In Austin, Texas, bats seem to be everywhere Just when the citizens begin to fear that their flying-critter situation is spiraling out of control, a mysterious man appears and offers to help them with their problem. At first, everyone is skeptical, especially when it seems that playing an elegant silver pipe is his solution. But as the melodious tunes fill the Austin air, bats suddenly surround the Piper, following him as he leads them to the Congress Avenue Bridge, where they hang out of sight. The town rejoices until the Piper returns demanding payment from the mayor. When his request is refused, he retreats with warnings of consequences. Once again, he plays his enchanted pipe. Charming music moves through the city, but now the Piper has a new following-the children of Austin. After the Piper and the dancing children begin to disappear just like the bats, frantic parents realize that the Piper's threats were real. Finally, they promise to pay the Piper if he returns their beloved children. When he agrees to the compromise, the kids return to joyful cheers and hugs. The Piper collects his payment, and he is never seen or heard from again. This is the classic tale of the Pied Piper told with a Texas twist. The strikingly colorful illustrations will inspire children's imaginations as much as the whimsical story itself. ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR Salima Alikhan is the illustrator of Pelican's Rocky Mountain Night Before Christmas. With a German mother and an Indian father raised in Pakistan, Alikhan grew up hearing a variety of fairytales, which aided her in developing an enchanted imagination. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and continues to pursue her passion of writing and drawing in Austin, where she resides. THE PIED PIPER OF AUSTIN Written and Illustrated by Salima Alikhan JUVENILE FICTION / People and Places JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales and Folklore / General 32 pp. 8 x 11 31 color illus. ISBN-13: 9781589806290 $15.95 04/09