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The Fabled Stables #2
Trouble with Tattle-Tails
Auggie and his magical companions are tending to the Fabled Stables when the building shakes and shudders to make room for a new arrival: the Tattle-Tail. Auggie and friends travel through the portal to a town called Rainbow’s End in search of this mysterious creature. Auggie assumes that the Tattle-Tail is in danger, but he learns that it’s actually the town that needs rescuing . . . from an infestation of Tattle-Tails!
These talking tails have taken over, attaching themselves to every backside in town (including Auggie’s!). The Tails tattle on whomever they’re attached to: She picked her nose! He just double-dipped! The constant stress of being tattled on has thrown all of Rainbow’s End into chaos!
Soon, Auggie and friends hatch a plan to collect the Tattle-Tails and bring them safely to the Stables—foiling a pair of evil bank robbers along the way.
These talking tails have taken over, attaching themselves to every backside in town (including Auggie’s!). The Tails tattle on whomever they’re attached to: She picked her nose! He just double-dipped! The constant stress of being tattled on has thrown all of Rainbow’s End into chaos!
Soon, Auggie and friends hatch a plan to collect the Tattle-Tails and bring them safely to the Stables—foiling a pair of evil bank robbers along the way.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 2021
18 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 14, 2021
This beautiful book is pitched at the confident chapter book reader, but probably on the younger side. It would be a lovely book to read to a younger person, say five and up.
The Fabled Stables are a wonderful invention, just right for children who love animals but like a bit of fun and fantasy to go with them. In this tale, there are two problem animals: the squidgy lump who doesn't seem to do anything, and the tattle-tails, who are hilarious. And very irritating if one of them happens to attach itself to you, because it calls out anything you've done wrong.
It's not only a cracking tale, it's beautifully illustrated, as you can see from the cover. Most pages have an illustration to accompany the plot. The font changes for the main speakers, which will help a younger child keep track of who's who. The words are alliterative or rhyming without it being poetry. Just right for kids to repeat with a giggle. Beautifully put together. A treat for any adult who has to read it over and over again to their young person.
I may even buy the series for my great-nieces and nephew.
The Fabled Stables are a wonderful invention, just right for children who love animals but like a bit of fun and fantasy to go with them. In this tale, there are two problem animals: the squidgy lump who doesn't seem to do anything, and the tattle-tails, who are hilarious. And very irritating if one of them happens to attach itself to you, because it calls out anything you've done wrong.
It's not only a cracking tale, it's beautifully illustrated, as you can see from the cover. Most pages have an illustration to accompany the plot. The font changes for the main speakers, which will help a younger child keep track of who's who. The words are alliterative or rhyming without it being poetry. Just right for kids to repeat with a giggle. Beautifully put together. A treat for any adult who has to read it over and over again to their young person.
I may even buy the series for my great-nieces and nephew.
May 28, 2025
I love this series. It's so cute. In this one, there are 2 creatures that need help, and it turns out that they can help each other, like a symbiotic relationship. I like the solution being to ignore/block out the tattle-tails because it fuels the arguments in the village. Also, a great pairing between the author and illustrator.
February 22, 2022
Another fun and exciting adventure for Auggie and his friends!
Great lessons to be learned about gossiping, listening, friendship and togetherness! Definitely would recommend to advanced younger readers and ages 6+!
Great lessons to be learned about gossiping, listening, friendship and togetherness! Definitely would recommend to advanced younger readers and ages 6+!
May 27, 2021
My son loves this new series and this second installment is so good! Laugh out loud funny. Can't wait for book #3!
January 21, 2022
My 6 and 4 year old boys loved it, and insisted on reading it all in one sitting.
February 11, 2023
So cute and fun, and with amazing illustrations. I loved it even more than the first one.
September 4, 2024
Such a cute series. 4.5 stars - the beast was not quite as cute as the first book but it was still adorable.
June 28, 2021
First sentence: At the top of the world sat an island. At the heart of that island lived a boy named Auggie. Auggie was just like most other boys, except in one way. He had a job. Auggie worked in the Fabled Stables--a magical place full of one-of-a-kind creatures.
Premise/plot: Auggie--joined by an eager Willa (whom we met in book 1) and a reluctant Fen (whom we also met in book 1)--work together to save a town from an invasive and replicating menace: tattle tails. These talking tails literally drive people crazy by their incessant talking or tattling as the case may be! It all started with one person's curiosity...
