From School Library Journal
A lengthy version of Aesop's fable in which the ant and the grasshopper fall in love and marry. Readers share in the ant's discovery that she can accept her own industrious nature yet enrich her life by appreciating the observant and joyful nature of the grasshopper, who finds much to sing about. Factual information on the nature of insect societies is incorporated into the story. Black-and-white line drawings appear on each page. Although pleasant, they are incidental and do not add depth to the story. Paced with much dialogue, this fantasy reads smoothly and challenges readers to reflect on the tension between monotonous toil and lighthearted play. But only libraries purposefully collecting fables need to consider its purchase. Other more challenging and fresh approaches to this fable are Anno's Aesop (Orchard, 1989) and John Ciardi's John J. Plenty and Fiddler Dan (Lippincott, 1963; o.p.). Also speaking directly to the need for the artistic in society is Leo Lionni's Frederick (Pantheon, 1963) .
Susan Middleton, LaJolla Country Day School, CA
Copyright 1990 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
