Unwitting Wisdom: An Anthology of Aesop’s Fables

For over 2,500 years the simple stories and wry humor of Aesop’s fables have entertained children and adults alike. Their lessons have seeped into the very fabric of our language, as evidenced by expressions such as ‘sour grapes’ and ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing.’ Through the centuries many artists have risen to the challenge of interpreting their favorite tales. In this magnificent edition, award-winning illustrator Helen Ward has chosen a dozen of her favorite fables, creating with words and watercolors.

The Heart and the Bottle

Once there was a girl whose life was filled with all the wonder of the world around her. Then one day something occurred that caused the girl to take her heart and put it in a safe place. However, after that it seemed that more things were empty than before. Would she know when and how to get her heart back?

 

Penguin Pete and Little Tim

Penguin Pete is a proud father, and he can’t wait to show his son Tim the wonders of their chilly world. When Little Tim gets lost during a snowstorm, he’s not worried much–he knows his father will always save the day.

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse

Everyone loves Willy the wind-up mouse, while Alexander the real mouse is chased away with brooms and mousetraps. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be loved and cuddled, thinks Alexander, and he wants to be just like him until he discovers that Willy is to be thrown away.

Frog and a Very Special Day

Frog is excited — Hare has promised him that today will be a very special day. Nobody seems to know why, so Frog resolves to find out. Frog decides that Hare has been playing a trick on him…but has he?

Guess How Much I Love You

Little Nutbrown Hare loves big Nutbrown Hare as far as be can reach and as high as he can hop. But Big Nutbrown Hare loves him as far as his long arms can reach and as high as his strong legs can hop. Well then, Little Nutbrown Hare loves Big Nutbrown Hare right up to the moon.

Little Blue and Little Yellow

Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green! How they find their true colors again concludes a wonderfully satisfying story told with colorful pieces of torn paper and very few words.