An international collection of folktales involving the enchantment of music, Play Me a Story presents nine stories taken from a rich diversity of cultures. From Mongolia to South Africa, the American Southwest to Germany, each of these selections emphasizes the significance of music and musicians in the traditions from which they spring. Here the reader will encounter:

The Pied Piper of Hamelin, that well-known German tale in which a stranger's magical fluting saves the city, only to be used to bring tragedy to its people when the mayor refuses to keep his word.

The Horse-Head Fiddle, a Mongolian tale in which an impoverished young herdsman named Suho wins the heart of the Khan's daughter, with the help of his beloved horse and his beautiful singing and playing. This story explains why Mongolian fiddles are decorated with a carved horse's head.

Fairy Music, an Irish tale in which a young man named Jack trades all three of his cows for a magical cricket and mouse, and a bumblebee with harp, who dance and play when he whistles a tune. Another tale in which the seeming simpleton triumphs, this time by winning the hand of the princess by making her laugh.

The Dancing Corn Maidens, a Hopi tale which explains how the three Corn Maidens came to the first people, teaching them how to grow and use corn, how they disappeared when they were no longer appreciated, and how they were convinced to return through song and ritual.

The Singing Drum, a South African tale in which a tiny young woman named Cuulu is kidnapped by a jealous failed suitor, and forced into his drum. This explanation for the "talking drum" can be seen in many African tales, and reminded me of Verna Aardem'a picture book, Bimwili & the Zimwi.

The Singer and the Dolphin, a Greek myth involving the famed lyre player Arion, who is saved by his good friend the dolphin when dishonest sailors who want to steal his treasure throw him overboard.

The Bewitched Snake Charmer, an Indian tale in which a gentle young princess named Sumitra marries an ugly, deformed man who makes the most beautiful music, eventually freeing him from a terrible curse.

Didgeridoo Magic, an Aboriginal tale from Australia, in which two young boys escape from the horrific evil spirit Ngarri, inventing the didgeridoo in the process.

And finally, The Painted Balalaika, a Russian tale in which Mashenka, the youngest and most virtuous of three sisters, is given a magic balalaika by her father, murdered by her sisters, revived through magic, and eventually married to the Tsar.

I enjoy themed folklore collections, and this was no exception. Some of the stories here were familiar, some new to me. I did wonder a little about their authenticity, particularly as Adler's sources (listed at the back) were all storytellers like herself. I was troubled by the fact that her source for the Hopi tale was a "Mayan" storyteller. I don't know enough about Hopi culture to judge this specific case, but I do know that there is a significant problem with "plastic medicine men" who coopt and distort Native American cultures for non-Native audiences, and I had to wonder if this "Floating Eagle Feather" was in that category. ( )