Les Fables de La Fontaine

Abstract

This book is identical with another that I have listed under 2003. Apparently it is an earlier printing. This copy has three sparkly little insects pasted on the inside front-cover. I will repeat my comments from that later printing. This book seems intermediate between the one presenting forty-one fables in 1992 and one presenting eight fables in 1995--both by Corderoc'h and both published by Lito. This edition presents thirty-three fables on 75 pages, with a following T of C. Let me include some of my comments from the larger 1992 edition, with updated pagination. Corderoc'h's illustrations emphasize cuteness and childlike fun. The characters all have round little eyes with black beads inside them. The dress of animals receives particular attention. One can spend a long time enjoying the stuff around in a picture, e.g., the junk in the cellar on 45. There is also an unusual interest in light slanting through windows on pages like 9 and 56. The cute factor comes in, e.g., when ant-children make a snow-ant (20-21). The best of the illustrations have the fox holding his backside on 37 and the stork enjoying its nest on 70. I am surprised by the relative positions of the turtle and geese on 51 and of the cat and monkey on 61.