Musicians of Bremen

The story is well written and easy to read aloud. The illustrations and story are for the older toddler who will appreciate the band of friends and understand the ageist theme. Beautiful illustrations.

"The Musicians of Bremen" as illustrated in watercolor and ink by Niroot Puttapipat is a treasure, a work of art. Most are well familiar with the story of the four aging animals who band together to go to Bremen and become musicians. In this artist's hands the animals look as if they have led long lives, yet they're endearing, each invested with a distinct personality that mirrors the animal's past. First, we see donkey who is going to be discarded by her owner because she can no longer carry heavy sacks of flour. There she is - silhouetted against a sparse landscape, her tail drooping but proud, her thin legs weary from work. Dog has fled in fear from a master who knows the dog can no longer hunt - he is still panting from the exertion of running away, and poor cat lies by the side of the road, discarded by a mistress because his teeth and claws are no longer able to capture mice. Finally, an "utterly furious rooster crowing for all he was worth" because he knows he's on the menu for Sunday dinner. What a quartet they make. The robbers are the sneakiest, slyest looking bunch you've ever seen, avarice and greed personified. This is Niroot Puttapipat's first picture book. It's a winner! - Gail Cooke