The Grasshopper & the Ants
The Grasshopper & the Ants, by Jerry Pinkney, is a 2015 adaptation of the classic Aesop fable where a grasshopper relaxes through Spring, Summer, and Autumn, while a colony of ants work at gathering food for the Winter, but although initially refusing the grasshopper's request for help, they relent and invite him in to share.
Reception
Booklist, in a review of The Grasshopper & the Ants, wrote "Another winner to follow his other renditions of Aesop's fables.. Pinkney's lush style and Aesop's timeless fables are an award-winning combination.". and School Library Journal found it "A lively and engaging version of a favorite Aesop fable."Common Sense Media wrote "Though the washy watercolor and busy spreads of ants sometimes make it difficult to discern the finer details, a close reading yields benefits" and highlighted the story's message that "Art and entertainment are important, as is the sharing of bounty."
The Grasshopper & the Ants has also been reviewed by The Horn Book Magazine, Publishers Weekly, School Library Connection, and Kirkus Reviews.
Awards
- 2015 Best Illustrated Children's Books
- 2015 Parents' Choice Picture Books Award - Gold Award
- 2016 ALA Notable Children's Book - Younger Readers
- 2016 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year