My thoughts: I really loved the first book in the series. I enjoyed this one too. I'm not sure I would go so far as to say that I loved it absolutely. I love the idea of the series. I love the creativity and humor. And Jonathan Auxier is a great writer. (I definitely have a bias since he's written some of my favorite, favorite, favorite books.) This is his series for young readers. It's an early chapter book with a lot of illustrations. They are ever-so-loosely connected to some of his other books in that they both mention a Professor Cake.
Premise/plot: Auggie--joined by an eager Willa (whom we met in book 1) and a reluctant Fen (whom we also met in book 1)--work together to save a town from an invasive and replicating menace: tattle tails. These talking tails literally drive people crazy by their incessant talking or tattling as the case may be! It all started with one person's curiosity...
My thoughts: I really loved the first book in the series. I enjoyed this one too. I'm not sure I would go so far as to say that I loved it absolutely. I love the idea of the series. I love the creativity and humor. And Jonathan Auxier is a great writer. (I definitely have a bias since he's written some of my favorite, favorite, favorite books.) This is his series for young readers. It's an early chapter book with a lot of illustrations. They are ever-so-loosely connected to some of his other books in that they both mention a Professor Cake.
July 7, 2022
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Another adorable adventure featuring Auggie, Fen, and Willa. In this one, the gang saves a town from a band of Tattle-Tails... and vice versa.
I loved the message of helping others, even after they've caused trouble. Auggie promises to take care of all creatures, even those "hard-to-love" and he does just that. The ending was so wholesome, showing how different strengths and interests can be used to do good and help others.
Though this is the second book in the series, there is just enough explanation that it could be read as a standalone. The first book is also adorable though, so I recommend reading it as well.
As with the first book, the illustrations are wonderfully whimsical. They perfectly pair with the text, bringing life to the various characters and settings. A wonderful read. Looking forward to Auggie's next adventure.
Another adorable adventure featuring Auggie, Fen, and Willa. In this one, the gang saves a town from a band of Tattle-Tails... and vice versa.
I loved the message of helping others, even after they've caused trouble. Auggie promises to take care of all creatures, even those "hard-to-love" and he does just that. The ending was so wholesome, showing how different strengths and interests can be used to do good and help others.
Though this is the second book in the series, there is just enough explanation that it could be read as a standalone. The first book is also adorable though, so I recommend reading it as well.
As with the first book, the illustrations are wonderfully whimsical. They perfectly pair with the text, bringing life to the various characters and settings. A wonderful read. Looking forward to Auggie's next adventure.
October 29, 2024
I miiiiiiight have been a little un-busy at a bookfair this morning so I figured I'd get a small book off of my TBR pile. Here's Jonathan Auxier's (author) and Olga Demidova's (illustrator) The Fabled Stables series. These stories were some that Jonathan used to tell his children before bed and during longer car trips, turned into physical form for every family to enjoy.
Willa the Wisp: ["Auggie Pound is eight years old and has the greatest job of all time: he cares for all the animals in the Fabled Stables. The Fabled Stables house the rarest creatures in existence--all of them one-of-a-kind. Auggie's job is to care for these creatures, as well as track down and safely capture endangered magical beasts in the wild. Some mornings, he arrives to find an empty stall with the name of a new creature to rescue. One day, the Stables rearrange themselves out of the blue, creating a new stall. The sign over the gate says, "Wisp." But what is a wisp and where is it? All Auggie can see is a moonlit swamp stretching out before him. Then a hungry HOWLLLLLLL rings out in the darkness. It's up to Auggie to go into the swamp to find the wisp before it's too late."]
Trouble with Tattle-Tails: ["Auggie and his magical companions are tending to the Fabled Stables when the building shakes and shudders to make room for a new arrival: the Tattle-Tail. Auggie and friends travel through the portal to a town called Rainbow’s End in search of this mysterious creature. Auggie assumes that the Tattle-Tail is in danger, but he learns that it’s actually the town that needs rescuing . . . from an infestation of Tattle-Tails! // These talking tails have taken over, attaching themselves to every backside in town (including Auggie’s!). The Tails tattle on whomever they’re attached to: She picked her nose! He just double-dipped! The constant stress of being tattled on has thrown all of Rainbow’s End into chaos! // Soon, Auggie and friends hatch a plan to collect the Tattle-Tails and bring them safely to the Stables—foiling a pair of evil bank robbers along the way."]
