Lions and Lobsters and Foxes and Frogs: Fables From Aesop

by Ennis Rees

Verse versions of fables reprinted from the author's Fables from Aesop.

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1971

Reviews

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thirsty dog by the river Nile
Was so afraid that a crocodile
Would come up and catch him as he drank
That he wouldn't stop and drink from the bank
And so could do nothing better than
To run along and lap as he ran.
Then a crocodile, eager for slaughter,
Raised his head above the water
And called to the dog: “I say, what's the hurry?
I'd very much like to meet you, very!
And I feel sure I would like you a lot.
So turn around and slow down to a trot
And come on back here to chat awhile,
And then, if you wish, you can run a mile.”
“You honor me greatly,” the dog shouted back.
“But you, I suspect, are in need of a snack,
And so indeed you'd like me—to chew!
But that would hardly make me like you.
In fact, the reason I drink as I flee
Is just to avoid your company."

"Burn!" I hear a shout coming from the 70s.
I still love fables. And these, written by Ennis Rees (1925-2009), an American poet and professor, were unevenly lovely (two stars for verses that rarely have a point to convey). A real treat when they are accompanied by gorgeous and peculiar artwork - Gorey's animals have some awkward-looking eyes and they get the rest of the stars.
Great for nephew, when he gets older.

Sept 22, 18

[Sherwestonstec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy fables from Aesop by Enis Rees with drawings by Edward Gorey. I read this book because I liked the drawings by Edward Gorey! The fables were fun. From the book jacket ”a new approach to the ancient fables of Aesop features, charming rhymes, and winsome images by a beloved illustrator. Artist Edward Gorey sets the scenes for poet Ennis Rees, modern interpretation of Aesop versus, which recount how animals with all two human feelings receive their just desserts.

[Sem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the verses are dismal but the illustrations are charming (of course).