Ronni Solbert (1925–2022)

Um, 4.5 stars? Some might find it old-fashioned or not PC, but I thought it clever & funny, with a good lesson. The pictures illustrating each tale within the overall story were especially imaginative. Don't be misled by Solbert's cartoony style - there's something special about these pix.

Shame on me for not looking before now for more by [a:Jean Merrill|79535|Jean Merrill|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-3498e835d024c789dd934a5c5fb5bdbc.png] since she is, after all, the show more author of one of my favorite children's novels, [b:The Pushcart War|219553|The Pushcart War|Jean Merrill|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1314545996s/219553.jpg|2092]. Even though this is entirely different, it does have the sly satire of the novel, poking fun at adults who are acting like children.

ETA - my husband and teen son have now read it, too, and enjoyed it enough to thank me for putting it in their hands... show less

Thank you YouTube and mrhandler for enabling me to 'read' this.

I have no idea how to rate it, though. I'm sure a child would gleefully cheer on first the elephant, and then the car salesman, as they each enjoy binges of smashing. However, I really wouldn't want my children to be exposed to all this mayhem, or to the idea that violent revenge is a great way to solve interpersonal problems.

Otoh, [b:The Pushcart War|542729|The Pushcart War|Jean show more Merrill|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1175650395s/542729.jpg|2092] was about escalating violent vengefulness, and I loved that book, and was not harmed by it. In fact, I may have developed my aversion to revenge by my many reads of that classic. Maybe this book is intended to teach the same lesson to littler kids - and maybe it would be effective. After all, I've learned that it's all too easy to underestimate the clear-eyed insights and perceptive wisdom of children. I'd love to know what your children think of this story and its message! show less

Delightful retelling of a Burmese folktale. I read this many times growing up, lost my copy over the years. I just found another copy, and enjoyed my reread as an adult.

The story of a King with no heirs who has a dream that the person who can bring him a song made from the four elements, a song that sings itself, will be wise enough to rule in his stead.