Belly of the Beast: ["Auggie loves his job at the Fabled Stables, but he fears the day when it will come to an end. Fen keeps dropping hints that caretakers don’t stay forever, and it’s giving Auggie the grumps. Thankfully, there always seems to be a new stall to fill. This time, the stables set Auggie on a quest to rescue a beast called the Shibboleth—but the portal leads Auggie and Fen to the lair of the evil Rooks! // In the dark, damp dungeon, they meet one mysterious girl and one very hungry monster. It’s already gobbled up all of the Rooks, and Auggie and Fen are next unless they figure out the one way to calm the creature. Will they be able to work together to complete the mission before it’s too late?"]
I looooved Olga's illustrations in this! There was so much color and dynamics and character in each page. There was so much storytelling and plot in just setting the scene and illustrating Auggie and his friends.
And the story itself?! Adorable and moving. I loved the simple but hilarious play on words with each character's name (and how they were drawn); it was sooooo clever and perfect.
#willathewisp #troublewithtattletales #bellyofthebeast #jonathanauxier #olgademidova #thefabledstables #thefabledstablesseries #books #childrensbooks #childrensclassics #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Willa the Wisp: ["Auggie Pound is eight years old and has the greatest job of all time: he cares for all the animals in the Fabled Stables. The Fabled Stables house the rarest creatures in existence--all of them one-of-a-kind. Auggie's job is to care for these creatures, as well as track down and safely capture endangered magical beasts in the wild. Some mornings, he arrives to find an empty stall with the name of a new creature to rescue. One day, the Stables rearrange themselves out of the blue, creating a new stall. The sign over the gate says, "Wisp." But what is a wisp and where is it? All Auggie can see is a moonlit swamp stretching out before him. Then a hungry HOWLLLLLLL rings out in the darkness. It's up to Auggie to go into the swamp to find the wisp before it's too late."]
Trouble with Tattle-Tails: ["Auggie and his magical companions are tending to the Fabled Stables when the building shakes and shudders to make room for a new arrival: the Tattle-Tail. Auggie and friends travel through the portal to a town called Rainbow’s End in search of this mysterious creature. Auggie assumes that the Tattle-Tail is in danger, but he learns that it’s actually the town that needs rescuing . . . from an infestation of Tattle-Tails! // These talking tails have taken over, attaching themselves to every backside in town (including Auggie’s!). The Tails tattle on whomever they’re attached to: She picked her nose! He just double-dipped! The constant stress of being tattled on has thrown all of Rainbow’s End into chaos! // Soon, Auggie and friends hatch a plan to collect the Tattle-Tails and bring them safely to the Stables—foiling a pair of evil bank robbers along the way."]
Belly of the Beast: ["Auggie loves his job at the Fabled Stables, but he fears the day when it will come to an end. Fen keeps dropping hints that caretakers don’t stay forever, and it’s giving Auggie the grumps. Thankfully, there always seems to be a new stall to fill. This time, the stables set Auggie on a quest to rescue a beast called the Shibboleth—but the portal leads Auggie and Fen to the lair of the evil Rooks! // In the dark, damp dungeon, they meet one mysterious girl and one very hungry monster. It’s already gobbled up all of the Rooks, and Auggie and Fen are next unless they figure out the one way to calm the creature. Will they be able to work together to complete the mission before it’s too late?"]
I looooved Olga's illustrations in this! There was so much color and dynamics and character in each page. There was so much storytelling and plot in just setting the scene and illustrating Auggie and his friends.
And the story itself?! Adorable and moving. I loved the simple but hilarious play on words with each character's name (and how they were drawn); it was sooooo clever and perfect.
#willathewisp #troublewithtattletales #bellyofthebeast #jonathanauxier #olgademidova #thefabledstables #thefabledstablesseries #books #childrensbooks #childrensclassics #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
February 10, 2025
Whimsical story about a stable boy, Auggie, who takes care of all the magical creatures that need his help, and places them in the magical stable.
I loved the first one so I came back for the second book. The illustrations always catch my eye and the illustrator created unique monster designs with such a clever idea from Jonathan about what each of them does, especially about the "Tattle-tails" which are tail monsters that attach to people and tattle on them out loud. No one likes them and they're hard to get rid of once they begin multiplying.
There is also a side story about the Rooks, the bad guys of this tale that we saw from the first book. They themselves get caught in the mess of the tattle tales. I feel with the Rooks reoccurring, this might be a theme for each book, but I'll see when I read the next installment.
By the end of the book, there was a really heartwarming scene with a monster who couldn't speak that Auggie was trying to help out at the beginning of the book. It's a one of a kind series that I hope continues, as I am a fan of the lore and the mischief.
I loved the first one so I came back for the second book. The illustrations always catch my eye and the illustrator created unique monster designs with such a clever idea from Jonathan about what each of them does, especially about the "Tattle-tails" which are tail monsters that attach to people and tattle on them out loud. No one likes them and they're hard to get rid of once they begin multiplying.
