Aesop's Fables (Mint Editions (Fantasy and Fairytale))
What’s inside...
In this collection of over three hundred fables, Aesop unravels the morals behind every action in human nature. Included are favorites such as 'The Shepherd-Boy and the Wolf,' 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' and 'The Dog and the Shadow.' These time-honored morals teach children that persuasion is better than force, slow but steady wins the race, and to look before you leap. Fables were used in ancient Greece as a means of persuasion, with the moral of a fable delivered indirectly. This helped philosophers such as Plato, Aristophanes, and Socrates argue controversial points without offending their audience. This limited edition cloth-bound book includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket, and is limited to 100 copies.
Age
8-13
Length
126 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Tortoise
The Hare
Discussion points
What lessons can we learn from the story of 'The Tortoise and the Hare'? How can we apply these lessons to our own lives?
How do the actions of the characters in 'The Fox and the Grapes' demonstrate human nature?
Why do you think Aesop chose animals to convey moral lessons in his fables?
After reading 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf', what do you think about the importance of honesty?
Which fable was your favorite, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on each fable’s moral and relate it to their own experiences or situations they have witnessed.
Discuss the characteristics of the animals in each fable and ask your child why they think those particular animals were chosen to convey the message.
Use the stories as a springboard to discuss the importance of virtues like honesty, persistence, and wisdom in daily life.
After reading a fable, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, emphasizing understanding of the core lesson.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they would end the story differently and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy.
Explanation: In 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf', the boy’s repeated lies about a wolf attacking his flock lead the villagers to disbelieve him when a wolf actually appears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of telling the truth so that others will trust their words in critical situations.
Example Lesson: Slow and steady wins the race.
Explanation: In 'The Tortoise and the Hare', the overly confident hare loses a race to a slow-moving tortoise because he underestimates the value of consistent effort and takes too many breaks.
Real-World Application: This story teaches children the value of persistence and consistency in achieving goals, regardless of others’ apparent advantages.
Example Lesson: It's important to be prepared.
Explanation: In 'The Ant and the Grasshopper', the industrious ant works hard to prepare for winter, while the carefree grasshopper fails to do so and suffers as a result.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of planning ahead and working hard to prepare for future needs.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and understanding limitations.
Explanation: In 'The Frog and the Ox', a frog tries to inflate himself to the size of an ox but bursts instead. This highlights the dangers of envy and self-deception.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand the importance of knowing their own limits and being content with themselves.