Author(s): Brothers Grimm

Picture Books

Lisbeth Zwerger is one of the preeminent interpreters of classic fairytales, and here she presents her version of The Grimm Brothers’ The Bremen Town Musicians, a tale of four beleaguered animals who outwit some frightful robbers. In this little-known, hilarious tale, there’s a donkey who can no longer work, a dog who can no longer hunt, a cat who is too old to chase mice, and a rooster who’s scheduled for tomorrow night’s menu. They decide to band together to seek their fortune as musicians in the town of Bremen. But they get more than they bargained for when they stumble upon a gang of robbers. Can they find a clever way to turn their dreadful singing to their advantage? The expert translation by Anthea Bell brings the full flavor of the original text to life, in a unique book sure to appeal to Ms. Zwerger’s many fans.