Fables

 

Lobel, A. (1980). Fables. Mexico: Harper Trophy.

LS5360: Caldecott

This was one of my favorite books to read with my children when they were little because we could do one fable at bedtime each night.  Twenty, one page fables with one line “lessons” concluding each. One picture per fable. Simple!  I remember even using this book as a ninth grade English teacher and how the kids still loved to have a story book read to them.  The artistic style of the rich illustrations is cartoon art, with pictures done in mostly colorful, muted tones.  Each animal depicted has a personality to match the fable – the expressions on their faces, their activities, and the way they hold their bodies all contribute to give readers an impression. Plus, each picture is quite detailed, and my kids enjoyed pointing out the nuances of the well-done illustrations. Lovely!