Aesop’s Fables by Beverley Naidoo and illustrated by Piet Grobler (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2011) adds a new multicultural layer to Aesop’s tales. Using her knowledge of African folktales and noting the similarities to Aesop’s own tales, South African author Beverley Naidoo gives an African twist to the tales that seems remarkably appropriate.
I grew up loving Aesop’s fables and “morals” and this volume is no exception to well retold tales for children. Each fable has a two- or four-page spread and the text is large and non-intimidating. Piet Grobler’s pencil and watercolor illustrations match the African feeling of the stories with colorful emphasis on the setting.
