Book Description About the Author Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in 1785 and 1786 near Frankfurt, Germany. In their early twenties, they began the linguistic studies that would culminate in their collected editions of folk- and fairy tales. They got their stories from peasants and villagers, and sometimes from already-published works from other cultures. Jacob did much of the research; Wilhelm put the stories into literary form.Bernadette Watts, known throughout Europe simply as Bernadette, has illustrated many dozens of folk- and fairy tales. Born in England, she loved to draw from childhood. She studied at the Maidstone Art School in Kent, UK, for a time under the tutelage of Brian Wildsmith. Bernadette’s many beautiful books include The Snow Queen and The Bremen Town Musicians. Bernadette finds her inspiration in nature. Today she lives and works in Kent. She has been illustrating for NorthSouth Books and NordSüd Verlag since the beginning of her career fifty years ago. Read more Customers Review: The “Town Musicians” of Bremen, was written originally in German by the brothers Grimm; and is here translated by Anthea Bell, with illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger…. A story concerning a group of elderly animals who are no longer wanted (!) at their old residences; and consequently decide to leave for Bremen, and become musicians there. But that never actually occurs, as Providence intervenes, and something far more wonderful happens. Our fable does involve the concept of cruelty, but I suggest in a gentle and oblique fashion, as animals are spoken of, in an allegorical manner. Callosity, severity, and thoughtlessness are in fact something of human existence, and the psyche; and something our children will and must, unfortunately, face in their lives. This book is beautifully illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, and her depiction of the pathos of the parable, and the animals in particular, is excellent! Yet, I do agree with another reviewer here on Amazon, who pointed out that her drawings of architectural objects, and in particular the house, was not as fine as other illustrators. But true; nonetheless, ours is a chidrens’ story, and on the more important issues, the animals, Ms. Zwerger scores very highly. I consequently recommend this beautiful rendition of the Brothers Grimm fable; it is a wonderful way to introduce our young to the reality of the world, morality and justice, and even Providence and Redemption! This parable, far from what some have criticized as being ‘too cruel’, and ‘harsh’, actually is quite moral, and elucidates very nicely the compassion, and understanding, we should all have amongst each other.
This is a Grimm’s tale about a donkey, dog, cat and rooster who must all leave home. They are all older and have no use to their humans anymore. They meet up as they are running away and start traveling to Bremen. The illustrations are lovely, and it’s a charming story. Highly recommended for adult or child.
Good story, of course. Great illustrations.
My grandchildren (ages 7 and 9) loved this book. They laughed at the animal ‘s antics. We read this in preparation for seeing the children’s opera. The opera is in Russian which the children do not speak. I think they will be able to enjoy the opera after reading this book.
The Breman Town Musicians is a simple story that involves setting goals and team work. It has two things that children love, music and animals. What a combination!As a 17 year childcare veteran, I highly recommmend this book. Kids today can use all the inspiration they can get. A great way to learn is to read. I read this book to my daughter when she was a child. Now I am getting a new copy for my grand daughter.
This is another faithfully translated edition of the classic Bremen Town fairy tale. Lisbeth Zwerger, in her inimitable style, illustrates the old story using images from more contemporary scenes, with the abstract, dreamlike quality that characterizes much of her work. Anthea Bell’s translation is vivid and clear, and the story moves itself along as the four animals set out on the road together seeking a new destiny, then happen upon a group of robbers in a forest house and devise a way to use the robbers’ own fears against them. The story contains pathos, drama, humor, and a deeply moral ending as four faithful creatures, having been denied their place after lives of faithful service, find a way to take ill-gotten gains away from those who manifestly do not deserve them. It’s been loved for over a century, for good reason, and this edition is a good choice to perpetuate it: as the closing line says: “The last man to tell this tale isn’t dead yet.” It’s best suited for a preschool or elementary audience.
I am a huge fan of Lizbeth Zwerger, the illustrator of this traditional fairy tale. Technically, her work is extraordinary, but it is the magic she brings to every book she illustrates that lures me in every time. From The Wizard of Oz to Alice in Wonderland, Zwerger brings something new to even the most familiar children’s stories. To me, her illustrations are works of art, but they are never cute and fuzzy. They may have more appeal for grown-ups or older children.
Of all the stories my father read to me as a child, this was my favorite. Its endearing story of self-discovery is timeless, and not to mention quite humorous for a six year old boy. It reminds me of a time far less complicated and will thus always hold a special place of affection for me. This was the Catcher in the Rye of my Elementary years. I would highly recommend this to anyone with children looking for quite simply a flat out good story to read them that they will enjoy. |
12 reviews