Aesop's Fables

Aesop’s Fables

Author unknown

Illustrated by: Charles Santore

JellyBean Press, 1988

52 pages

Picture Book – Traditional Literature

I chose this book because in my mind, Aesop’s Fables is one of the most basic forms of literature for children. We know that these stories have been passed down from generation to generation. Each time these stories are passed down, they pass along wisdom to the next generation. This book is comprised of several different fables. Lion fables, fox fables, and wolf fables are the different species that this book is categorized in. 

Although Aesop’s Fables does not have an author, it does have an illustrator. Charles Santore reinterpreted 24 of his favorite classic tales. His medium for his artwork is oil paint. His pictures are vibrant and eye catching. Each animal drawn could tell its own story just by the pictures. The warm, rich colors make the fables come to life.

This book is appropriate for children ages 5-8. Personally, I think Aesop’s Fables could be used to teach any age, even adults. Every fable in this book could be used for character education. In particular, “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” would be a great fable to read to 2^nd grade students about being cautious and watching for things that might get them in trouble. “The Wolf and the Crane” could be read to a 5^th grade class during a math lesson. The teacher would read the story then talk about how the crane was manipulated into putting its head in the wolf’s mouth. The teacher could relate that story to math by saying that students can manipulate numbers, in problems, to get them to do what they want them to do. “The Old Lion and the Fox” would be a great way to introduce an investigative science lesson to 3^rd graders. The teacher could read this fable and challenge the students to investigate and find science facts. The teacher could have facts hidden at each station. The student would have to go to different stations around the room and investigate the subject.