Fables for children
Fables for children. Why should kids read classic and modern fables? For one, they’re packed with life lessons wrapped in memorable stories – perfect for sparking a “lightbulb moment.” Fables offer a clever peek into human quirks and flaws, helping kids make sense of tricky situations or personalities they might meet. They’re also great for sharpening critical thinking, as kids learn to pick apart storytelling elements and themes. Plus, diving into classic fables reveals how the world and how we see things have changed (and why we should keep pushing for better). Add in fresh words, a taste of formal writing, and a dash of morality, and you’ve got a recipe for some meaningful reading. This list features books by Satoshi Kitamura, Joseph Coelho, Sophie Anderson, Petr Horáček, Helen Ward, Poonam Mistry, Sita Brahmachari, Onjali Q. Rauf, Yuval Zommer, and Yaba Badoe.
Fables for children – our recommendations
Sukaq and the Raven by Roy Goose and Kerry McCluskey
In this retelling of an Inuit legend, Sukaq journeys with a raven during the creation of the world. Adapted by Roy Goose and Kerry McCluskey, the tale celebrates cultural heritage through vivid, imaginative storytelling. Soyeon Kim’s stunning diorama-style illustrations bring the natural world and cosmos to life, making it a perfect choice for bedtime reading. This beautifully crafted book offers a glimpse into the oral traditions of Canada’s Northwest Territories, blending myth and magic for young readers.
6-8 year-olds
Please Mr Magic Fish! by Jessica Souhami
When Jack catches a fish, he doesn’t expect it to answer back and promise him a magical wish in return for returning it to the sea. When Jack accepts, he and his wife Liz have their dreams come true. But then they get bored and ask for another wish. All does not go to plan in this imaginative reimagined fable about greed and being ungrateful. With stunning artwork and clever use of repetition, this story is ideal to read aloud with EYFS groups.
4-5 year-olds
Wooolf! by Stephanie Blake
Simon is a naughty rabbit who only does what he wants to. Faced with anything else, he cries “Wolf!”. Until a real wolf appears in a cupboard shouting “Awwoooo!” With a clever twist, Wooolf! is a hilariously funny modern interpretation of the traditional fable. Perfect for reading to a class, children will quickly join in with the repeating “Wolf” and the outstanding bold narrative illustrations that will be seen at the back of the room. A surefire hit for reading to pre-school and EYFS children, teachers and parents!
2-5 year-olds
The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura
When a young boy goes shopping for the first time, just before he decides to buy something he loses his pocket money. Disaster! But then he discovers a ‘Smile Shop’ and wanders in. A refreshing modern fable that is ideal for sharing, reading aloud and discussing with pupils.
5+ year-olds
Aesop’s Fables by Aesop
This collection brings Aesop’s classic fables to life, using animals and nature to reflect human behaviour and its consequences. Stories like The Tortoise and the Hare and The Fox and the Grapes pack timeless wisdom into bite-sized lessons. With over forty illustrations by Ernest Griset, this edition pairs captivating visuals with enduring tales of wit, resilience, and morality. These concise, insightful narratives remain a favourite for readers young and old, offering truths that never go out of style.
6+ year-olds
Our Tower by Joseph Coelho & Richard Johnson
Three children escape from their tower block into a fantasy land of magic and adventure in this compelling illustrated modern fable. With a memorable story, interesting wordplay and spellbinding illustrations, this is a great text both to read and share and use to spark children’s writing about their own lives and homes.
6-10 year-olds
The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Kathrin Honesta
Yanka, discovered as a baby outside a bear’s cave, wakes one day to find her legs have transformed into a bear’s. Driven by curiosity and a sense of otherness, she sets off on a quest to uncover her origins. Guided by tales of bears, dragons, and princesses, her journey takes her through enchanted forests and icy peaks, revealing truths about her past. Inspired by Russian folklore, Sophie Anderson crafts a magical adventure brimming with heart and discovery.
7-11 year-olds
One-Button and the Sea by Sara Stanley, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
This picture book tells the story of One-Button and his grandfather, who recount their community’s experience of being uprooted and taking to the sea. Suitable for children aged 4+, it explores themes of migration, resilience, and community, and offers excellent opportunities for discussion. One-Button and the Sea is highly recommended for reading with EYFS and KS1 children, and for discussing to encourage empathy. A beautifully written and illustrated modern fable.
4+ year-olds
The Last Tiger by Petr Horáček
When a proud tiger is captured, he soon realises freedom is more important than strength or power. Beautifully realised with gorgeous illustrations, this immersive modern fable will mesmerise EYFS and KS1 children. It’s also an ideal book to read to a class and inspire cross-curricular artwork and creative writing. It’s a stunning picture book.
6-8 year-olds
Aesop’s Fables by Caroline Lawrence
This collection of Aesop’s Fables brings together familiar stories like The Tortoise and the Hare and The Lion and the Mouse, alongside excerpts from Aesop’s ancient biography. Caroline Lawrence’s translations from Greek and Latin stay true to the original style, while a handy glossary and pronunciation guide make it easy to follow. With Robert Ingpen’s illustrations bringing the tales to life, this edition is perfect for both school and home reading.
7-10 year-olds
An Anthology of Aesop’s Animal Fables by Helen Ward
This large format book includes timeless traditional wisdom tales such as The Hare and the Tortoise, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs. Beautifully crafted with exquisite graphics, this anthology of Aesop’s Animal Fables is a book to treasure. It’s an ideal present for children aged 6 to 9, as well as a gorgeous book to share with KS1. It comes highly recommended. Read Melanie Dillon’s review.
