Three Tuneful Tales

Linda Ludke is a librarian at the London Public Library.

The Once-Upon-A-Time series presents classic fairy tales grouped by
theme. Three Tuneful Tales includes “The Bremen Town Musicians,”
“The Pied Piper of Hamelin,” and “The Nightingale.” Marilyn
Helmer’s retellings are similar to the most well-known versions. Kasia
Charko’s watercolour illustrations vividly convey the settings of each
story, from the rustic countryside to the chaotic streets of Hamelin and
the opulent palaces of China.

“The Frog Prince,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “The
Princess and the Pea” are the Three Royal Tales. Helmer includes witty
additions such as the declaration that the infamous pea was placed “in
a glass case in the Royal Museum, where it may be seen to this very
day.” Dianna Bonder’s watercolour illustrations extend the fun with
humorous details like the frog lounging on a silk pillow, and the duped
Emperor parading down the street in underwear adorned with crowns.

The patterned language makes these good choices for reading aloud. Both
titles are recommended.