Aesop's Fables

Aesop's Fables
illustrated by Arthur Rackham

The Moral Of The Story Is...!

This is a book that has been sitting on my book shelf for some time now, and back in 2013 I began going through these stories as part of the Moral Of The Story challenge that I never actually got around to finishing.

Contained within these stories are a number of classic characters that have a familiarity about them, such as 'The Man', 'The Old Woman', 'The Fisher' and 'The Woodman'. However there are also a great many more characters in these stories that are animals of one sort or another, such as foxes, wolves, horses and mice. It is through these simplistic and uncomplicated character and animal archetypes that these stories are able to be understood for what they are without the complications that more complex human interactions can bring, giving the moral to each story a more powerful impact.

Aesop's Fables is a collection of 285 fables that are, if not actually written by Aesop himself, than are Aesop like enough to be attributed to him. As there are some who may argue the authorship of these fables the point is not who wrote these fables but the moral of these fables themselves. Although old in their origin, and at times dated in their context, the morals these stories offer are timeless as each has the potential to offer wisdom as well as whimsy to those who take the time to read them. These are stories not only to entertain both the young and old, but also to give one something to think about.

 

Aesop's Fables

Aesop's Fables

 

On sale: 08 September 1992
Price (AU): can be found Free online
ISBN: 9780517171981
Recommended age: all ages
In a word: Fables
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Brave

Brave adapted by Irene Trimble
 

'Book Of The Film'
 

Once there was an ancient kingdom ruled by a much loved king and queen. The king was a large and fierce man who had fought the great bear Mordu and lost a leg in the struggle. But that did not stop him from his bear hunts and for this he became known as the Bear King. The queen was a knowledgeable and beautiful lady who felt it her duty to pass on all she knew to her daughter Merida, the princess.

As a princess, Merida had many duties, responsibilities and expectations heaped upon her, but it was her mother, the queen who pushed her to be perfect.  Merida knew she could not live up to her mothers ideals and struggled to make her mother understand that she was not like her, that she would never be like her, but her mother, the queen refused to listen. So Merida took drastic action resulting in her mother becoming a bear, a dangerous thing when your father is the Bear King.

Brave, the book of the film, is not your typical Disney princess story. There is no handsome prince rushing to the rescue of a princess in distress. There is only a princess who through selfish actions creates a rift in her kingdom, not to mention turns her mother into a bear, and must stand alone to set things right, saving her kingdom from war and her mother from death.

Those who have watched the movie may note the numerous though minor changes that are present throughout the dialogue and the action within this novel. However despite this distraction, this is a heartfelt, humorous and entertaining tale to enjoy on its own or as an accompaniment to the movie.

Brave

(includes 8-page full-color insert of scenes from the movie)
On sale: 22 June 2012
Price (AU): $8.44
ISBN: 9781445495101
Recommended age: 8+
In a word: Merida
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Brave (Little Golden Books)

Brave (Little Golden Books) by Random House Disney
  

A Princess Follows Her Own Path!
  

Merida is a princess who feels her mother does not understand her; Elinor is a Queen who feels she knows what is best for her daughter. Through miscommunication and a magical spell cake, Merida and her mother must learn to listen to each other and love each other for who they are.

Brave (Little Golden Book) is a charmingly simplistic story of a mother daughter relationship that is simple enough for your little one to follow along with, accompanied by adorable images children will enjoy. A loving story that will be a special favourite for little girls.

Random House Disney

Brave

On sale: 15 May 2012
Price (US): $3.99
ISBN: 9780736429016
Recommended age: 2+
In a word: Merida
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Wild Child

Wild Child by Jeanne Willis
illustrated by Lorna Freytag

Into The Wild!

In the wild lives a child, she lives all alone. She is the last of her kind and the earth is her home. Other children lived there once, but they were all taken away. Made to stop and sit still, made to behave and to stay. But one child in the wild is still free to be, never tamed and held back, she is happy and free.

Wild Child is curious, adventurous and brave. Enter her world and you'll want to stay. She lives in a world filled with nature, beauty and fun. She'll make you want to play, skip, hop and run. She is an inspiration as is the images that hold her, and her simple little story will bring pleasure, wonder and laughter.

