Learning lessons, such as the importance of kindness instead of harshness or quality over quantity, is often easier through stories. Immersed in a world of talking animals, gods and goddesses, and well-turned phrases, readers will absorb important life lessons from more than a dozen of Aesop’s fables. Accompanying illustrations in beautiful color add to the magic of stories like “The Dog in the Manger.” As readers are introduced to new fables and read through old favorites, they’ll acquire an understanding of strong character traits to help them navigate successfully in friendships, family life, and treatment of themselves.
The text is young and simple, and clearly portrays helpful morals through fun characters that young readers can relate to. All of the classic, best-loved fables have been included, as well as some lesser-known stories that have been retold to intrigue and entertain children for the very first time.
An immaculate blanket of snowfall, the blessing of an unexpected gift, the miracle of a Heavenly Child—surprises are ingrained into the very nature of the Christmas tradition. Yet, when the overwhelming spirit of the holiday season collides with the chance conflicts of everyday life, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the true meaning of Christmas in sight. A Dog in the Manger and Other Christmas Stories is a collection of tales that capture the chaos of the yuletide while also portraying the power of Christmas to shepherd souls of all kinds—young, old, hopeful, lost, content, confused—to confront and redefine faith in the face of spiritual adversity. Sure to inspire reflection and retelling, these stories celebrate the miracles of everyday life, showing that strangers can become angels, foes can become good Samaritans, and neighborhoods can become communities of faith. Even the most chaotic incidents bring people closer to themselves, their families, their communities, and to God during the Christmas season.
Being a good friend takes practice and effort. Loyalty, patience, and selflessness are key parts of friendship, and hard to put into practice when trying to recruit many friends instead of just a few. Aesop’s fable “The Hare with Many Friends” drives this point home to readers! They’ll take away similar lessons from the many other stories of Aesop, including “The Lion, the Fox, and the Stag” and “The Swan and the Goose.” All enhanced by hand-drawn illustrations, these fables help readers begin to understand strong character and the good it can bring to self and others.
The text is young and simple, and clearly portrays helpful morals through fun characters that young readers can relate to. All of the classic, best-loved fables have been included, as well as some lesser-known stories that have been retold to intrigue and entertain children for the very first time.
In Aesop’s fable of “The Horse and His Rider,” a boy buys a horse without asking if it has been broken for riding yet. As he mounts his new steed, the horse takes off at a gallop, clearly not ready to be ridden. The central lesson is a good one for readers to consider: act quickly without thinking and suffer the consequences. More than a dozen other fables offer wisdom and advice through their accessible text and charming, full-color illustrations. Readers will enjoy Aesop’s animated characters as they begin to understand that those strong in self and character always triumph.
A modern retelling of the fable in which a selfish dog uses a manger for a bed and prevents other animals from eating hay. Includes a table of contents, glossary, and reading activity.
"Aesop's Fables" by Aesop is a timeless collection of short stories and allegorical tales that impart valuable moral lessons through the actions and interactions of animals, mythical creatures, and humans. Spanning centuries and cultures, "Aesop's Fables" compiles a rich array of narratives, each serving as a vehicle for conveying essential truths and insights about human nature, ethics, and wisdom. These fables have endured the test of time due to their universal themes and the enduring relevance of the lessons they impart. The stories within "Aesop's Fables" often feature anthropomorphic characters, animals that possess human-like qualities and behaviors, which serve as relatable conduits for addressing complex concepts. Through their actions, dialogue, and interactions, these characters illustrate virtues such as honesty, kindness, humility, prudence, and the consequences of vices like greed, arrogance, and deceit. Each fable is typically concise and focused, presenting a specific situation or scenario that encapsulates a broader lesson. The moral of the story is often explicitly stated at the conclusion, providing clarity and guidance to readers of all ages. These morals serve as thought-provoking takeaways that encourage reflection on one's own actions and choices. "Aesop's Fables" not only entertain with their engaging narratives but also provoke contemplation about ethical dilemmas and the complexities of human behavior. By presenting moral dilemmas and their resolutions in a compact and accessible format, the fables encourage readers to consider the implications of their decisions and actions, thereby fostering personal growth and moral development. Through its enduring popularity and impact on literature, "Aesop's Fables" has become a cornerstone of moral education and storytelling. The collection's timeless wisdom continues to inspire readers of all generations to reflect on their values, make virtuous choices, and navigate the intricate landscape of human interactions.
