The Traveling Musicians of Bremen - Hardcover

Page, P. K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316688363 ISBN 13: 9780316688369

Publisher: Kids Can Pr, 1992

Synopsis

Unwanted by their owners, four animals--a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster--set out to seek their fortunes as traveling musicians, in a lively adaptation of a classic tale by the Brothers Grimm.

About this title

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4-- A modernized retelling that retains the essence of the Grimms' story. Page's use of contemporary conversation filled with colloquialisms, sound effects, and an occasional couplet or quatrain adds to the child appeal; the lightness of style exhibited in the text is mirrored in the whimsical watercolor-and-ink illustrations that flow throughout, taking readers along on the merry escapade. The robbers, who bear a strong resemblance to Burningham characters, appear as school children dressed in outlandish teen costumes (suspenders, oversize shirts, western gear, knee-high boots, punk hairdos) on an illicit outing to a deserted farmhouse. The robber captain is a girl. The loot consists of TV sets, a stereo, gold coins, and costume jewelry; the feast is desserts and fruit. Here is a folktale to be thoroughly enjoyed by readers of all ages. The embellishments of the text make it an engaging read-aloud, and its significant difference from other versions makes it a worthwhile purchase. --Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

In a sometimes meandering, intermittently rhyming narrative, Page retells the Brothers Grimm tale about four animals who set out to make a new life for themselves after their masters reject them. More sophisticated than Hans Wilhelm's interpretation (reviewed above), Page's account introduces a number of words (obsolete, dulcible, despondent) that may prove difficult for many children. Denton's whimsical, somewhat fuzzy drawings also seem better geared to the older reader than are Wilhelm's more traditional pictures. Her setting, for example, is up-to-the-minute contemporary; she depicts the robbers as a stylish group, sporting campy hats and hairstyles. The prose is skillfully crafted, with clever rhythms and deft use of repetition. Despite its shortcomings for the younger set, this rendition presents well-matched text and artwork that aptly deliver the buffoonery of this classic caper. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kids Can Pr
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0316688363
• ISBN 13: 9780316688369
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 30
• Illustrator: Denton Kady MacDonald