Aesop's Fables

One of the earliest volumes ever printed in English was Aesop’s Fables, and these delightful, instructive little parables have never gone out of style. Though originally meant for all ages, it is generally considered the first real book to have an audience of children. Noted author John Cech—whose Classic Fairy Tale Collection has received wide critical acclaim—retells some of these best-loved stories in his own inimitable way. Martin Jarrie (illustrator of the bestselling ABC USA) enhances the tales as never before with his unique folk-style art, making this anthology one of the most beautiful and necessary volumes for any child’s bookshelf.

The beloved fables here include:

- The Fox and the Grapes
- The Ant and the Grasshopper
- The Vain Crow

- The Rooster and the Pearl

- The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

- The Tortoise and the Hare

- The Lion and the Mouse

- The Boy Who Went Swimming

- The Sun and the Wind

- The Monkey and the Camel

Plus: a note on Aesop

One of the earliest volumes ever printed in English was Aesop’s Fables, and these delightful, instructive little parables have never gone out of style. Though originally meant for all ages, it is generally considered the first real book to have an audience of children. Noted author John Cech—whose Classic Fairy Tale Collection has received wide critical acclaim—retells some of these best-loved stories in his own inimitable way. Martin Jarrie (illustrator of the bestselling ABC USA) enhances the tales as never before with his unique folk-style art, making this anthology one of the most beautiful and necessary volumes for any child’s bookshelf.

The beloved fables here include:

- The Fox and the Grapes
- The Ant and the Grasshopper
- The Vain Crow

- The Rooster and the Pearl

- The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

- The Tortoise and the Hare

- The Lion and the Mouse

- The Boy Who Went Swimming

- The Sun and the Wind

- The Monkey and the Camel

Plus: a note on Aesop

Publishers Weekly

In his afterword, Cech (Sterling's Classic Fairy Tale Collection series) credits Aesop's staying power to an ability to "make a point with economy, common sense, and sharp wit." Unfortunately, while the first two qualities are evident in this collection, there is little of the third, particularly in the often overwrought morals that cap off each entry ("Keep a steady pace, and even the slow can win the race," follows "The Tortoise and the Hare"). These retellings of the familiar fables (36 in total) feel schematic, as if they're the notes for better versions to come. All of this puts a heavy burden on Jarrie's (ABC USA) folk art-styled acrylic panels, and these consistently handsome, quirky images almost succeed in carrying the day. Jarrie's flattened perspectives suggest a world where the moral order is clear and fools are not suffered gladly; his animal portraits exude both a totemic charisma and a comically misguided single-mindedness. But with so many Aesop adaptations available, this one isn't likely to stand out. Ages 4-7. (Apr.)

John Cech writes plays, poetry, and fiction for both children and adults, and is a Professor of English at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He is also the Director of the Center for Children’s Literature and Culture and has served as a judge for The New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year, as well as the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards; was President of the Children’s Literature Association; and won the Chandler Award of Merit for his work in Children’s Literature.