Jolies Fables de La Fontaine

Abstract

This is a large-format (9" x 12") book of 63 pages offering a full-page colored illustration on the left-hand page for each of its fables. The emphasis is rightly on "jolies." These are pretty and even lovely paintings. The ant is an aristocrat who has come down snowy steps to dismiss the suffering grasshopper (8). The front-cover's image has a dapper fox remove his hat to make his comment to the cheese-holding crow (12). Perrette is running or skipping along the path in her apron (18). Among the strongest images is that of the gentleman with spats walking the boardwalk with his walking stick; he will become the judge of the oyster (22). We see the robber's point of view of the two mules before the attack (30). There are faces inside the two pots (36). The dapper town mouse knows how to run before the country mouse does (38). This is a thoroughly enjoyable book! Happy the child who spends time with it! T of C at the beginning.