
· Martha Plimpton
· Ryan Reynolds
· Stephen Root
· Romy Rosemont
· Lakshmi Singh
· Sarah Vowell

©2021 Cinnamon Bear (P)2021 Cinnamon Bear

Genres: Christmas, Audiobook, Holiday, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Adventure

Audible Audio

Published December 14, 2021

About the author

Eric Gilliland is a Kansas City native, who attended Northwest Missouri State University. In addition to writing fiction, he currently works as a computer programmer developing websites and web applications in Java and jQuery.

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this ZERO stars and have Goodreads record it, I would. This version is a remake of a heartwarming, inviting wonderful radio program that came out in I believe the 30's. I had a wonderful high school teacher who played it for us as part of my current events class. Not sure where it was current events as I was a HS senior in the 1980's, but I digress.

When I saw that Alan Cummings, John Goodman and Camryn Manheim had signed up to do it, I was expecting a high quality remake of a program that had made me smile when I listened to it. If it wasn't done in 15 minute segments, I would have DNF'ed it, but I'd be angry for the 15 minutes and then move on to something that made me smile.

This version was annoying, irritating, and just plain dumb. The kids were made out to be spoilt, know it all brats, particularly the girl, that one would want to smack if given a chance. The narrator didn't help the situation and he was just as annoying.

This "radio program" is a prime example of how Hollywood should keep its hands off anything that is a remake and/or a book. They can never get it right.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025: this has turned into a tradition that is just fun. It is a tad crazy, but it's fun radio theater to enjoy together.

A bit nonsensical (reminded me of Fortunately, The Milk) with a bit of Christmas cheer. My 5 yo LOVED it and my 3yo kept asking to listen as soon as we were in the vehicle. Fun full cast of many voices I knew.

Update: My bigger kids have now also listened and they loved it

[Jessica Woodring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hilarious and fun. My whole family enjoyed listening and we were all a little sad when the story came to an end.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've listened to the original nearly every year since the 1970's and know it thoroughly. I could understand a few of the changes in this adaptation, but many of the changes seemed way out there to me, and the snarky rudeness was grating. Weird, and a little unhinged! Will stick with the classic from now on. 2.4 stars.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Rdschislergmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so it’s a serialized radio show in a screwball 1930’s style, but I’m counting it anyway because it’s pure delight. The new cast is brilliant; the updates make it more engaging for kids without sacrificing the spirit of the original. Will definitely listen to it again next year.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm an old time radio fan and I've listened to part of the old series before listening to this one. The sad truth is while this gets lots of PR as the most amazing old time radio show ever. It isn't. It doesn't come close to the Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland or the true greatest in the genre Wind in the Willows. This is just formula kids adventure where stuff happens because the author needed it to and the writing is nothing special.

The remake basically acknowledges this be turning it into a snarky parody. There is some fun to be had here but not nearly enough to justify the time spent. You will hear some of your favorite sitcom actors like Mr. James and Leonard. If you know who I mean with those names, you might have some fun hearing their voices here.

[Andi Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend recommended this and I’m glad we found it. As an adult, although I thought there were clever lines now and then, there were more negative characters than I like to listen to (the daughter was especially annoying) so I’m not sure how long I would have listened—but my kids loved it. My 7yo begged to keep listening and my 13yo was into it, too. Even my 18yo stopped what he was doing to listen and I heard him quoting it later. Im glad I downloaded all 20 episodes before a road trip—perfect for that.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, silly and warm fuzzy Christmas story. Kids would love it. I loved hearing familiar voices. Santa and The Cinnamon Bear were my favorites. Radio shows are quite enjoyable. It was nice to listen to something a little different. This reminded me of a Pixar movie - in that it is made for kids, but has some adult humor in it as well so it is enjoyable for all.

[Wendy Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a darling remake of an old radio show. It’s one of those great programs that little kids would get a kick out of, but there enough entertainment and jokes for the adults to enjoy it as well. Lots of famous names and voices you will recognize. I would definitely listen again. This would be great for a Christmas road trip with kids. Lots of silliness.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this in the car with my 2.5 year old. She was able to follow the storyline relatively well and often talked about the characters. I thought it was entertaining. The ostrich was my favorite character.

[Leah Agirlandaboy]

It took us two months instead of one, but we made it and it was worth it. I don’t know how much less funny this is if you don’t have the context of the original, but the update is a lot of fun and the cast did a great job.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to a number of the episodes in the podcast. Quirky and strange. Grey didn't really want to continue and, although I would have listened more if he had wanted to, I wasn't horribly sad to turn it off in favor of Christmas music.

[Kimber Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened with my 4 almost 5 year old daughter and she LOVED. It really is a fantastic kids story with full cast, songs, sound affects. Christmas themed a little but could listen to anytime of the year. Good for kids ages 3-10 probably. Episodes on audible each 12-15 min.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heard great things about this book, but was surprised that it wasn’t what I hoped for a car ride with the family. It’s okay, but it took about 16 out of 20 episodes for it to be really interesting for my kids.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars I was sceptical and critical at first. But, it was a fun time. It made me smile and brought happiness. It was fluffy and nostalgic. I could imagine the fantasy land pretty well and now I want to see it in a movie.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story; the music gets annoying.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this through audibles. It was funny and entertaining. This is definitely geared towards a young child. The humor and sound effects will entertain a kindergartener.

[Erin Goettsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte (11) loved this. I found it tiring. It was a good choice to do together though.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun whimsical Christmas story! Kids loved it! Full audio cast, sound effects and music! Makes me think of The Christmas Pig.

[Jil Craythorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see how little kids would like this. I’ve heard so much about this radio series from 1937. I’m glad I finally took the time to listen while wrapping.

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

All I had to do was listen to the audio sample to know this would be trash. Hollywood today has no respect for the classics, and much less traditional family values.

[Amber Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened on Audible with my kids. We all loved it!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xander says it was great! He loved the imagination and the characters!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the Phantom Tollbooth + the Christmas Pig + bits of Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz. Somehow it works. Excellent narration.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it were up to my kid, this would be five stars. 😅

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love the Cinnamon Bear! 🐻

[Danielle Kittaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this with my son. He loved it! I thought it was cute and loved the full cast. We might have to listen to it again next Christmas season.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loves this- I liked it, but really enjoyed his response to the audio production.

[Gretchen Knight]

I listened to this with Sawyer (age 3). It was so fun to listen together, and he was so good at reminding me to turn it on in the car. He asked "Mom, can we listen again next Christmas?"