From Publishers Weekly
An even dozen of Aesop's fables round out this volume, which ultimately misses the mark. Orgel's (We Goddesses) retellings, spirited and brisk, engage readers' attention quickly and maintain a lively pace. Her introduction provides background and historical context for the tales. Kitchen's (And So They Build) illustrations, a series of beautifully detailed watercolor and gouache scenes, make full use of the book's oversize format. The problem lies in the fact that the fables do not conclude with a moral. Instead of ending with the expected bang, each of the parables concludes with a mini sidebar that contains a tidbit of information about ancient Greece, the culture in which Aesop lived. It's a good bet most readers would rather see "Slow and steady wins the race" at the end of the tale of the tortoise and the hare than find the name of Aesop's master and speculation about how Aesop might have befriended one of his fellow slaves. Like a symphony that ends on an unresolved chord, the omission will likely leave readers feeling dissatisfied and may result in this otherwise splendid picture book gathering dust on the shelf. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-Pairing a master of lifelike animal illustration with an expert reteller of ancient Greek folklore and mythology results in a strikingly attractive volume that should find a place in every collection. In addition to such widely known fables as "The Mice and the Cat (Belling the Cat)" and "The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf," lesser-known tales such as "The Lion and the Man" and "The Monkey and the Dolphin" have been included. Each of the 12 selections is presented on a double-page spread illustrated by a beautifully detailed watercolor accompanied by elegant, large typography and surrounded by white space and a narrow color border. Orgel's brief retellings, which use short sentences and simple language, are suitable for reading aloud. Her omission of morals at the end of the fables may trouble some purists but also makes this volume particularly well suited to discussion. Side boxes with small illustrations and brief snippets of information about life in Aesop's era add additional interest, as does the introduction to fables and Aesop. An excellent choice for any collection.
Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
