Fiddler and His Brothers

One of Fiddler's brothers is strong as a bear, the other is fast as a horse. Fiddler, of course, plays the violin, and his popularity as music maker fuels his brothers' jealousy, particularly when he proves to have more abilities than just fiddling. He outwits two witches and recovers stolen goods for a kindly king and his family. As a reward, he's given fields and meadows, a horse and a bride. The traditional telling of this Swedish tale justifies its nonlocal, though unexceptional, appeal. Nygren's witches are elongated figures with stretched, semirealistic faces reminiscent of Far Eastern art. The more natural-looking portraits of the others are dressed in rich, bright colors and show familiar surroundings. Ages 5-8. (August)