Aesop's Forgotten Fables
What’s inside...
This anthology revitalizes forty of Aesop's lesser-known fables, which have been rewritten by the talented anthologist, Fiona Waters, and sumptuously illustrated by renowned artist, Fulvio Testa. The collection includes fables such as The Fisherman and his Music, The Leopard and the Fox, The Eagle and the Arrow, The Astronomer and The Wolf and the Goat.
Discussion points
What lessons do you think the fable you just read teaches us?
How do you feel about the choices that the characters made?
Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation as one of the characters?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters and scenarios to life, altering your tone and pace to match the mood of the story.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After reading, relate the morals of the fables to real-life situations your child may encounter, making it more relevant and understandable.
Encourage your child to draw a picture or act out their favorite part of the fable, deepening their connection to the story.
Discuss your own perspectives on the fables' morals and encourage your child to express their opinions, fostering an open dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Aesop's Forgotten Fables', stories like 'The Lion and the Mouse' show that a small act of kindness can lead to unexpected benefits. When the mouse helps the lion, it teaches that even the smallest creature can make a big difference.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by helping others in everyday situations, whether it's sharing toys or helping a friend in need, nurturing a compassionate and supportive community.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Fables such as 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' demonstrate the repercussions of lying. By showing that the boy's lies lead to loss of trust, the tale highlights the importance of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be honest in their dealings with friends and family, understanding that trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: The story 'The Dog and the Shadow' portrays a dog losing his bone to greed. This fable teaches that being overly greedy can result in losing what one already has.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and be content with what they have, rather than risking it all for more, fostering a sense of gratitude and satisfaction.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: In the fable 'The Crow and the Pitcher', a thirsty crow fills the pitcher with pebbles to raise the water level to drink. It illustrates that persistence and creativity can solve difficult problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether it’s solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The impact of teamwork
Explanation: The fable 'The Bundle of Sticks' shows that sticks, when bound together, are unbreakable, symbolizing the strength of teamwork over individual effort.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in group activities at school, teaching kids the importance of working together to achieve common goals.