The Pied Piper of Hamelin - Deborah Hautzig & S.D. Schindler

 The Pied Piper of Hamelin is a folk tale originally from the Grimm Brothers.  The author writes as if this story could be true.  Apparently some aspects of the story happened in Germany many years ago.  Hautzig embellishs the rest.  It is a dark story especially for children in Grades 1-3.  Like a lot of original folk tales the Pied Piper is a familiar story.  Be prepared to explain concepts of death, missing persons, and kidnapping to your children.

POSITIVE:  It is an interesting story.  You children will want to know what happens at the end.

EDUCATIONAL:  The book is set in Germany and the time period seems to be in the 1800-1900's.  It is well written with a clear beginning, middle and end.

ACTIVITIES:

• Talk about what to do when a stranger approaches them
• Do a beginning, middle and end with your child and have them draw pictures
• Find Germany on a map and play a German game
• Explain what a folk tale is and show them different books in the genre

As always any comments or suggestions welcome!