Jeanne Willis Webpage
Lorna Freytag Webpage
Mary Losure @ Walker Books

On sale: 01 January 2012
Price (US): $27.95
ISBN: 9781406323085
Recommended age: 1-5
In a word: Wild
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Wombles

The Wombles by Elisabeth Beresford

Meet The Wombles Of Wimbledon!

Living under Wimbledon common and keeping the greens clean and tidy are a family of Wombles. For years it has been their duty to collect, clear and recycle any and all manner of things we messy humans leave behind. Form scarves and umbrellas to buses and cement trucks, the Wombles have managed to reuse and borrow all that they need. But it's not just at Wimbledon where Wombles can be found.

The Wombles introduces these much loved creatures to a new generation of young readers. With their mini adventures, various foods and capacity for finding the lost and discarded, these delightful Wombles will have you laughing along with them in their various antics. A much loved story that children of all ages will adore.

Elisabeth Beresford @ Bloomsbury Australia
The Wombles

On sale: 11 December 2010
Price (AU): $13.99
ISBN: 9781408808375
Recommended age: 4+
In a word: Womble
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Scariest Thing of All

The Scariest Thing Of All by Debi Gliori

I'm Not Afraid!

When a scared little rabbit one day finds himself all alone in a scary place hearing scary sounds, he makes a most shocking discovery. The scariest thing of all is not a gobbler blowing bubbles, not a vast hisster weaving its web, not even a giant wood troll thumping its teeth. The scariest thing of all is not at all what you'd expect.

The Scariest Thing Of All is a fun and exciting children's tale that will enchant it's young readers not only with it's tale of scary critters but also with its cute and shadowy images. This sweet and haunting little story will show that no matter how little one is, there is nothing scary about 'things'. A scary little tale that isn't really that scary at all.

Debi Gliori Webpage

Debi Gliori @ Bloomsbury Australia

On sale: 01 December 2011
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9780747599692
Recommended age: 2-6
In a word: Scarry
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Dutchess Of Whimsy

The Duchess Of Whimsy by Randall & Peter de Seve

Never Judge An Earl By His Sandwich!

The Duchess of Whimsy has always been whimsical in her love of all things, well, whimsical. She surrounds herself with strange pets and intriguing people, she wears the most extravagant of dresses and talks of all things peculiar. But the one thing she can not stand is boring normal. Or so everyone thought...

The Earl of Norm has always been quite sensible in his liking of everything normal. He has the most ordinary of pets and dresses in typical clothing. He talks only to the most level-headed of people on the most drab of topics. But the one thing he can not be is extraordinarily whimsical. Or so everyone thought...

The Duchess Of Whimsy and the Earl Of Norm are two people who know very little about each other except for what they see on the outside, but once they get to really know each other they discover that they have more in common then either could have imagined. A perfectly charming story illustrated in dreamy watercolour.

Peter de Seve Webpage

On sale: 29 October 2009
Price (AU): $25.95
ISBN: 9780399250958
Recommended age: 4+
In a word: Whimsy
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Leaf

Leaf by Stephen Michael King

Grow Your Own!

While escaping from a pair of scissors threatening to take his hair, a young boy runs outdoors and into a large green bush. When a little bird fling over with a seed in its mouth accidentally drops his seed on to the young boy's head a wondrous thing happens.

Leaf is an amusing and adventurous book where the words maybe absent but the story is loud, bold and a lot of fun. This is a book of noise and sounds about nature and life and how all things are connected. A wonderfully bright and engaging book that highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of taking care of the world around us.

Stephen Michael King Webpage

Stephen Michael King @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 April 2010
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781741696776
Recommended age: 3-5
In a word: Leaf
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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You

You by Stephen Michael King

You Make My Day!

A little one has set out to show just how much he cares for his friend, bringing colour to their life while sharing all the brightness and beauty of the world. But the most colourful thing in the world is his friend.

A little one has set out to show just how much he cares for his friend, bringing music to their life while sharing all the harmony and melody of the world. But the most musical thing in the world is his friend.

A little one has set out to show just how much he cares for his friend, bringing excitement to their life while sharing all the highs and lows of the world. But the most exciting thing in the world is his friend.

