The Best of Aesop's Fables

The genial tone and presentation of the 30 selections in this compilation reflect Clark's belief that Aesop's tales are entertaining in their own right, and not merely--nor even primarily--as vehicles for instruction. Traditionalists may miss each story's familiar punchline summation, but little matter: the same keen observations about human foibles shine through, albeit between the lines. The text is crisp and pithy, with a fresh, unforced contemporary flavor well suited to reading aloud. Voake's illustrations range from full spreads to small spots and decorations; they all contain her sly wit and deft touch with character and line. In this format they often serve to set a mood or provide a visual frame of reference rather than explicate plot, and for this reason the book may appeal most to those at the upper end of the suggested age range. This is a more extensive and somewhat sharper collection than the recent, elegant Aesop from Lisbeth Zwerger. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)