Bride of Classics with a Twist

Gr 2—6—In their third collection of fractured fairy tales, storytellers Barry Marshall and Jen Burns apply their considerable wit, tandem telling expertise, and musical talents to six well-known stories. "Little Bread Riding Hood" is filled with one bread-related pun after another, while the piano music recalls silent movies. Trying to be as big as a cow, "Big Bullfrog" pops after pumping himself up until he is huge, enormous, momentous, grand, super-sized, and tremendous. The pair, along with their son Zack, tells "The Big Red Beet," a contemporary, folksy version of "The Enormous Turnip." "The Well at the World's End," their longest and most traditional story, balances the more twisted tales. When her mother is sick for seven years, the compassionate daughter goes to the well for water, helping a skinny horse and three old men who reward her richly. The unexpected appearance of the frog prince leads the selfish daughter on a similar quest with terrible consequences. The often repeated refrains and haunting harp music enhance the telling. "The Troll's House" is a version of "Three Billy Goats Gruff" told from the Troll's point of view, and "The Tortoise and Hare Rap" provides an upbeat end to this collection. For a new take on traditional tales and a smart, language-rich experience set to music, look no further than this recording.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN