Aesop's Fables

Abstract

Here is a sturdy 144-page book with a fable on every page after the first six pages, which include a numbered T of C on 4-6. Each page has a strong colored cartoon at its top, and each adds a moral. I find it a good rendition of the fables with lively cartoons. There are some curiosities along the way. The shepherd's own goats on 7 are referred to as the later where we would say latter. The same question arises with betted on 21. Why might Rabbit and Frog on 11 mention that the frogs overheard the rabbits' suicide plans? And why have the frogs jump out of the river rather than into it? The version of UP here has a wolf bringing the good news that there is no killing. In this version the hen in the tree sees a lion coming (29). The Unfaithful Ass (129) has the dying ass ask Why the hell did I set out to fight? We do not find that language in children's books here. Despite the little stumbling blocks I have mentioned, I find these stories and pictures well done.