THE LITTLE SWINEHERD AND OTHER TALES

Fables, first published in 1978, appear in a newly illustrated edition. A duck who is a theatrical agent hears about a goose who is a wonderful storyteller. Being rather short of talented clients at the moment, he decides to listen to her stories in hopes of convincing her to turn professional. Despite harassment from an audience of frogs, he listens to stories: about an orphaned swineherd whose life takes a turn for the better when he is abandoned by his guardians, a truth-telling alligator tormented by goofy scientists, a conceited rooster who finds a mirror, and a young, self-pitying raccoon who learns to play the flute in the especially beautiful and effective piece ``The Raccoon's Song.'' It's an oddball assortment, entertaining and occasionally thought- provoking, in a sweet new package. The whimsical, childish quality of the pictures nicely matches the text; the humor is dry and the poignancy understated. (Folklore. 8-12)