The Grasshopper's Song: An Aesop's Fable Revisited

Abstract

Just after the title-page of this lovely landscape-formatted book of about 9 x 8¼ is a two-page spread of the cast of characters. A reader quickly learns that we are in a judicial setting. James Jimmy Ignatius Grasshopper is the plaintiff. We see Judge Oscar Owl; counsels for the plaintiff Robin, Robin, Robin, and Wren; a bailiff; witnesses for the plaintiff; the defendants Nestor and Abigail Ant; counsels for the defense Moth, Moth, Butterfly, and Slug; and the jury. Members of the jury are introduced individually later on 18-19. At the very beginning Henry Sr. points out to Jimmy that he provided a service that the ants did not request. Jimmy wants to sue for respect. The firm's partners vote to take on the case. The case is presented as posing the question What is the worth of art? Osceola Slug for the defense gives a fine first speech. Its center: Well, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we are asking you to send a message. Those who fritter summer away will have to pay winter's price (27). The trial is carefully portrayed. The jury's verdict is that the two defendant ants must indeed pay half of their last summer's harvest bounty. Jimmy strikes up a tune and gets Nestor and Abigail to dance. This was a good day (53). This is a well made, enjoyable, and informative little book with a strong message. Page 13 has we didn't take low. Might that be a misprint or typo of some sort? I mistakenly ordered a second copy before I received the first.