The Musicians of Bremen

Ladybird – Well Loved Tales Series 606D #2.8

by Vera Southgate, Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm

Four animals who are no longer wanted by their masters set out to become musicians in the town of Bremen, but along the way they encounter a den of thieves.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Classics, Short Stories, Fairy Tales

Hardcover

First published January 31, 1974

Reviews

[Valerie]

I think I actually read this in an English translation of the collections of the Brothers Grimm, or in one of the (color) Fairy Books. What I did NOT read was an illustrated version, so I can't speak to the quality of the illustrations in this edition.

The story of the Bremen Town Musicians is a perennial favorite. The discarded older animals make their own way in the world by cleverness and companionship. One point too many people seem to miss: the Bremen Town Musicians are convinced of their own musical talent, though others find them cacophanous (even terrifying). They conclude that the bandits have awarded them the house as a reward for their skill. They aren't trying to scare the bandits, though that is what happens. The elderly animals are kindly and noncombative, and mean nobody any harm. That's what I always liked best about the story, sincne too many of the tales collected by the Brothers Grimm are rightly called 'grim'.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly odd but charming little story.

[Sarah Baines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh?? It was all very strange. Wonderful illustrations but bizarre story and whose house was it that they decided to move into?? What happened to the person/people that lived there and had prepared all the food???🤔🤔🤔

[Neily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered reading this book when I was younger and I liked it. Very simple and not hard to understand. :)

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good enough, but nothing special. It may be a little violent for really young kids. (Such as talk of drowning the cat because she is old to catch mice, or cooking and eating the cock because he is too old to crow.)

I am pleased we read this book because I think maybe my son has never heard this famous tale before!

[Phil Syphe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a childhood favourite of mine. I read this countless times, but sadly remember little of it now.

Despite this, I get a "rosy" feeling whenever I think of it, as it recalls happy boyhood escapism.

Reckon the last time I read this story would be around 1984, thus I've put this in the details below.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story of finding your place,and being part of a family

[Petra Be · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember the story from my early childhood so it was nice to read it. Beautiful illustrations.

[ReadingSloph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This odd tale is very odd but entertaining. There seems to be no real point to the book but I'm sure that if I read it again several times I would find a moral or a point to the story.

[Jono Carney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of farmyard animals, previously destined for death, form a boyband and stumble across feasting robbers (whose crimes they foil by attacking the weakest of the group with a cock to the head).

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favourite children's book!!