The Pied Piper of Austin

By Salima Alikhan

"The story can be followed through the imaginative text and beautiful color illustrations of talented author/artist Salima Alikhan."
-Midwest Book Review

"A great little book . . . kids will enjoy it."
-Mexia News

"This book is beautiful both in storyline and illustrations."
-Suite101.com

In Austin, Texas, bats seem to be everywhere Just when the citizens begin to fear that their flying-critter situation is spiraling out of control, a mysterious man appears and offers to help them with their problem. At first, everyone is skeptical, especially when it seems that playing an elegant silver pipe is his solution. But as the melodious tunes fill the Austin air, bats suddenly surround the Piper, following him as he leads them to the Congress Avenue Bridge, where they hang out of sight.

The town rejoices until the Piper returns demanding payment from the mayor. When his request is refused, he retreats with warnings of consequences. Once again, he plays his enchanted pipe. Charming music moves through the city, but now the Piper has a new following-the children of Austin. After the Piper and the dancing children begin to disappear just like the bats, frantic parents realize that the Piper's threats were real. Finally, they promise to pay the Piper if he returns their beloved children. When he agrees to the compromise, the kids return to joyful cheers and hugs. The Piper collects his payment, and he is never seen or heard from again.

This is the classic tale of the Pied Piper told with a Texas twist. The strikingly colorful illustrations will inspire children's imaginations as much as the whimsical story itself.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589806298
• ISBN13: 9781589806290
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.6" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The earthy moral remains true to the original tale, with a little less tragedy in the outcome

"The Pied Piper of Austin" is a fabulous retelling of the old European fairy tale about the children and the Pied Piper of Hamlin. Instead of Hamlin, the location is Austin, Texas, and instead of rats, the plague is bats who live under the Congress Avenue Bridge! The rest of the story can be followed through the imaginative text and beautiful color illustrations of talented author/artist Salima Alikahn. Aimed at children ages 5-9, "The Pied Piper of Austin" will reach a new generation of Southwesterners with its special brand of piquant charm. The earthy moral remains true to the original tale, with a little less tragedy in the outcome.