Aesop's Fables: A Classic Illustrated Edition

I was sent a cheaper version of this book with a different binding and dust jacket than what is pictured:-(.

Unfortunately, most reviews for this book miss the fact that it a quite comprehensive ART HISTORY book on specific subject, much more than a book for children. The authors (those who selected fables and art) also did not stressed that enough in large print right on the cover. It is a collection of art works from various CENTURIES illustrating famous fables. That is why some illustrations are black-and-white, some are in color, some are drawings, and some are watercolors. If you would open this book with that in mind, you would quickly realize that it is an impressive collection. Before you buy a next book with fables of Aesop, open this one, and select the version of illustrations which you like most.

For the price this is a great book! The book as well as the pictures inside of it are big(sometimes having a whole page devoted to an illustration). The illustrations are great because they are from all the time periods the book had been republished. As for content it is totally appropraite and interesting for adults. Some of the words and ideas might be hard for a young child to grasp but that just opens the door to share the book and ideas together. I find that my 6 year old "gets" some and others we have to talk about. It is a great way to help kids connect to the past while learning things that are relevant today. I love this book! One quick note, so far the book does use the other word for a donkey :) :)

By far the best version of Aesops I have seen yet. 53 illustrated stories are included in this book with a variety of artists contributing their own interpretations- everything from wood cuttings to modern looking color prints. Recommended reading for adults and kids alike.

Short, literate stories, each with a moral, allowing a child to get the idea of drawing a generalization from a story. The brevity makes them understandable as wholes and a manageable size for older children to read (my four-year-old child finds them interesting enough to motivate her reading and short enough to permit success). My favorite editions of these tales place one fable and illustration per page. More at strongbrains.com.