Reviews for Aesop's fables

The average rating for Aesop's fables based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-06-08 00:00:00 Michael Hazelo Aesop's Fables by Lisbeth Zwerger is a collection of 12 fables with companion illustrations for each story; Town Mouse & Country Mouse, The Milkmaid & Her Pail, The Man & the Satyr, The Shepherd's Boy & the Wolf, The Hares & the Frogs, The Monkey & the Camel, The Fox & the Grapes, The Hare & the Tortoise, The Fox & the Crow, The Dog & the Sow, The Moon & Her Mother, and The Ass & the Lap Dog. Fables are said to have originated in Western culture by a Greek named Aesop. Aesop was witty and a popular story teller, but may not have been a single person. Fables were often transmitted orally in the 16th century B.C. and fables were retold with changes and new outcomes. Fables are usually fictitious and are meant to teach moral lessons. Of the 12 fables in Aesop's Fables by Lisbeth Zwerger my favorites were The Hares & the Frogs and The Dog & the Sow. 1) Town Mouse & Country Mouse - "Simple meals in safety taste better than feasts in fear" - Country Mouse. From this fable I took away that it is okay to be happy with what you have, even if your life isn't as fancy or exhilarating as some others. 2) The Milkmaid & Her Pail - "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched". This story teaches us not to set unrealistic expectations. 3) The Man & the Satyr - "I cannot be friends with a man who blows hot and cold with the same breath" - Satyr. This fable isn't so much a lesson, as it is a figurative term being used literally. People "blow hot and cold" based on their emotions but the Satyr takes this literally. 4) The Shepherd's Boy & the Wolf - "You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth". If you cannot trust someone, you never know whether they are being honest or deceitful. 5) The Hares & the Frogs - "There is always someone worse off than yourself". This fable was a little darker, considering the hares contemplated suicide. The lesson here is that things are not always as bad as they seem and life shouldn't be taken for granted. 6) The Monkey & the Camel - "Seeking popularity is the fastest way to lose friends". You should succeed on your own merits and not the merits of others. You will be liked for who you are. 7) The Fox & the Grapes - "It is easy to scorn what you cannot get". This fables teaches us that you shouldn't make excuses for your own inabilities. It makes you come across as spiteful. 8) The Hare & the Tortoise - "Slow and steady wins the race". Hubris is pride to a fault and that is what the story of The Hare & the Tortoise is meant to teach. You shouldn't discount what others are capable of. 9) The Fox & the Crow - "Don't be fooled by flatterers". Beware of the ulterior motives of others. 10) The Dog & the Sow - "Foolish comparisons lead to broken friendships". You shouldn't compare yourself to others because nobody's situation is the same. 11) The Moon & Her Mother - "Nothing ever suits one who is always changing". Someone who is changing cannot be regarded as one particular thing. 12) The Ass & the Lap Dog - "I was once respected for my honest labors, but by my foolish jesting I have made an ass of myself" - Donkey. You shouldn't try to be someone else and seek praise from others just because they have. You end up making yourself look foolish.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-02-28 00:00:00 Terry Thao I loved this book! "Aesop's Fables" which was selected and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is a delightful folklore collection that appeals to young and older alike. With its short stories and beautiful illustrations, these fables would be enjoyed by primary and intermediate readers for sure. Each story tells about the actions and interactions of both human and animals which lead to important lessons learned for both. I gave this collection of "Aesop's Fables" 4 stars because it touched my on several levels. The style of writing was easy and fun, and the illustrations were beautifully presented. The stories brought a smile to my face and moments of laughter to my heart and I thought about the folly of so many of the characters. Their predicaments are very relatable and the lessons they learned (hopefully) are timeless! Among my favorite lessons are: "Simple meals in safety taste better than feasts in fear"; "You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth"; and "Foolish comparisons lad to broken friendships." Much to think about - thanks, Aesop!