The Ant and the Grasshopper
Fun Times With: Diligence / Work Ethic / Justice |
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During the spring, the lazy grasshoppers play all day long while the ants work to store food for the winter, but what will happen when winter comes early? Will the ants share with the grasshoppers? Discover how both learn valuable lessons about diligence and hard work. |
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Androcles and the Lion
Fun Times With: Citizenship / Appreciation / Fairness |
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Although most people possess everything needed for a comfortable existence, some do not fully appreciate what they have. This riveting retelling of Aesop's timeless fable emphasizes the importance of gratitude as it goes beyond the original tale.
When Androcles’ enormous effort results in harsh punishment, he finally realizes the impossibility of satisfying his demanding slave master. Even though capture means his delivery to very hungry lions, Androcles escapes. When he comes across a wounded lion, he quickly and kindly offers aid. This results in a budding friendship between the pair until their unfortunate capture. What follows illuminates the significance of an act of kindness and gratitude for life and freedom. |
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The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Fun Times With: Responsibility / Trustworthiness / Humility |
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While grownups understand the magnitude of guarding sheep, children may lack an ability to see the bigger picture. Nicholas finds tending his family’s sheep to be mind-numbingly boring, which is why he ultimately makes the impulsive decision to cry “Wolf!” To his delight, his alert prompts the townspeople to drop everything and rush to his aid, but when the people discover they have been duped, they are livid.
Nicholas finally comprehends the ramifications of his foolhardy decision when the wolf genuinely attacks. This time, no one comes to help, resulting in disastrous consequences. A retelling of Aesop's classic fable, this story goes beyond the wolf's attack and illustrates the power of honesty and the blessings of forgiveness. |
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Chicken Little
Fun Times With: Trustworthiness / Respect / Truthfulness |
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The phrase "jumping on the bandwagon" describes the actions of a person who joins in a cause without really considering whether it is the right thing to do. As exemplified in this cheerful retelling of a classic fable for children, this may not always be the wisest choice.
Believing in a foolish superstition, Chicken Little is convinced that the sky is falling. In her distress, she convinces a number of other animal friends that this is indeed the case. One after another, the animals join Chicken Little, soon forming a frantic pack. Fortunately, Chippy Chipmunk steps in with wise intervention. What follows confirms the importance of critical thinking and the possible dangers of gullibility. |
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The Country Mouse & the City Mouse
Fun Times With: Cheerfulness / Appreciation / Peacefulness |
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To many children, and a few adults, the idea of more toys and endless treats and goodies seems like the ultimate existence. This spirited rendition of Aesop's classic fable illustrates that this is not always the case. When it comes to personal contentment, bigger does not always mean better.
Missing his city cousin, Country Mouse invites him for a visit. However, from the moment he arrives, the flamboyant and arrogant City Mouse shows contempt for his less-privileged cousin by incessantly bragging about his home and good fortune. In fact, he won't even consider spending the night and convinces Country Mouse to return with him for a visit in the city. His cousin cheerfully accepts, but what follows illustrates the significance of a simpler, safer life. |
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The Donkey, the Fox, and the Lion
Fun Times With: Respect For Parents / Honesty / Health |
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While most parents try to set a healthy example for their kids, some children just don't want to listen. Freddy makes one bad choice after another. When the leader of the gang uses him as a decoy, the young fox finally understands what his father told him. |
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The Eagle and the Chickens
Fun Times With: Self-Esteem / Perseverance / Courage |
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When fate sends a young eagle to live with a group of chickens, he discovers the pain and the joy of being different. This story emphasizes the importance of perseverance, courage, and self-esteem. |
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The Emperor and the Seed
Fun Times With: Courage / Intergrity / Responsibility |
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In choosing a successor, the emperor has given Ming a seed to cultivate, but it will not grow. To make matters worse, all six of the other candidates grow vibrant plants. Is there hope for Ming? This clever story highlights the importance of honesty, even when it is difficult. |
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The Emperor's New Clothes
Fun Times With: Fairness / Citizenship / Honesty |
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Sometimes people are willingly dishonest rather than risking embarrassment. Such is the case in this whimsical rendition of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale.
Excessive fondness for elaborate and expensive clothing allows a pair of dodgy tailors to hoodwink the emperor. Weaving a grandiose tale instead of actual clothing, the tailors tell the emperor that their exquisite garments, woven with the finest of materials, are invisible to less worthy individuals. Reluctant to admit possible imperfections, no one in the town is willing to be honest, with the exception of one small boy.
The conclusion of this tale extends beyond that of the original, shedding light on the benefits that come from always telling the truth. |
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Little Red Hen
Fun Times With: Responsibility / Courage / Fairness |
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A good effort reaps great reward is a phrase often quoted by a multitude of moms and dads throughout the world. This retelling of a classic folk tale drives the message home in a charming and colorful way.
