This is The House That Jack Built

Randolph Caldecott first illustrated this old rhyme, and now Caldecott Medal winner Simms Taback shares his own detailed, humorous version. The listening experience alone is delightful. The combination of sound effects, klezmer-like music, repetition of the text, and Mandy Patinkin's interpretation is engaging. Patinkin gives personality to each character--a somber, slow-speaking judge and a wailing maiden--and a charming cadence to Taback's textual embellishments. The opportunity to pour over the illustrations while listening is an added bonus. Choose a new home from the end papers, learn the parts of the cow's stomach, read Little Red Hen's description of the rooster, and identify the mystery guest. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

November 29, 2004
In a starred review, PW
wrote, "The artist fills the busy pages with abundant details and diversions. A zany and fun take on the 18th-century classic." Ages 4-up.