THE FROG WHO WANTED A KING and Other Songs from La Fontaine

by Edward--Ed. Smith ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 10, 1977

The present collection of Fables is a rare example of eighteenth-century music intended expressly for children,"" the editor begins--and we might end it there. The fables are by and large beyond the ken of children, certainly in the English translations provided (""This rat whose vanity deceived him into thinking himself important, is an eternal image of human conceit,"" reads one of the simplest, briefest lines); the French is distinctly too difficult for beginners; and while the songs are playable and singable, they are in no way memorable. As for Margot Zemach's illustrations, they're heavy-handed where they're not confusing. An expensive book that doesn't score even as a luxury item.

Pub Date: Oct. 10, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Four Winds

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1977

Categories: NONFICTION