You demonstrates just how much more enriched, colourful, musical and exciting life is when shared with those you love. Just as this book is more enhanced, vibrant, sweet and moving when shared with a special little loved one. A dear little book as bright in imagery as it is touching in meaning.

Stephen Michael King Webpage

Stephen Michael King @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 May 2010
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781741696226
Recommended age: 0-2
In a word: You
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Bear with the Sword

The Bear with the Sword by Davide Cali

illustrated by Gianluca Foli

You've No One To Blame But Yourself!

Once upon a time there was a bear with a sword. No one knows how a bear came to own such a possession but own it he did. The bear was very proud of his sword; it was very sharp and very powerful and bear loved nothing more than to cut things with it.

The bears' sword could cut through anything, and just to prove how strong it was bear began cutting everything he could see, including a whole forest. But eventually bear became hungry and put down his beloved sword in order to find food.

Not long after, in the early morning, bear made a frightening discovery. His strongly built home that could keep out any enemy had failed to keep out water, and as the water flooded in bears' home was destroyed. Upset and very angry, bear set off to discover who was responsible for destroying his home so he could cut them with his sword.

As Bear travels from place to place he meets many different and unhappy creatures who have themselves been affected by troubling events, and somehow all these events are linked to the flood that destroyed bears' home. But who is ultimately responsible? And what will bear do once he finds them?

The Bear with the Sword is a beautifully presented tale that allows young readers to easily grasp the concept of actions having consequences. Through ignorance and lack of respect bear recklessly destroys more than just a few trees when he takes his sword to the forest, but realising his mistake bear is able to take responsibility for his actions. A strong role model for all young children, this is a book every parent should have on their shelves.

Davide Cali @ Wilkins Farafo

On sale: 01 March 2010
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780980607048
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Thoughtlessness, Thoughtfulness
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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An ABC Of Pirates

An ABC Of Pirates by Caroline Stills

illustrated by Heath McKenzie

Where Going On A Treasure Hunt!

A Pirates life is an exciting life that is full of Adventure, Mutiny and Treasure. It is a messy and unpredictable life on the seas that at any moment can erupt in a sword fight, be responsible for a kidnapping, or see one mutinied on a deserted island.

However things are not always as they seem when you sail with a Pirates, for there is a lot that is strange and unelectable, for example the astronaut on the anchor, the fairy in the netting, and the vacuum cleaner in the bathtub. Or possibly that's only just the start of what you'll find when you sail through these fulfilled pages.

An ABC Of Pirates is a whimsical and funny story full of surprises and hidden treasures. Offering hours of fun in a Where's Wally style hunt for items of the alphabet. A charming book to introduce your little Pirate or Landlubber to the alphabet.

 

Caroline Stills Webpage

(illustrator) Heath McKenzie Webpage

Caroline Stills @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 March 2010
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272776
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Pirates
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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Little Blue

Little Blue by Gaye Chapman

'Little Blue Was Lost'

Little Blue had been lost for a very long time. Alone in the forest Little Blue was one day discovered by Will, a boy out walking in the forest.

Little Blue's home had steps to the mountains; Will's home has a path to the hills. Little Blue's home had blue trees; Will's home has green trees. Little Blue's home had Father and bluebirds; Will's home has Grandmother and hens.

Little Blue and Will searched all over but still could not find Little Blue's home. But as Little Blue followed Will to his home they made an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

Little Blue is a simple yet delicate and touching story that is absolutely beautifully presented. A charming book to treasure and share with those you love.

 

Gaye Chapman Webpage

Gaye Chapman @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

 

On sale: 01 December 2009
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781921541209
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Lost
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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Goblins: Pop-up Book

Goblins: Pop-up Book by Brian Froud

'Goblins Don't Exist'

Edward knew that Goblins existed and wanted to share that knowledge with Myrtle, so he took her to the woods to show her the Goblins there. To prove they existed. For Myrtle was not ready to believe until she could see them for herself.

While walking through the woods Edward pointed out all the Goblins he could see to Myrtle, and there were plenty to be seen. However Myrtle never saw them. Edward saw Goblins everywhere in the woods, but all Myrtle saw were thorn trees, toads, mounds and a cross-eyed bat. But no Goblins.