There is also a side story about the Rooks, the bad guys of this tale that we saw from the first book. They themselves get caught in the mess of the tattle tales. I feel with the Rooks reoccurring, this might be a theme for each book, but I'll see when I read the next installment.
By the end of the book, there was a really heartwarming scene with a monster who couldn't speak that Auggie was trying to help out at the beginning of the book. It's a one of a kind series that I hope continues, as I am a fan of the lore and the mischief.
February 14, 2021
This is the second book in the delightful Fabled Stables series by Jonathan Auxier. Auggie has just been notified that there is a new rare beast for him to secure for the fabled stables. He, Willa and Fen venture into a village to discover villagers with -- tails? And these tails talk! In fact, they are tattle tails. The villagers will do anything to get rid of the pesky critters. Auggie hatches a plan that will tame the tails and benefit another creature at the stable. The Rooks are still around and get a small taste of their own medicine, thanks to Fen. Working together, the friends are soon back on the top of the world - with a new addition to the menagerie.
With all of the colorful illustrations, this is a great choice for kids moving beyond readers into chapter books. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the e-galley!
With all of the colorful illustrations, this is a great choice for kids moving beyond readers into chapter books. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the e-galley!
May 4, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy to review.
I read this aloud to my 5 year old and she loved this one just as much as the first book! I was very happy to learn about another highly illustrated chapter book series that hits the sweet spot between picture book and chapter book. With full color pictures on every spread, this series is very similar to the format of The Princess in Black and Mercy Watson. The entire thing can easily be read in one sitting if desired.
The Tattle Tails were a really fun concept for a magical creature and added some humor and intrigue. Fen's misunderstandings in this book made my daughter laugh as well. We will definitely continue to read future installments in this series.
I read this aloud to my 5 year old and she loved this one just as much as the first book! I was very happy to learn about another highly illustrated chapter book series that hits the sweet spot between picture book and chapter book. With full color pictures on every spread, this series is very similar to the format of The Princess in Black and Mercy Watson. The entire thing can easily be read in one sitting if desired.
The Tattle Tails were a really fun concept for a magical creature and added some humor and intrigue. Fen's misunderstandings in this book made my daughter laugh as well. We will definitely continue to read future installments in this series.
November 17, 2022
*I received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review*
This was a cute, funny and quick adventure for early grade readers - either to be read to them or by them as they venture into the fabulous land of books! Loved the idea of a kid getting to be a caretaker for magical creatures and the creative, tongue-in-cheek way the author approached each creature (some good/punny jokes for adult readers as well). There was also an important message about the pitfalls in focusing too much energy on what others are doing and how it can negatively impact communication and relationships.
This was a cute, funny and quick adventure for early grade readers - either to be read to them or by them as they venture into the fabulous land of books! Loved the idea of a kid getting to be a caretaker for magical creatures and the creative, tongue-in-cheek way the author approached each creature (some good/punny jokes for adult readers as well). There was also an important message about the pitfalls in focusing too much energy on what others are doing and how it can negatively impact communication and relationships.
June 22, 2021
I'm not sure the younger crowd will appreciate all the idioms in this book, but I laughed out loud a number of times.
This is the second in Auxier's Fabled Stables series. When the alarm sounds Augie, Willa the Wisp and Fen, the reluctant Stick in the Mud, head off to the rescue of another magical beast. When the arrive in the village they discover that the citizens have been plagued by literal Tattle-Tails. It's a hilarious challenge to figure out how to get rid of them and find the robbers who have stolen the villagers treasure.
This is the second in Auxier's Fabled Stables series. When the alarm sounds Augie, Willa the Wisp and Fen, the reluctant Stick in the Mud, head off to the rescue of another magical beast. When the arrive in the village they discover that the citizens have been plagued by literal Tattle-Tails. It's a hilarious challenge to figure out how to get rid of them and find the robbers who have stolen the villagers treasure.
June 5, 2021
I love this series! The art and story is so cute.
In this sequel Auggie is trying to help the "unfeeling brute" in at the Fabled Stables, but he is unable to communicate with her. Auggie, Fen, and Willa have to table this issue when they are summoned to save and bring back a new creature to the Fabled Stables, a Tattle-tale.
But there's more to the Tattle-tale than meets the eye. And pretty soon Auggie is up to his eyeballs in missing gold, annoyed villagers, Tattle-tales, and robbers.
