Aesop's Fables [Hardcover]

Beverley Naidoo (Author), Piet Grobler (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 2011 | Age Range: 5 - 11 years | Lexile Measure: 770L (What's this?)

A little mouse saves the life of a great lion; hungry Grasshopper, too lazy to store food, gets no mercy from the industrious ants; crafty Jackal tricks Klipspringer to escape death - but is himself tricked by the cock and the dog…. Here are 16 of Aesop's wise, witty and timeless fables, portrayed for the first time in an African setting. This is an exciting new interpretation of one of the world's great classics.
This unique story collection is vividly illustrated by Beverley Naidoo's fellow South African Piet Grobler, an internationally acclaimed illustrator. The two have previously collaborated on The Great Tug of War for Frances Lincoln

Editorial Reviews

Review

A delightfully illustrated book to pick and choose fables, or just read all the way through, while enjoying the vibrant colours of Africa in Aesop's world. Armadillo Magazine Get hold of this book and treat yourself to a masterclass in witty, tender and tough story telling... Treat this book as a collection of easy to read stories, as a re-telling of some ancient fables, as a witty comment on talking animals, as stories to share with 6 to 60 year olds, as lessons for the living... it will not disappoint, and will draw you back again and again. School Librarian

About the Author

Beverley Naidoo was born in South Africa, grew up under apartheid and was arrested for taking part in the resistance movement. In 1965 she came to England. Her first book, Journey to Jo'burg, won The Other Award in Britain. For her book Chain of Fire she had to rely on reports and photos smuggled out of South Africa. The Other Side of Truth won her the Carnegie Medal. She lives in Bournemouth.

 

Piet Grobler grew up in South Africa and has degrees in Theology, Journalism, and a Masters degree in Fine Art. Among his many illustration awards are a bronze plaque at the Biennale, Bratislava, the Octogone de Chêne (France), Primo Alpi Apuane (Italy), Noma Concours (Japan) and the IBBY Honour List in 2001 and 2006. He illustrated Beverley Naidoo's The Great Tug of War for Frances Lincoln, as well as Fussy Freya by Katherine Quarmby and All the Wild Wonders, edited by Wendy Cooling. He lives in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Product Details

• Age Range: 5 - 11 years
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1847800076
• ISBN-13: 978-1847800077
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.6 x 10.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #879,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sparkling stories December 19, 2011

By Debnance at Readerbuzz

Format:Hardcover

As Naidoo notes in her introductory letter to the reader, Aesop's fables aren't like European fairy tales, with endings where everyone lives happily ever after. Instead, Aesop's fables are African, with real life consequences.

This is a delightful collection full of familiar stories, tweaked to make them sparkle in beautiful African ways.

"One blistering hot day in the middle of summer, Lion and Warthog had the same idea. Get down to the waterhole and drink! They arrived at the same time and at the very same spot.

`I go first!' growled Lion.
`Hayi khona! Oh no you don't!' retorted Warthog."