The kingdom of Mirador is terrified of a monstrous, fire-spewing beast that lurks just outside the village walls. No one has actually seen the creature except for the king, whose constant reminder of impending danger turns the village gloomy and joyless. One spring day a troupe of musicians and their dog enters the gates. Suddenly there is fun and romance, song and dance. The people are no longer afraid - until the loathsome beast does, in fact, appear. What happens next will delight children and adults alike as the magic of art and music transforms screams of terror into peals of laughter. Drawing on details of Pablo Picasso's masterpiece Trois Musiciens, artist Vanessa Hie uses brightly hued watercolors, bold lines and graphic images to familiarise children with Picasso's style. The book closes with a reproduction of Picasso's original painting and an engaging lesson on the artist's use of images and symbols, his fascination with theatre and music and his passionate pleas for peace in the wake of World War I.

About the Author
Veronique Massenot is the author of numerous books for children, including The Great Wave and Journey on a Cloud, both by Prestel. Vanessa Hie is an author and illustrator of children's books.


Book Information
ISBN 9783791371511
Author Veronique Massenot
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Prestel
Publisher Prestel
Weight(grams) 546g
Dimensions(mm) 327mm * 248mm * 10mm