Musicians of Bremen

Gerda Muller is an acclaimed Dutch children's author and illustrator. Born in 1926 in Naarden, Netherlands, Gerda studied at the Fine Arts School of Amsterdam and L'École Estienne of Paris and has lived in France for over 70 years. Gerda's greatest inspiration is her love of nature and her picture books are treasured for their vibrant and detailed illustrations of the natural world. Gerda has illustrated over 120 books for children many of which have been translated into multiple languages. She is the creator of The Wildwood Elves, The Town Musicians of Bremen, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the wordless Seasons board books, Where Do They Go When It Rains?, A Year Around the Great Oak, and A Year in Our New Garden, a USBBY Outstanding International Book.

'Ms. Muller's pictures strike a satisfying balance between humour and refinement.'-- Wall Street Journal'This lovely, graceful treatment of the Grimm’s classic folktale of four elderly animals will be a great update to library collections... It’s hard to overstate the charm of Muller’s illustrations. The characters have so much personality and yet retain their animal qualities: the dog stops to scratch his ear with his hind leg, the cat pokes curiously at a tiny snail, and the rooster puffs up his little wings when he gets ready to crow. Wonderful details on every page will make this a version children return to again and again.'-- Youth Services Book Review, 5 stars'In this new retelling from Floris Books, Gerda Muller's illustrations are extremely attractive. The endpapers are gorgeous.'-- School Library Association'The detailed illustrations suit all ages of children.'-- Kindling'Warm and lively illustrations.'-- Homeschooling Abhi, InstagramPraise for Gerda Muller: 'Unpredictable, stimulating and ultimately confidence-inducing ... Gerda Muller draws each activity and animal with great detail and attention. Leaf shapes are accurate, and the picture of the children making their hideout from sticks and leaves is as good as a scouting manual; for readers with access to woods this could prove to be a useful as well as a handsome book.'-- The New York Times.com on A Year Around the Great Oak'An exquisite work of art with a timeless quality... This is a must for all libraries and schools.' -- Carousel on A Year Around the Great Oak 'A handsomely illustrated retelling of the classic cautionary tale, brooms and all.’ -- Kirkus Reviews on The Sorcerer’s ApprenticeA beautiful interpretation of the classic story with fabulously intricate pictures which will give extra enjoyment.' -- Creative Steps on Goldilocks and the Three Bears'The beautifully detailed paintings invite close inspection as the seasons change.' -- School Library Journal on A Year In Our New Garden ‘Gerda Muller’s enchanting illustrations, filled with details, will keep little readers engaged.’ -- San Francisco Book Review on A Year In Our New Garden‘Exquisite in beauty and detail.’ -- Youth Services Book Review on How Does My Fruit Grow?