2002; "First published in the United States in 2002" stated on copyright page; illustrated by Kurt Wiese; The Overlook Press; hardbound; very good condition of book; dust jacket very good with very, very minor wear.
 
description -
Freddy the Pied Piper (orignally 1946) is the 14th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. It tells the tale of regathering circus animals following World War II, and of earning money to repair the disused circus equipment. (The title refers to an incident where Freddy pretends to pipe mice out of town.)
 
Plot -
On a snowy February 14, Freddy learns his friend Mr. Boomschmidt ran out of money for his circus during the war years, when performances were restricted. The animals scattered a year previously to manage for themselves. Freddy gets an appeal to reassemble them and find a way to finance restarting the circus. Valentines and Jinx the cat's painting aside, Freddy and Jinx go to Centerboro for advice. The bank will not loan money without collateral: “Chickens are off two cents, and lambs very weak. But rhinoceroses—not a very active market in them”. On a different matter, on Freddy's advice, the bank puts out cheese so the mice will not eat the money...