Goblins is a book full of fun and surprises, it is also a book that has been well loved and seen a lot of use; at least my copy has. Brian Froud's illustrations are both mysterious and ethereal, guaranteed to enthral and amuse all who set eyes upon its pages.

 

Brian Froud Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

 

On sale: 27 October 1983
ISBN: 9780216914650
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Goblins
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Faeries Pop-Up Book

The Faeries Pop-Up Book by Brian Froud

Mortals Beware, There Be Faeries There!

The world of Faerie is a land of magic and mystery that is not always sweet and innocent. Many a lost and blundering soul has met with danger through inadvertently stumbling upon some sacred faery gathering or land, never to see their way home again.

There are many different kinds of faeries. Some are the traditionally beautiful faeries that dance amongst fairy-ring, some are the tricky and pesky pixies that love nothing more than to gambol and steal horses, and some are goblins who are the villains of the faery land, causing trouble and thieving whenever they can.

But Faeries are also known for the treasures they hide, the enchanting music they play, and the flora that is the link between their world and ours. One must always be careful when walking in the woods, or reading this book, for you never know when a faery may pop-up and surprise you.

Taken from FAERIES, by Alen Lee and Brian Froud, this engaging book is your guide to all things faery, bringing to life the beauty and danger to be found is a world that is steeped in magic and wonder.

 

Brian Froud Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

 

On sale: 02 October 1980
ISBN: 9780722657058
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush! by Margaret Wild

illustrated by Bridget Strevens-Marzo

A Walk Through The Reeds To Create A Sleepy Hush!

Baby Hippo couldn't sleep; he was too awake and too full of energy for sleep. Baby Hippo played and rolled about, he wriggled and moved, and still he was too full of energy for sleep. Baby Hippo turned upside down and stood on his head, he waggled his legs and moved them about in the air, and still he was too full of energy for sleep.

It was time for Baby Hippo to sleep; his mum was calling him to sleep. But Baby Hippo was not sleepy, so he decided to take a walk instead. He trotted through reeds, mud, rocks, grass and trees. Along the way Baby Hippo meet with all kinds of baby animals, all with their mums, being called to sleep. Baby Hippo wanted his mum, he wanted to go to sleep.

Hush, Hush! is enchanting and warm. Baby Hippo's walk is highlighted by gorgeous and delightful illustrations that compliment its light and musical narrative. It's a lovely story of mothers and their babies, for mothers and their babies. A story both whimsical and sincere that will be well loved.

(illustrator) Bridget Stevens Webpage

(illustrator) Bridget Marzo Webpage

Margaret Wild @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 November 2009
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272868
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Hush
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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Me and You

Me and You by Janet A. Holmes

illustrated by Judith Rossell

What I Like Best...!

Little rabbit is one happy bunny. There are many things little rabbit loves about being a rabbit, many things he can do that make him happy. Little rabbit can hop, skip and jump, swim like a fish, run with a kite and climb up a tree.

Everyday little rabbit does many different things that make him happy and everyday when he hop, skips and plays little rabbit plays with a friend by his side. Although little rabbit loves to play, nothing makes him happier than doing those things with his best friend, little mouse, by his side.

Me and You is a tender tale of friendship and fun. Little rabbit and little mouse are the best of friend doing everything together as they demonstrate just how important friendship is. Beautifully engaging with charming and bright illustrations, Me and You is a story best enjoyed with little friend.

 

(illustrator) Judith Russell Webpage

Janet A. Holmes @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

 

On sale: 01 November 2008
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272547
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Friendship
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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I could be a Superhero!

I Could Be A Superhero! by Chris Hornsey

illustrated by Gwyn Perkins

When I Grow Up...!

Murphy is a little dog with big ideas; he has many dreams of the future and imagines himself as all sorts of wonderful things, from a teacher, a pop star, and a magician, to a dinosaur hunter, a superhero and many more.

What little boy or girl doesn't have BiG dreams for when they grow up. Murphy embodies all the ideas and possibilities that children dream up about their future and the possibilities available to them through their imaginations.

Ultimately Murphy learns he could be marvellous just being himself, just as children learn that they too can be great just by being themselves. A charming and creative book that sparks the imagination, children will be delighted with the possibilities presented within these pages.

