The Pied Piper of Hamelin - Softcover

Comedian Russell Brand is an international phenomenon. As well as starring in movies such as Get Me to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Despicable Me, he is also the author of seven books including the Sunday Times bestselling memoir My Booky Wook and Revolution. In 2011 Brand was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Comedy Award at the British Comedy Awards. He toured his most recent stand-up show The Messiah Complex worldwide. He regularly writes for the Guardian. Illustrator Chris Riddell is a Costa prize-winning illustrator, author and former Children's Laureate. He has worked as a political cartoonist for the Economist, the Independent and the Observer. He has illustrated an exceptional range of books and also writes and creates his own books, such as the highly-acclaimed Ottoline series and the Costa prize-winning Goth Girl series. @chrisriddell50 | chrisriddell.co.uk

Gr 4–7—In this retelling of the medieval German folktale, the hubris-filled residents of Hamelin are overrun by a polygamous, narco-egalitarian, rat collective of the worst order. Only "gammy-legged" Sam and his mother possess any measure of humility and kindness (for which they are later rewarded). As in the original, the citizens agree to pay the curious, almost otherworldly piper if he can remove the rats. When they later renege on their promise, the piper removes the children of Hamelin as well. As the musing, interrupting narrator, Brand quietly and thoughtfully delivers asides and astute observations as to the character of Hamelin's citizens, who include Fat Dave and Sexist Bob. As the piper, Brand's voice has an almost mesmerizing quality, like the legendary piper's music, lulling the listener into a contemplative state. Sadly, occasionally brilliant phrasing and subtle commentary are sandwiched between overly exuberant character voices and crass jokes. One can write a children's book with wryly amusing social commentary; one can write a children's book replete with poop and fart jokes. It is nearly impossible to balance the two. VERDICT It will be difficult for this book to find an audience outside Brand's existing fan base. Too bad. It had promise.—Lisa Taylor, Ocean County Library, NJ