In this sequel Auggie is trying to help the "unfeeling brute" in at the Fabled Stables, but he is unable to communicate with her. Auggie, Fen, and Willa have to table this issue when they are summoned to save and bring back a new creature to the Fabled Stables, a Tattle-tale.
But there's more to the Tattle-tale than meets the eye. And pretty soon Auggie is up to his eyeballs in missing gold, annoyed villagers, Tattle-tales, and robbers.
March 2, 2022
Second in this series.
This time they have to find a monster that replicates itself and attached to everyone in a town. The Tattle-Tails share secrets and expose lies which causes trouble all over. Even robbers are ignored when they steal the village's treasure - a pot of gold.
With help from Ren, Auggie figures out how to make the tails come off and merge back into one being that then comes to the island and finds a way to help another creature.
This time they have to find a monster that replicates itself and attached to everyone in a town. The Tattle-Tails share secrets and expose lies which causes trouble all over. Even robbers are ignored when they steal the village's treasure - a pot of gold.
With help from Ren, Auggie figures out how to make the tails come off and merge back into one being that then comes to the island and finds a way to help another creature.
May 31, 2021
In the second book of The Fabled Stable series, Auggie and his magical friends have a new creature to take care of, but this one is a bit of a mystery. Kids will love the latest creature, a Tattle-tail and all the chaos and humor that comes with it. I love the problem solving too! Another fun one to add to my library! E ARC provided by #netgalley and Abrams Books.
June 6, 2021
Auggie, Fen, and Willa leave the Fabled Stables to the world beyond, and arrive at the village of Rainbow's End. While there they discovered the pot of gold has been stolen, and the town is infested with tattle-tails. They work to find a solution to both issues, and in the process resolved a mystery that had Auggie stumped.
June 28, 2021
Read aloud to the kids. We loved the first book in this series so much, and the second definitely is a solid follow up and makes us excited for more in the series. This one wasn’t quite as charming, but the plot line involving tattling was pretty hilarious and clever as a parent, though I think some of it went quite over my kids’ heads.
October 9, 2022
Auggie has two problems. The first is that he doesn't know how to meet the needs of the Unfeeling Brute. The second is his mission to find the one-of-a-kind creature for which the Fabled Stables has just made room, The Tattle-Tail.
What a fun story with a great message. What damage can a tattle-tail do? How does one stop a tattle-tail?
Loved this!
What a fun story with a great message. What damage can a tattle-tail do? How does one stop a tattle-tail?
Loved this!
November 11, 2022
The second Fabled Stables tales is a charming allegory about gossip and tattling which would be a useful tool for creating discussions about such matters, for both groups and individual children. The writing and structure are both solid but the illustrations, while cute enough, don't flesh out the story significantly.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review
November 6, 2025
“At the top of the world sat an island.
At the heart of that island lived a boy named Auggie.
He cared for beasts of all kinds.
Some were strange.
Some were dangerous.
Some were hard-to-love.
But every one of them belonged.”
This series is so sweet and fun! The illustrations are charming!
4.5 stars!
At the heart of that island lived a boy named Auggie.
He cared for beasts of all kinds.
Some were strange.
Some were dangerous.
Some were hard-to-love.
But every one of them belonged.”
This series is so sweet and fun! The illustrations are charming!
4.5 stars!
May 20, 2021
Charming! My 8-yo tried to refuse the book, but I started reading, and before I knew it, he was peeping over my shoulder to ask questions about the illustrations. So we had to start over at the beginning :-) Enthusiastic thumbs up from both of us.
August 11, 2021
How fun was this! I loved the first one, so I was so excited for this one to come out! This one really made me laugh because it was all about the importance of minding your business. It was so good and I can’t wait for the next one!
November 7, 2021
This is a second story of Auggie who tends the Fabled Stables where magical creatures are given a comfortable home. He rescues the tattle-tale from being a menace in the town it found itself stranded.
November 21, 2021
The kids seemed to enjoy the first book more… maybe it was the new creature that turned them off?? The idea of Tattle Tails isn’t as fun as the Wisp. Still, the illustrations are beautiful and the story was cute.
December 10, 2021
Even though these are intended for younger readers, I love Auxier's writing so much I had to read his Willa the Wisp books. They are very cute, and like all of Auxier's book have a deeper message even adults can appreciate.
October 31, 2020
Finn must save a Tattle Tail, which proves to be difficult. Someone has stolen the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and the tattle tails are multiplying. A satisfying read. Grades 1-3.
June 28, 2021
My boys and I LOVED this story, it is even better (in our opinion) than the first. The boys got a kick out of the things the tattle tails were telling about their hosts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews