The Ant and the Grasshopper

While the ants are hard at work collecting food for the long winter, the grasshopper only plays and does no work at all to prepare for the long harsh winter up ahead. Soon the winter comes and the ants are warm and have plenty of food to eat. However the grasshopper is out in the cold with no food at all. I liked the illustrations in this book, and I also enjoyed the way the author told the moral to the readers. The author's main moral was that there are times when you can play and times when you need to do work, and you can't play all the time. The moral is easily understandable so that children will be able to pick up on it. Also it is a great way in introduce time management to older children

This retelling of the classic Aesop fable is set in China, at the Emperor's Summer Palace. In this version, as in the classic, the ants work diligently over the summer to prepare for the long winter, when food will be in short supply and the temperature quite cold. The grasshopper, on the other hand, prefers to sing and dance during the long summer days, doing no preparation at all. In the end, the ants are rewaded for their hard work by being warm and full during the winter days, while the grasshopper is left to suffer in the cold. The illustrations were done on rice paper with ink and gouache paint. Not only do they support and enhance the text, but they are truly beautiful works of art. They are a delightful mix of soft, subtle colors and vibrant colors. The rice paper background provides a strong sense of texture and depth. Children ages 4 to 6 will be drawn in by the stunning illustrations, and will learn a valuable lession from the story as a whole.

I liked this retelling of a classic -- especially in the slight twist - yes, the ants have foresight but they are workaholics and the grasshopper may not be industrious but he appreciats the beauty of a summer night. But it's the elegant illustrations that really catch my eye and highlight this story. Delicate ink strokes with sharp details on rice paper capture the spirit of chinese art and are a wonderful complement to the story's setting. Simply gorgeous and a treat for the eyes. It makes me believe that Aesop should have done this himself!