The Ant and the Grasshopper. DVD. 8 min. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-57136-4. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-57138-8: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-57140-1: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 2–The ant is hard at work when she hears the lively music of the grasshopper and his bug band. The music heartens her and gives her the energy to toil on. Upon meeting the grasshopper, she’s enchanted by his tuneful ways and invites him and his fellow musicians into the ant colony so their music can bring joy to everyone. This story by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley (Roaring Brook, 2012) turns Aesop’s fable on its ear and celebrates the joy of community and music. Emberley’s vivid collage illustrations lend themselves perfectly to animation, and the exuberant jazz music takes listeners straight toNew Orleans. The DVD also contains a read-along option, but it covers large portions of the illustrations, even if only briefly. Stick with the regular viewing mode and enjoy a story that is vibrant both in word and picture.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way,WA