The Peddler's Dream for reader and string quartet

The Peddler's Dream is the twelfth in a series of musical stories for children involving a small ensemble, reader, and solo instruments. The piece employs an adaptation by Judy Constantinides, the composer's wife and professional librarian, of an old folktale found in the lore of many different countries. The particular adaptation used in this piece was based on the English version. Composed for reader and string quartet, the work received its premiere and numerous repeat performances at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System branches in summer 2012. Judy Constantinides was the reader and the musical part was performed by members of the Louisiana Sinfonietta under the direction of the composer.

The other pieces in the series are The Dancing Turtle (1999). The Singing Cucaracha (2000), Lazy Jack (2001), The Penguin Parade! (2002), The Dancing Shoes (2003), Anansi and the Hat Shaking Dance (2006), The Cat That Walked by Himself (2007), How the Camel Got His Hump (2008), The Magic Pot (2009), The Frog Prince (2010), The Magic Snake (2011), Porridge (2014), Sody Sallyratus (2015), No Room! (2017), and Fair Is Fair! (2018).