Aesop's Fables

by Saviour Pirotta, Richard Johnson (Illustrator)

Overview

This collection of eight fables brings Ancient Greece to life. The stories are retold with introductions that tell the reader all about Aesop's life as a slave and a storyteller, and explain the inspiration that lies behind his best-loved tales. Glorious illustrations by Richard Johnson complement Saviour Pirotta's warm and lively style, making this a collection to treasure. It includes stories such as: "The Cat's Bell"; "The Dog and the Wolf"; "The Lion and the Mouse"; "The Goose who Laid the Golden Egg"; "The Fox and the Crane"; "The Tortoise and the Hare"; "The Frogs who Asked for a King"; and "The Jay and the Peacocks".

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753476406
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	07/14/2020
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	8.71(w) x 11.15(h) x 0.48(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Saviour Pirotta has written more than sixty fiction and nonfiction books for children, and his works have been translated into ten languages. He has a special interest in myths and traditional legends from around the world. Saviour was born in Malta and is a trained chef.

Editorial Reviews

In her first book, German artist Drr uses pencil and charcoal to illustrate a particularly imaginative selection of 17 classic fables. Although many entries are familiar, Thuswaldner makes room for more unusual choices. In "A Dress for the Moon,'' for example, the moon's mother complains of the moon's ever-changing size, which makes her "the despair of the very best of dressmakers!'' The retellings are graceful and, true to Aesop, do not tack on any aphoristic morals. With its sophisticated design, however, the volume lacks child appeal. Sketchy and airy, the art is more conceptual than purely narrative; the duotone presentation may obscure the visual transitions between many of the spreads. Color remains the province of the type, printed in a distractingly bright, tomato red that seems almost to vibrate against the stark white paper. All ages.

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

A host of anthologies gather favorites old and new. In Aesop's Fables, Saviour Pirotta retells eight of the fables in the voice of Aesop himself ("My fables are short and simple. They are mostly about animals and simple country folk"). Richard Johnson illustrates most of the tales with one full-page, full-bleed painting and a smattering of spot art. A dramatic image of the lion caught in the net as the mouse attempts to free him is especially effective. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

A volume that is imbued with a decidedly European sensibility. The 17 selections range from the familiar "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse" 'to those that rarely find their way into American anthologies, e.g., "The Empty Head'' and "A Dress for the Moon.'' The fables are retold in a matter-of-fact style and are illustrated with large-scale pencil drawings. Drr is adept at depicting animals' forms, but her humans are slightly awkward. Also, in spite of some endearing scenese.g., a full-front closeup of the tortoise heading over the finish lineall of the characters remain objectified and distant. Perhaps the most disturbing quality of the art is that there is no moisture, sparkle, or sign of life within the creatures' eyes. With so many Aesop collections available, the need for this one is limited.

School Library Journal

A host of anthologies gather favorites old and new...A dramatic image of the lion caught in the net as the mouse attempts to free him is especially effective. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information. ” —Publishers Weekly

“Colorful, whimsical illustrations depict people and animals in Ancient Greece as gracious and joyful. An engaging introduction to these timeless tales.” —Children's Literature

From the Publisher