Illustrated by two-time Caldecott Honor winner Pamela Zagarenski, this is the only picture book not only tells the story of Aesop but includes his most child-friendly fables.

A collection of animal fables told by the Greek slave Aesop.

"Aesop's Fables" by Aesop is a timeless collection of short stories and allegorical tales that impart valuable moral lessons through the actions and interactions of animals, mythical creatures, and humans. Spanning centuries and cultures, "Aesop's Fables" compiles a rich array of narratives, each serving as a vehicle for conveying essential truths and insights about human nature, ethics, and wisdom. These fables have endured the test of time due to their universal themes and the enduring relevance of the lessons they impart. The stories within "Aesop's Fables" often feature anthropomorphic characters, animals that possess human-like qualities and behaviors, which serve as relatable conduits for addressing complex concepts. Through their actions, dialogue, and interactions, these characters illustrate virtues such as honesty, kindness, humility, prudence, and the consequences of vices like greed, arrogance, and deceit. Each fable is typically concise and focused, presenting a specific situation or scenario that encapsulates a broader lesson. The moral of the story is often explicitly stated at the conclusion, providing clarity and guidance to readers of all ages. These morals serve as thought-provoking takeaways that encourage reflection on one's own actions and choices. "Aesop's Fables" not only entertain with their engaging narratives but also provoke contemplation about ethical dilemmas and the complexities of human behavior. By presenting moral dilemmas and their resolutions in a compact and accessible format, the fables encourage readers to consider the implications of their decisions and actions, thereby fostering personal growth and moral development. Through its enduring popularity and impact on literature, "Aesop's Fables" has become a cornerstone of moral education and storytelling. The collection's timeless wisdom continues to inspire readers of all generations to reflect on their values, make virtuous choices, and navigate the intricate landscape of human interactions.

Despite originating more than two-and-a-half thousand years ago, Aesop's Fables are still passed on from parent to child, and are embedded in our collective consciousness. The morals we have learned from these tales continue to inform our judgements, but have the stories also informed how we regard their animal protagonists? If so, is there any truth behind the stereotypes? Are wolves deceptive villains? Are crows insightful geniuses? And could a tortoise really beat a hare in a race? In Aesop's Animals, zoologist Jo Wimpenny turns a critical eye to the fables to discover whether there is any scientific truth to Aesop's portrayal of the animal kingdom. She brings the tales into the twenty-first century, introducing the latest findings on some of the most fascinating branches of ethological research – the study of why animals do the things they do. In each chapter she interrogates a classic fable and a different topic – future planning, tool use, self-recognition, cooperation and deception – concluding with a verdict on the veracity of each fable's portrayal from a scientific perspective. By sifting fact from fiction in one of the most beloved texts of our culture, Aesop's Animals explores and challenges our preconceived notions about animals, the way they behave, and the roles we both play in our shared world.

Includes a reader's guide and an author's note.

One hundred twenty-six best-loved fables of Aesop.