Enchanted Flute, The - Hardcover

McAllister, Angela

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385303262 ISBN 13: 9780385303262

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1991

Synopsis

A fussy and demanding queen discovers the unwelcome truth about herself when she insists that her daughter have an enchanted flute for a birthday present

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Queen Pernickety, who demands the best of everything, is pleased with an enchanted flute created for her daughter's birthday by a mysterious old goldsmith. It plays only what each listener loves to hear most--for the queen, an endless stream of flattery and (mostly insincere) compliments. The flute makes people so happy that the goldsmith, who is really a magician, creates a dozen more. The jealous ruler orders them destroyed, whereupon the wily man turns the tables by changing the original enchantment--now the princess's flute will play only what each listener fears most, and for Queen Pernickety it exposes the truth about how her subjects feel about her and her constant demands. The queen manages to change her ways, and all ends well. This original fairy tale is humorously told, but the underlying themes of envy, kindness, and consideration for others will not escape young listeners. The text is descriptive and often lyrically phrased--fun to listen to and read aloud. Equally enjoyable are the large, cartoonlike illustrations that are full of action and fancifully decorated in a comical, pseudo-Renaissance style. Whimsically ornate borders feature frolicking objects appropriate to each page; more can be found on the end papers. There is lots of fun here for the older picture-book audience, with a gentle moral included. --Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0385303262
• ISBN 13: 9780385303262
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32