Books

John Lithgow's word play, inspired by Camille Saint-Saens' 1886 composition, provides a narrative arc to the piece for the first time. Lithgow created the text for the New York City Ballet production of Carnival of the Animals, created by Christopher Wheeldon, Resident Choreographer. Mr. Lithgow narrated and performed the role of "Mabel Buntz," the school nurse, at the premiere performances in 2003. This delightful children's book is 11-3/8" x 9-3/4" with colorful, witty illustrations by Boris Kulikov. Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, it has 34 pages and includes a CD of Saint-Saens' suite, performed by Chamber Music Los Angeles under the direction of Bill Elliott, complete with John Lithgow's recitation of the text.