Interesting modern interpretation of the fables of the 6th century Avianus. Here's an excerpt from my blog review:
The stories are pithy and can be extremely sarcastic at times. They are not really moral lessons for children so much as social commentaries for adults. They can also be witty and poignant. One such fable is of a cute baby contest that Jupiter held on earth. For a joke he chose the monkey's baby. Everyone laughed at such an ugly little baby being chosen. The mother monkey cherished her baby all the more, proclaiming Jupiter's judgement as affirmation of her own love for her child. Everyone laughed even more but then fell silent "in awe of such blind passion."
For the entire review: http://sharonhenning.blogspot.com/2014/11/avianus-tranlated-by-david-r-slavitt.html
The stories are pithy and can be extremely sarcastic at times. They are not really moral lessons for children so much as social commentaries for adults. They can also be witty and poignant. One such fable is of a cute baby contest that Jupiter held on earth. For a joke he chose the monkey's baby. Everyone laughed at such an ugly little baby being chosen. The mother monkey cherished her baby all the more, proclaiming Jupiter's judgement as affirmation of her own love for her child. Everyone laughed even more but then fell silent "in awe of such blind passion."
For the entire review: http://sharonhenning.blogspot.com/2014/11/avianus-tranlated-by-david-r-slavitt.html
