Traditional+Literature

Paul Galdone
 * Three Aesop Fox Fables **

Important morals throughout Aesop’s famous tales are intertwined in these short, clever, and humorous stories of a fox. First, he learns that it is easy to scorn what cannot be easily obtained. Second, those who trick others should not complain when the favor is returned to them. Finally, the fox outsmarts a crow through flattery, with the famous line, “Never trust a flatterer!” Vivid illustrations making these fables very enjoyable, they are sure to raise intriguing conversations as they shed light on some of the important truths of life. - EB

A Free Translation from Charles Perrault; Marcia Brown
 * Puss in Boots**

Wishing to gain a greater inheritance than only a cat, Marquis of Carabas worries about dying of hunger. What could he possibly do with a cat? Ignoring his owner’s threat to eat him and make worthless gloves, clever Puss in Boots sets out to win the king’s favor, devising a skillful “rags to riches” scheme for his master. Carabas obeys his cat’s instructions, impresses the king through the cat’s trickery, and leads the king to believe that the land, riches, and castle they come upon are really his own. Furthermore, Carabas wins the heart of the king’s beautiful daughter, marries her, and becomes a powerful Lord.

//This classical fairy story is not only excellent for teaching vocabulary, strengthening comprehension (excellent questions here:// [|http://www.candlelightstories.com/LessonPlans/ExplorePussInBoots.htm)] //, and outlining major components of fairy tails, but also for raising some important character questions. Does the end always justify the means? Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal… for where your treasure is, there your heart is also” (Matthew 6:33). Although the cat may have had good intentions out of sheer gratitude for his master, lying to achieve position and authority in life is not what God would want. - EB//

Hans Christian Andersen
 * The Ugly Duckling**

Looks are deceiving, or so they say. How could the ugly duckling, amidst the horrible meanness and judgmental scoffing, make it in such a cruel and heartless world? How would he be able to survive the coming winter? This extraordinary children’s classic contains a permeating universal theme that even contains biblical truth. Talent, abilities, and real potential must never be dependent upon the harsh opinions and actions of others, for it is impossible to know what is to come. Although the duckling was perceived by everyone around him to be ugly, he grew up to be the most beautiful swan of them all.

//There are many biblical truths to draw upon in this story. A primary one to consider is Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him…” 1 Samuel 16:7 would also be an excellent passage to consider: “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” True character would be a good theme to consider with this book. Also,// [|//http://www.storygames.com/TeachManPF/lessonp2.html//] //supplies excellent lesson plan ideas about fictional character development and fables. - EB//