 

Chris Hornsey @ Little Hare Books

 

On sale: 01 September 2009
Price (AU): $14.99
ISBN: 9781921541186
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Imagine
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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Duck

Duck by Janet A. Holmes

illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

'Duck Is Where The Heart Is...'

A little boy introduces us to Duck. Duck is yellow and raggedy, smells like a blanket, feels soft and woolly, and can do nothing without the little boy. The little boy is Duck's hero.

One day the little boy discovers Duck is missing. The little boy looks everywhere for Duck, he asks all over town, even asking the dog next door, but still Duck could not be found. The little boy is so upset he is no longer able to do anything, not eat his dinner or splash in the bath.

Later as the little boy curled up in the corner between the cushions, he makes a discovery, Duck is hidden deep beneath the cushions. The little boy is so happy, he missed Duck so much and now that Duck is back he can do anything again. Duck is the little boy's hero.

Duck is a simple yet heartfelt story of friendship and love. It demonstrates that sometimes we don't appreciate what we have until it's gone, or just how much we care about someone till they are no longer there. Duck shows us that we need others as much as they need us, and that its no fun doing things on your own. A truly beautiful story to share with those you love.

  

(illustrator) Jonathan Bentley Webpage

Janet A. Holmes @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 April 2009
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272875
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Duck
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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The Tallest of Smalls

The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado,

illustrated by Maria Monescillo

You're As Tall As You Believe You Are!

Ollie is a Too Small of Stiltsville. Only the special in Stiltsville are chosen to walk about on tall stilts, but Ollie was not special, or clever, or funny, or cool. So for a long time Ollie felt unwanted, unworthy and unhappy. One day, however, Ollie was chosen to own stilts, and it was the happiest day of his life. That is until he tried to walk on the silts. When he fell none of the other stilt walkers were there for him, but someone else was. Ollie learnt that it doesn't matter how tall you are, all that matters is being yourself.

The Tallest of Smalls is a charming children's story of acceptance and of belief in oneself. It is also a story of Jesus and faith, but no matter if you believe in several gods, or one god, or in no gods, the message in this story is one everyone can appreciate. The story is one that both girls and boys will enjoy and teaches that you are special because you are who you are.

The Tallest of Smalls is a parable from Max Lucado's novel Fearless . The rhyming story is captivating, creating a lovely flow to the story that children will enjoy. Equally enjoyable are the beautiful and bright illustrations that compliment this fun and poignant story.

 

Max Lucado Webpage

Max Lucado @ Thomas Nelson

 

On sale: 03 November 2009
Price (US): $16.99
ISBN: 9781400315147
Recommended age: 4-8
In a word: Acceptance
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to children
Star rating: three out of five
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The Rabbit Problem

The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett

Every Bunny Counts!

In 1175 there lived an Italian mathematician named Fibonacci who, during his life set himself a mathematical challenge. If a pair of baby rabbits are put into a field, how many will there be; a) At the end of each month? b) At the end of each year? This book puts this challenge to the test, and the answer may just surprise you.

Lonely Rabbit sits in a field waiting for a friend. She is the first rabbit to arrive at Fibonacci's Field until Chalk Rabbit arrives. But does one plus one really equal two? Not where rabbits are concerned. This is what happens when you put two baby rabbits in a field for one year. This is more then just a mathematical problem, it a Rabbit Problem.

Lonely Rabbit and Chalk Rabbit are about to learn a lesson in multiplication as well as survival as they face the ups and downs of living a year in Fibonacci's field. It is not just the extreme conditions of snow and heat, but also famine and obesity, a plague of crows, and overpopulation that will test this pair throughout the year.

The Rabbit Problem is a thought provoking and highly contagious book that will delight adults and children alike. The attention to detail is stunning and the spectacular ending alone is enough to recommend this book. With its many fun activities, from knitting patterns and recipes, to its beautiful and vibrant illustrations, this book will be a valuable addition to any bookcase.

 

Emily Gravett Webpage

Emily Gravett @ Pan Macmillan

 

On sale: 01 October 2009
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780230704237
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Rabbits
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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