About This Book

Award-winning author of over fifty children's books, Ann McGovern takes on the task of retelling 67 tales attributed to a Greek slave named Aesop. These simple, humorous tales illustrate the weaknesses and strengths of human nature and end with a proverb that teaches a moral. A range of characters populates the fables — people, trees, animals, insects, and gods — in perceptively rendered situations. A shepherd boy, for example, loses his entire flock of sheep because no one believes a liar even when he tells the truth. During a race with a tortoise, a hare learns the value of persistence over arrogance. A fox who walks away after failing to grasp a bunch of grapes illustrates how easy it is to despise what cannot be possessed. When a fox reveals that a donkey dressed up in a lion's skin is just a donkey, it proves that clothes cannot hide a fool once he opens his mouth to speak.

The light-hearted illustrations by A. J. McClasky are a fine accompaniment to this popular collection of fables. Never preaching, the tone of this collection is full of wit and practical wisdom. Readers will be particularly struck by the fables' clever proverbs, while identifying with the characters to learn appropriate codes of behavior. Use each proverb to prompt discussion on the importance of good conduct. The fables also provide excellent texts for dramatizations or puppet shows.