Fables by Arnold Lobel

Book Title: Fables	Author: Arnold Lobel
Illustrator: Arnold Lobel	Awards Caldecott Medal
Book Type:  Picture	Approx. Reading Level:  1- 2
Age of Content Appropriateness: K on up	Date Published: 1980
Genre and Topic: folktales- fables	Personal Rating of the Book:  5
ISBN: (13 or 10 digit) 978-0064430463

Summary

This book is a collection of fables written by Arnold Lobel, the author of the “Frog and Toad” books.  Mr. Lobel  wrote fables that offered a new twist on Aesop’s morals.   Take for instance, “The Pig at the Candy Store” in which a pig has dreams of candy.  Not only that but he flies through marshmallow clouds and chocolate stars in the sky.  When he wakes up he decides to head to the candy store for some small treat but when he reaches the store it is closed so he congratulates himself on his great will power.  Lobel’s moral is “A locked door is very likely to discourage temptation”  This is one of the twenty fables he created.   The book is illustrated in the way that reminds us of the Frog and Toad books.  His distinct style is easy to spot.  A great book and very entertaining!

How to Use this in a Classroom

·         This is a good way to discuss character using humor.

·         Students could compare these fables to Aesop’s and do a compare and contrast project. 

·         Students could use this as inspiration to write their own fable.

Vocabulary Words

1.       entwined- page 2- wrapped around each other in a tight way

2.       desire- page 22- a very deep want

3.       flattery – page 26- complimenting someone to make them feel good

One Trait of the 6+1 Traits to Highlight

I would focus on voice.  Arnold Lobel has a very distinct dry sense of humor.  If you have read “Frog and Toad” you will understand this type of humor.  He uses it to great success in this book as well. 

In the fable, “The Bear and the Crow,” Bear believes crow when he tells him that the fashion in town is to wear a frying pan on your head, sheets for clothing and paper bags for shoes.  When Bear returns from a humiliating trip into town he confronts Crow and accuses him of lying to which Crow replies, “I told you many things,…but never once did I tell you that I was telling the truth!”  and the moral states, “When the need is strong, there are those who will believe anything.” 

Concerns with This Book: (if any)- none