I picked up this books from the library for the illustrators, [a:Beth and Joe Krush|4955153|Beth and Joe Krush|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg]. They illustrated a lot of the chapter books when I was a girl, and I was curious how their work would do supporting a whole picture book. Well, I have to say, not quite as well. Still charming, though.

As to the text - Langstaff is apparently a folklorist, and he gives credit to Cecil Sharp, a composer interested in songs of Appalachia. I'll be looking for more by these two. But ah for the days when we could all read music and sing or key out a bit on a piano. I really have no idea how to read this rhythmic story - and without the song the story is just another Foolish Jack tale, wherein the boy trades a cow for a calf, a calf for a mule, every time getting shorted just a bit until finally he's left with nothing. And still his young bride loves him for his music and his cottage and his smile. ( )