6+ year-olds
How the Grinch Lost Christmas! by Seuss, Dr Seuss
This heartwarming sequel to Dr. Seuss’s classic sees the Grinch determined to prove to everyone that he now loves Christmas. So with much rhyming enthusiasm, he enters a tree-decorating contest. But despite his amazing ribbons, baubles, stars, and an enormous tree, things don’t go entirely to plan. Ideal for children aged 4-8, this hardback combines catchy poetry with vibrant illustrations, capturing the essence of Who-ville. For teachers, this modern fable will be a useful tool when discussing empathy, understanding and the importance of joining in.
5+ year-olds
The Midnight Panther by Poonam Mistry
Panther feels out of place and sets out into the jungle to face obstacles, overcome insecurities, and discover where he belongs. A stunningly illustrated, captivating, and mystical modern fable The Midnight Panther book is a joy to read aloud and share with a class at the end of the school day. The Midnight Panther is also featured in our animal stories list.
3+ year-olds
Fablehouse: Heart of Fire by Emma Norry
In Fablehouse: Heart of Fire, Heather and her friends must defend their magical home from an inspector bent on shutting it down. Guided by Pal, an Arthurian knight, they face challenges that push their powers and friendships to the limit. Heather’s dangerous ability to conjure fire becomes crucial, but she must learn to control it to save everyone she loves. This second book in the Fablehouse series blends magic, Arthurian legend, and themes of friendship and belonging.
8-12 year-olds
Corey’s Rock by Sita Brahmachari illustrated by Jane Ray
When 10-year-old Isla and her family start life afresh in the Orkney Islands, she finds it hard to adjust to her new surroundings and a world without her brother. It’s a unique and uplifting modern fable told through a combination of short chapters, dialogue and poetry, all adorned throughout by stunningly evocative illustrations by Jane Ray. A treasure to read and behold, Corey’s Rock explores themes of refugees, family and acceptance with great sensitivity. Highly recommended.
9-12 year-olds
Where Magic Grows by Onjali Q. Rauf
Where Magic Grows is a collection of seven original fables by Onjali Q. Rauf, inspired by her travels. Each story blends magic, kindness, and wonder, set in places like Egypt, Japan, and the Amazon. With themes of friendship, empathy, and transformation, Rauf’s tales offer timeless lessons. Beautifully illustrated by Katarzyna Doszla, this collection is perfect for bedtime reading with young children, sparking conversations on morality and empathy.
8-10 year-olds
The Wild by Yuval Zommer
The Wild by Yuval Zommer paints a picture of a world where all life depends on the environment, imagined as a vast, dragon-like creature. Over time, human greed harms the Wild, causing its suffering. A young boy, with help from others, speaks out, and the Wild begins to heal. With its hopeful message on protecting nature, Zommer’s detailed illustrations beautifully enhance this gentle call to action, reminding readers of our shared responsibility.
5+ year-olds
The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Ritva Voutila
After seven years as a Cornish ogre, a giant returns, filled with selfishness, and in this large format picturebook Oscar Wilde’s fable of forgiveness is retold through crisp prose adorned with evocative and fascinating illustrations. It’s a spectacular book to pore over, pass down and cherish.
6-12 year-olds
The Moon is a Ball by Ed Franck, illustrated by Thé Tjong-Khing
Through this collection of nine fables of friendship, Panda and Squirrel will teach younger children the values of consideration, reconciliation and empathy. Thought-provoking and ideal to spark circle time discussion, this beautifully illustrated hardback is a wonderful text to share with EYFS classes, and perfect for children in KS1 moving towards first chapter books.
6+ year-olds
No One Is Angry Today by Toon Tellegen
Following a series of forest animal friends through their everyday lives, these stories examine why we do the things we do and how we feel about our actions. This unique and brightly illustrated hardback collection of ten philosophical tales will make a great addition to any upper-key stage two class library. Each of these modern fables is ideal to discuss with year five and six classes in PSHE lessons. The brevity, clarity and high quality of these short stories also lend them to be useful texts to study in literacy lessons, particularly in terms of viewpoint and writing style.
8-12 year-olds
Tales of the Damned: A Collection of Classic Horror Stories by Matt Ralphs, illustrated by Taylor Dolan
Matt Ralphs retells eight classic gothic narratives and unsetting fables in this beautifully illustrated chunky hardback. The Masque of the Red Death, Dracula, The Monkey’s Paw, Red Riding Hood, Frankenstein, Vasilisa the Daughter, Whistle and I’ll Come to You and Bluebeard are presented as accessible and atmospheric short stories. A spooktacular gift book, Tales of the Damned is perfect for 10-13 year olds who like to be immersed in darkly chilling thrills and classic twisty tales.
10+ year-olds
Lionheart Girl by Yaba Badoe
Mysticism, fear and West African witchcraft are blended into this heady and lyrical potion of a modern fable that explores friendship and loyalty. When Sheba discovers her magic abilities, she uses them to uncover dark family secrets that threaten to untie all that binds her life together. Memorable and atmospheric, this novel would be a powerful and provocative read for KS3 book clubs.
12+ year-olds
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Fables resources for teachers
- BBC Teach’s website includes a number of Aesop’s Fables suitable for KS2. And there’s also a bank of resources for EYFS and KS1.
- BBC also offers free downloadable teacher planning and activities for teaching Aesop’s Fables in KS1 and KS2.
- There are audio versions of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The North Wind and the Sun, and The Fox and the Crow.
- Here are some KS1 Dance activities based on Aesop’s Fables.
- Fables – why they matter – from Storytime Magazine explores why teachers should encourage children to read fables and traditional stories. It includes a free downloadable resource pack.
- What are the elements of fables? The Kennedy Center has a set of activities suitable for early secondary-aged students.
