The Singing Rock & Other Brand New Fairy Tales

In this comics-format collection of four original fairy tales, Lachenmeyer and Blocker play with universal themes of identity, truth, and joy using a distinctly droll tone. In the opening tale, “Hop Hop Wish,” a genie is summoned unintentionally by a confused frog, who has absolutely no interest in the genie’s three promised wishes, and the frog’s rejection proves unacceptable to the persistent genie. In “The Singing Rock,” a “very disagreeable witch” is determined to silence a minstrel intent on “making the world better through song” and magically transforms him from a human into a series of farm animals. No matter his form, though, the minstrel pursues his musical dream, and his dedication bests the witch, who turns him into a rock in her frustration, forgetting that “whenever a witch turns something into something else, a tiny part of that thing will always remain behind,” allowing the rock to sing on. Blocker’s illustrations enhance the absurdist nature of Lachenmeyer’s stories, and her expert control of facial expression and body language add a layer of slapstick, which heightens the collection’s comedic sensibility. Odd and engaging, these fairy tales are sure to entertain. Ages 5–9. [em](June) [/em]