The Carnival of the Animals, music by Camille Saint-Saëns, new verses by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPré, Alfred A. Knopf, 2010You probably know by now how much I love picture books like this. Combine whimsical poetry, illustration, and classical music, add one or more children and a cozy spot for curling up to look and listen, and you’ve got a real treasure. This kind of learning—environmental, multisensory, relaxed, purely enjoyable, simple—is a winner all the way around.
A big thank you to my friend, Christy, for loaning me her family’s copy of this book—I’ve wanted to get my hands on it for months. Jack Prelutsky’s poems are familiar, playful descriptions of each animal featured in Saint-Saën’s sparkling music, and Mary GrandPré’s colorful illustrations create a perfect backdrop for both. You really can’t lose.