While Little Red Hen works to grow her wheat, the dog, the cat, and the duck are full of excuses not to help. With each step, Little Red Hen offers to share the wheat in exchange for assistance, but the fair-weather friends always have more pleasant things to do. Will this affect their chances for a delicious slice of bread?
This fun tale shares more than just a great moral. Readers will also enjoy a recipe offering a scrumptious, home-baked loaf of bread. |
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Little Red Riding Hood
Fun Times With: Caring / Obedience to Parents / Safety |
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Sometimes there is danger in being too friendly as is the case with kind-hearted Little Red Riding Hood in this loveable rendition of a Brothers Grimm classic.
Distracted by the Big Bad Wolf with a bouquet of lovely flowers, the kind-hearted little girl forgets her mother's instructions and strays from the path on the way to Grandmother's house. Little does she know, the crafty wolf has devised a wicked plan to arrive at her house first. Will Grandmother meet an unfortunate end?
Young readers will enjoy this lively tale illuminating the importance of listening to parents. Colorful and whimsical illustrations make a perfect accompaniment to this delightful story. |
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The Lion and the Mouse
Fun Times With: Courage / Caring / Perseverance |
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Sometimes it takes a unique event to spark an appreciation for the small things in life as evidenced by this delightful retelling of Aesop's lovable fable. About to be devoured by the fearsome King of the Forest, Bitsy the Mouse manages to convince Leo the Lion to let her go in exchange for future assistance. While Leo cannot conceive of any way that a tiny mouse could help him, he does admire Bitsy's pluck and releases her. What he later discovers is that big help can indeed come in small packages. Through Bitsy, Leo also realizes the importance of keeping your word. |
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The Lion and the Three Bulls
Fun Times With: Friendship / Trust / Teamwork |
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Sometimes it is hard to comprehend why certain individuals choose to spread gossip about others. In this rendition of Aesop's timeless fable, the reason is crystal-clear: the lion is hungry and would do anything to have a delicious bull for dinner. Using malicious gossip, the sly fox helps the lion by separating the bulls for capture on the promise that he will receive his own tasty portion of the meal. Will the lion eat the bulls?
In addition to cautioning children about the malicious spiral that gossip causes, this timely tale also illustrates the importance of unity. |
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The Miller, His Son, and their Donkey
Fun Times With: Responsibility / Assertiveness / Courage |
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There is an old saying that states, "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." Miller Elmo most certainly could have benefitted from this sage advice.
His constant effort to please the local farmers grows into an obsession to satisfy everyone, which the miller unfortunately passes on to his son. The two learn the hard way what can come of always taking the advice of others instead of listening to your heart. This visually pleasing book is a poignant retelling of Aesop's classic fable, verifying that in trying to please everyone, no one is pleased. |
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Stone Soup
Fun Times With: Compassion / Citizenship / Friendship |
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In a village full of selfish inhabitants, the idea that making stone soup would bring them all together might be hard to swallow…literally! With a few stones as the initial ingredients, three famished soldiers cleverly convince the villagers to contribute all of the items needed for a delicious pot of soup.
In this spirited adaptation of the beloved folktale, preparing a simple pot of soup teaches the villagers that sharing brings happiness and celebration.
After reading this heart-warming tale, children will certainly want to make a pot of their own stone soup. Because it makes a great activity for the classroom, suggest it to a favorite teacher, and remember that individuals can accomplish more when working together. |
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The Tortoise and the Hare
Fun Times With: Perseverance / Self-Discipline / Diligence |
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Everyone enjoys a spirited competition, but when the challenger is a big-headed braggart, it's easy to cheer for the underdog or in this case, the under-tortoise. The colorful characters in this retelling of Aesop's beloved fable will tickle the fancy of any child.
The forest animals are beyond tired of Harry Hare's boasting. So what if he is the fastest animal in the forest? Unfortunately, Teddy Tortoise is the only animal willing to race Harry Hare, but everyone knows that tortoises are not famous for their speed.
What follows, illustrates the benefits that can come from having the courage to try. Readers will also gain a new appreciation for the saying, "Slow and steady wins the race." |
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The Town Musicians of Bremen
Fun Times With: Self-Esteem / Teamwork / Civic Virtue |
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When a donkey, dog, cat, and a rooster become too old to be useful to their masters, they decide to find a new way to be of value to the community. The four friends learn that helping one another and a positive attitude reaps great rewards. |
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The Ugly Princess
Fun Times With: Self-Esteem / Compassion / Seeking Wisdom |
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While many people know that real beauty comes from within, it can be a difficult lesson to learn. The comments of others make Isabella feel ugly and sad until a wise old woman helps to change her focus. This inspirational story highlights the qualities of compassion, inner beauty, and healthy self-esteem. |
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