The Fox and the Crow: (First Reading Level 3)
Usborne young reading. Series four
What’s inside...
In 'The Fox and the Crow: First Reading Level 3', Susanna Davidson retells one of Aesop's beloved fables. The story follows a cunning fox that uses flattery to trick a crow into dropping its food. This book, with vibrant illustrations by John Joven, is designed for young readers aged 4-7 who are starting to develop their reading skills. The easy-to-understand text and engaging visuals help enhance comprehension and retention, while also imparting valuable lessons on the consequences of vanity and the importance of being wary of flattery. Crow is very pleased with herself as she finds a delicious piece of cheese. Along comes Fox, who sees the cheese and wants it. The story unfolds in a humorous retelling of the timeless fable, which is part of the best-selling First Reading programme, written with expert advice from a reading specialist and charmingly illustrated by Colombian illustrator, John Joven.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the crow decided to sing, even though she was holding the cheese in her beak?
What could the crow do differently next time someone flatters her?
How do you think the fox felt when he got the cheese?
What is the moral of the story, and how can you apply it in your daily life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motives of the characters and ask them to consider different outcomes based on alternative choices the crow could make. Discuss the importance of being cautious when receiving compliments and the value of thinking critically about flattery. Use real-life examples of similar scenarios to make the story's moral relatable and understandable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking
Explanation: In 'The Fox and the Crow,' the fox uses flattery to trick the crow into dropping its cheese. This demonstrates how critical thinking is necessary to discern others' intentions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by questioning motives behind actions and words, helping them make better decisions in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of vanity
Explanation: The crow in the story succumbs to the fox’s flattery about its singing voice, leading to a negative outcome. This highlights how vanity can cloud judgment.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of humility and to be cautious of making decisions based on vanity or excessive pride.
Example Lesson: The power of words
Explanation: The fox uses persuasive language to deceive the crow. This story illustrates the impact that words can have.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of choosing words carefully and the potential influence they hold over others.