Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf
by Vladmimir Vagin
from the symphony by Sergei Prokofiev

This book tells the classic story of Peter and the Wolf. Peter disobeys his grandfather, but in the end, captures the wolf (with the help of the little bird).

At the end of this book, the author has included a description of the symphony, complete with musical excerpts from the orchestral piece. He explains which instruments portrayed the various characters in the story. He also included a page with information about Prokoviev. I really like the addition of these two sections, and I think it would be fun to read this story, while also exposing children to this musical composition.

This is a beautiful book, with artful illustrations. I've never loved the plot of this story- mostly because the boy doesn't listen to his grandfather, but in the end is rewarded for his disobedience. (As a parent, I struggle a bit with this message!) But, my own children love this story, and they are always amused by the silly duck and the bird quarreling.