|
From School Library Journal
Dobrin's 13 fables explore such themes as concern for others, sharing,
honesty, accepting differences, stubbornness, and freedom. In a note to
parents, the author suggests that adults encourage children to discuss the
stories freely and to come to their own conclusions. Indeed, instead of a
moral, each fable ends with a question to spark discussion. Rogers's
watercolor illustrations, executed in muted tones, depict animals filled
with personality and add a good deal to the stories. However, some of the
selections add a confusing element. For example, a story about a koala that
tries to return found money is complicated by the introduction of a wombat
that professes to have lost twice the amount recovered and accuses the
youngster of stealing. In addition, several of these fables are taken,
without acknowledgment, from well-known folktales (e.g., "The Kindness of
Squirrels" is much like the Jewish folktale, "Two Brothers," and "Boris,
Natasha, and the Giant Beet" is a version of "The Turnip"). Unless you have
call for such a special collection, stick with Aesop and the folktales
themselves. Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CT
|
