THE BREMEN TOWN MUSICIANS
by The Brothers Grimm ; illustrated by Bernadette Watts ; translated by Anthea Bell
Watts's soft, more traditional illustrations don't have the rambunctious zest of Wilhelm's (below), but they are appealingly pretty (in the best sense), representing the animals with sympathy, their defeat of the robbers with some humor, and the setting with a pleasant nostalgia. Bell's expert translation is more complete and richer in descriptive detail than Wilhelm's retelling, yet still lively and accessible. Both deserve a place in library collections. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)