Forty Fun Fables: Tales that Trick, Tickle and Teach
not part of a series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Animals don't talk but they appear in fables to tell us about our very human selves. This classic collection of whimsical stories is told simply with wit that appeals to children of all ages. Whimsical stories from this collection include Aesop Fables such as 'The Sick Lion and the Sly Fox' and 'The Rabbits and the Frog' along with unique adaptations of stories from a wide spread of cultures such as 'The Fussy Mouse' and 'How Momma Mouse Confused the Cat.' At the end of each fable, the authors offer 'The Moral of the Story' to help guide student interpretation. They also noted that their goals for the book were to make sure that the stories could be easily integrated into lesson plans by teachers, meanwhile simplifying the stories to make them fun for students to read aloud in class and to retell in their own words. In reading these tales, the lessons of many cultures are passed along and wisdom is shared. Young readers will be highly engaged and entertained by the fools, tricksters, and clever characters who appear in these timeless stories. These Aesop fables will also teach young readers the importance of citizenship, trustworthiness and caring.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-17
Length
98 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lesson did you learn from your favorite fable in the book?
Which character's actions surprised you the most, and why?
If you could be any character from the fables, who would you choose and what would you do differently?
How do the tricky situations in the fables help the characters learn important lessons?
What is one fable you would like to share with your friends? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, pause after each fable and ask your child what they think the moral of the story is, fostering a deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the fables and discuss how those changes might alter the lessons learned.
Relate the fables to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them connect the stories to their own experiences.
Create a fun activity where your child can draw their favorite scene or character from the book, which can lead into a discussion about why they made that choice.
Ask your child to pick a fable to read aloud together, enhancing their reading skills and making it a fun, interactive experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Several fables in 'Forty Fun Fables: Tales that Trick, Tickle and Teach' highlight characters facing consequences for their dishonesty, effectively demonstrating the value of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of telling the truth and how it fosters trust and credibility in their relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book features characters that encounter various challenges and emphasizes creative solutions, encouraging kids to think critically and innovatively.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the ability to approach obstacles in their everyday life, whether in school assignments or interpersonal conflicts, with a problem-solving mindset.
Example Lesson: The strength of kindness
Explanation: Characters in the fables who practice kindness are often rewarded, teaching children that compassion can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand that their acts of kindness, such as sharing and helping others, are valuable and can lead to stronger friendships and a supportive community.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Martha Hamilton’s fables often portray characters who face negative consequences for their greedy behavior, illustrating the pitfalls of selfishness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value generosity and the importance of considering others' needs, which helps them develop empathy and social responsibility.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Many stories within the book showcase characters who successfully adapt to changing circumstances, highlighting the benefits of flexibility and open-mindedness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being adaptable in their daily life, helping them to embrace new experiences and deal with change positively.