Animal Fables from Aesop [Hardcover]

Aesop (Author), Barbara McClintock (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of this classic depiction of Aesop on stage, here, in all their wisdom and humor, are the best of these timeless fables, selected and adapted by Barbara McClintock and illustrated in her inimitable nineteenth-century anthropomorphic style.

This collection contains the artist's interpretations of nine fables, including such familiar ones as "The Fox and the Grapes," and a fine selection of lesser-known examples, "The Wolf and the Lamb" and "The Crow and the Peacocks." All are revitalized by McClintock's uncanny ability to capture humanity, with all its strengths and weaknesses, in the expressions of her exquisitely drawn costumed creations. Filled with the delicacy of line and color that has come to be her trademark, these images are bound to please readers of all ages as well as collectors of fables for another generation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

McClintock ( Heartaches of a French Cat ) offers her interpretations of nine fables, chosen chiefly from among the better-known of Aesop's tales. Her animals are garbed in exquisite period clothing--breeches, waistcoats, top hats and fine gowns--and have expressive postures and faces. Recent seasons have brought forth several other Aesop collections, and there is considerable overlap among them. Rating these anthologies depends largely upon whether one prefers McClintock's straightforward tellings and anthropomorphic and highly detailed, almost rococo characters; or Margaret Clark and Charlotte Voake's light, playful touch; or Lisbeth Zwerger's soft elegance, to cite just a few entries. McClintock devotes more space to each tale than the other interpreters named, and this, along with the fact that several characters appear in more than one tale, gives a sense of the tales as unfolding dramas. Indeed, the "cast of characters" is first presented in a stage setting by a natty billygoat; taking their bows at the end, all pull off their animal heads revealing themselves as actors--humans all. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-- McClintock puts a clever new spin on nine familiar tales. Framed within a late 18th- or early 19th-century theatrical setting, a repertory company consisting of a fox, crane, cat, two crows, a lamb, wolf, two mice, and an assortment of supporting dogs and peacocks is introduced. These characters enact the fables that include ``The Fox and the Crane,'' ``The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,'' and ``The Crow and the Peacocks.'' The writing style of each is understated and slightly formal, in keeping with the setting. But it is the illustrations that stand out, beautifully reflecting the period. Executed in what appears to be dry-point engravings with watercolor washes, they are reminiscent of French engravings of the late 1700s. Dressed in proper waistcoats and ball gowns, the animals are a splendid sight. The colors are a mix of subtle earth tones with flourishes of intense reds, lavenders, and greens. The final page holds a surprise, as the entire cast removes headmasks to reveal smiling adults and children underneath. While the distinct setting of this collection is its strong point, it may also limit the book's appeal for young readers. Libraries boasting large collections of Aesop's fables will welcome this innovative addition. --Denise Anton Wright, Library Book Selection Service, Inc., Bloomington, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: David R Godine; 1st edition (October 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879239131
• ISBN-13: 978-0879239138
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,930,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Well-Written Fable Book, February 22, 2007

By 

Steph (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Animal Fables from Aesop (Paperback)

I can't believe someone would think this book is "just OK"...My 3 year old daughter loves fairy tales and I wanted to introduce her to fables. I bought several books I thought she would enjoy, but she wasn't really into them, until I bought this book. It is written as if all of the characters are in a play and the illustrations are incredible!! My husband and I also think this book is amazing. If you haven't bought any books illustrated by Barbara McClintock, you are missing out!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, what a find!, June 16, 2009

By 

Greg J. Lovern - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Animal Fables from Aesop (Hardcover)

I picked this up at the library tonight. I LOVE the illustrations. McClintock is practically the reincarnation of Sir John Tenniel.

The fables are retold in a child-friendly manner, but not unfaithful to the originals. I'm very glad to have the opportunity to read Aesop's fables to my kids with these excellent illustrations.

As soon as I'm done with this review, I'm going to put holds on all of McClintock's other books at the library. I can't wait to see more of her work.

Do yourself a favor and get this book! Both the kids and the grownups will love it.

0 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Average, March 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Animal Fables from Aesop (Hardcover)

it was o .k. but the imigary was lacking , I could not imagine the scenes in my mind.