Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf: With a Fully-Orchestrated and Narrated CD [Hardcover]

Janet Schulman (Adapter), Sergei Prokofiev (Author), Peter Malone (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: K and up

THERE IS NO better way to introduce children to classical music than with Prokofiev’s musical fairy tale of the little boy (played by all the strings of the orchestra) who, with the help of a bird (played by the flute), outsmarted the big, bad wolf (played by the French horns). And now with this book and CD package, children can look and listen all at the same time. A new retelling by Janet Schulman follows the basic story, but with a kinder ending for both the big bad wolf and the argumentative duck. Peter Malone’s paintings have the luminous quality of old Russian masters. The CD, with music performed by the Cincinnati Pops and word-for-word narration by Peter A. Thomas, was made exclusively for this book and CD package.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3–This musical fantasy about a disobedient boy who leaves the safety of the garden for the unknown world of the meadow, cleverly conquering the danger he encounters, has been a childhood favorite since 1936. An opening page introduces the characters, naming and depicting the instrument associated with each one. Prokofiev purists, however, will have issues with this retelling. The text is much longer, much of it hammering home the obvious (that the wolf is dangerous) or providing unnecessary background (the content of grandfather's dream). This extraneous verbiage leaves less room for the music to spin the story. It is the ending, though, that will prove most troubling to longtime fans. This wolf is a pathetic captive, begging to go home, feeling guilty about his deed; the hunters are nervous Nellies; grandfather has changed his tune from paternal skepticism to pride; and… yes, the duck is coughed out as the wolf is returned to the forest. The impact of the drama is considerably lessened. Malone's illustrations are well matched to the story, evoking a somewhat surreal and sometimes humorous world with a Russian flavor. A serviceable CD, recorded by the Cincinnati Pops and narrated by Peter Thomas, is included. Erna Voigt's faithful rendition (Godine, 1979; o.p.) set a standard for this story that is hard to beat.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 4. A CD featuring the Cincinnati Pops' rendition of Prokofiev's music and narration by Peter Thomas accompanies this new version of Peter's story, which Malone handsomely illustrates in soft-edged paintings. Feathery brush strokes and golden hues lend a comforting, nostalgic feel to the story, while bold close-up views of the agile, sharp-toothed wolf will thrill children. Libraries may already have other versions on the shelf (books by Loriot [1986] and Vladimir Vagin [2000] are particularly noteworthy), but Schulman's retelling and the accompanying recording make an appealing package. The expertly produced images and music will easily draw children into this classic, and its sly introduction to the sounds of the symphony.^B Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375824308
• ISBN-13: 978-0375824302
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.4 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Foxes & Wolves

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, September 29, 2005

By 

Jinian Star "Jinian" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf: With a Fully-Orchestrated and Narrated CD (Hardcover)

The "kinder, gentler" ending removes the dangerous aspect of the wolf. The wolf is intended to represent the evil in the world beyond the garden gate and Peter vanquishes it by being smarter and more agile. Both the threat and the victory are diminished when the wolf simply promises to do better in the future. Yuck.

Politically correct tripe.

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic for both parents & children, September 22, 2004

By 

Diana L. Sacrey "Truran" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf: With a Fully-Orchestrated and Narrated CD (Hardcover)

A beautifully written & illustrated book with one of the best-loved classical music pieces ever composed.

I thought my son, at just 3 yrs old, would be a little too young to enjoy this yet. I got it for him anyway when I saw it, because I loved it myself as a child.

Never underestimate children or the power of music. My son wants to read/listen to Peter & the Wolf several times a day. He recognizes the French Horn as the wolf, the bassoon as the grandfather! It brings him such delight and provides a wonderful bonding time for us.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent illustrations and narration. My Kids love it!, October 13, 2004

By 

readsalot "readsalot" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf: With a Fully-Orchestrated and Narrated CD (Hardcover)

Although I was mildly disapointed with the unnecessary kinder and gentler ending, the book and CD were an excellent choice for my 3 boys, ages 4,6, and 8. This is a good introduction to classical music. We read it alone as well as with the accompanying narrated CD. The illustrations are excellent.