Greatest Animal Stories

Michael Morpugo has 130 children’s books under his authorial belt, so when he decided to gather seventeen stories — ancient fairy tales and folk tales from around the world, including such truly American stories as Brer Rabbit stories, stories from Aesop, and tales from several countries in Africa and Europe — many authors signed up. Each story is retold by a different author with a very fresh take on an old story. Most of these stories will be familiar to those reading them to youngsters, but they will be fresh and new to the youngsters, and the important lessons will not be lost on them. Some are a bit dark, but not too dark for children five or six years old. Good early readers will be able to read these on their own. The illustrations, each by a different illustrator, have great variety and are perfectly enchanting. The retellings give a good flavor of the time and place from whence the stories come while having a decidedly modern retrospect. This will be a charming addition to any library, personal or classroom, and will be a delight to parents, children, and teachers everywhere.