Books in Sommer-time Story Classics series

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.

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.

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.

In a village full of selfish inhabitants, the idea that making stone soup would bring them all together might be hard to swallowliterally! 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.

Sometimes people are willingly dishonest rather than risking embarrassment. Such is the case in this whimsical rendition of Hans Christian Andersens 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.

While grownups understand the magnitude of guarding sheep, children may lack an ability to see the bigger picture. Nicholas finds tending his familys 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.

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.

A good effort reaps a 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.