Aesop was an Ancient Greek story-teller and slave, famed and cherished for his short fables that often involve personified animals. In the renowned collection of works that is Aesop's Fables, he weaves moral education and entertainment together into tales that have been enjoyed by many, many generations. A lot of the stories in Aesop's Fables, such as The Fox and the Grapes (giving us the term "sour grapes"), The Tortoise and the

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The history of the fable likely does not originate with Aesop, however it is with him that we associate the fable's most ancient of known origins. Little is actually known of the life of Aesop. According to the historical accounts of Herodotus, Aristotle, and Plutarch, he was a slave from the Greek island of Samos who lived between 620 and 564 BC. Described as a strikingly ugly man he is said to have secured his freedom through his cleverness. Known...

Eight of Aesop's best-loved tales, specially adapted for young children and read by some of Britain's most well-known actors. The stories are: The Lion and the Mouse read by Richard Briers/The Caged Bird and the Bat read by Brenda Blethyn/The Fox and the Goat read by Jonathan Pryce/The Lion and the Elephant read by Alison Steadman/The Crow and the Pitcher read by Alison Steadman/The Fox and the Stork read by Jane Horrocks/Two Travellers and a Bear

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"A bored shepherd entertains himself by falsely telling townspeople a wolf is stealing his sheep. When a wolf really does appear, the twice-tricked townspeople are convinced the shepherd is lying, and no one comes to his aid. Additional features include pages defining fables and morals, an introduction to Aesop, a Think-About-It section, activities for further learning, and an introduction to both the author and illustrator"--Provided by the publisher....

A modern update on the classic fable of the lion and the mouse shares the relationship between two unlikely friends.

Two retellings (one modern, one traditional) of the classic fable about a hungry, but unlucky, wolf who tries to capture a tasty lamb for dinner by disguising himself in sheep's wool. Includes discussion questions and examines the moral of the fable.

Two retellings (one modern, one traditional) of the classic fable in which a tiny mouse helps a mighty lion, who once showed her mercy, escape from a trap. Includes discussion questions and examines the moral of the fable.

Two retellings (one modern, one traditional) of the classic fable in which a young boy's false cries for help cause him problems when he is really in need of assistance. Includes discussion questions and examines the moral of the fable.

Retellings of twenty-one classic Aesop fables, including "The Hare and the Tortoise" and "Belling the Cat," in updated language.