Throughout the centuries, famous fable books and stories have been carried on, from generation to generation. These are stories that have survived and will always live in our hearts. Almost like fairy tales, famous fables genuinely share a common theme of morality and perseverance. Perhaps the best known collection of fables is Aesop, who was a Greek slave and wrote over 725 stories! Immerse yourself into the best fable books and many more!
What Did These Fable Books Do To Qualify For This List
Any time you are ranking the best of something the results are usually somewhat subjective but we have did our best to come up with a list the readers of the fable genre will truly like. To come up with this list we took into account:
- quantity and quality of user reviews
- sales data
- public perception
- opinions of readers of this genres
- commercial success
- and of course personal opinion
Take a look at the best Fable Books you can read right now:
Table of Contents
Best Fable Books
Here are the best fable books by the experts:
1) Aesop’s Fables (The Classic Edition) by Charles Santore
BOOK SUMMARY: Revive your childhood wonder and fascination with the most exquisitely illustrated edition of Aesop’s Fables to hit the market in years—featuring breathtaking original artwork by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Charles Santore!- BOOK REVIEWS:
2) Fables: The Deluxe Edition Book One by Bill Willingham , Mark Buckingham, et al.
BOOK SUMMARY: When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile.- BOOK REVIEWS:
3) Fables by Arnold Lobel
BOOK SUMMARY: A pig flying through marshmallow clouds? A camel pirouetting through the desert? Where else could a reader find such marvelous things but in a fable? From the author-illustrator behind beloved Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel, comes a collection of humorous, silly fables that will delight readers young and old.- BOOK REVIEWS:
4) The Swallows: Short fables with morals for children. (The Swallows Collection) by Christy Astremsky
BOOK SUMMARY: Among the popular fables for children, these are especially noteworthy. Simple texts of this children book are complemented by colorful pictures that will help a child understand the moral of each fable.- BOOK REVIEWS:
5) Friedman’s Fables by Edwin H. Friedman
BOOK SUMMARY: These tales playfully demonstrate that new ideas, new questions, and imagination, more than accepted wisdom, provide each of us with the keys to overcoming stubborn emotional barriers and facilitating real change both in ourselves and others. Thought-provoking discussion questions for each fable are included
- BOOK REVIEWS:
6) Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile (Fables (Graphic Novels) by Bill Willingham and Lan Medina
BOOK SUMMARY: FABLES is the winner of 14 Eisner Awards and is one of the most enduring Vertigo titles ever. Here, in this new, 10th anniversary edition, is a newly colored 8-page story from the Fables prose work PETER & MAX: A FABLES NOVEL, as well as a beautiful new cover from series artist Mark Buckingham.- BOOK REVIEWS:
7) The McElderry Book of Aesop’s Fables by Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark
BOOK SUMMARY: Ancient Aesop swings into the twenty-first century in this bright new collection of twenty-one favorite fables. Here are all the classic tales: the greedy dog who loses his bone to his own reflection in the water; the little mouse who pays back the grand lion in a big, big way; and the shepherd’s son who thinks it’s a good joke to cry “Wolf!” just to see the villagers come running. And, of course, there’s that arrogant hare and his racing partner, the slow but steady tortoise.
Michael Morpurgo’s lively language gives each tale a fresh feel that’s perfect for reading aloud and sharing. Emma Chichester Clark’s radiant illustrations are bursting with bold colors and cheerful characters. Together they have created a modern classic brimming with fun, which children will enjoy reading and laughing over again and again.
- BOOK REVIEWS:
8) Endless Fables: The Minotaur’s Curse
BOOK SUMMARY: The legend of the Minotaur has long been a closed book, but what if it didn’t happen the way scholars claim? At an academic lecture hosted by your friend, a hooded man refutes the accepted lore, announcing that the Minotaur is still alive and well in his labyrinth, waiting patiently to be reborn. Only the descendent of Ariadne can stop him… which just happens to be you! Set out on a journey of mythical proportions to stop the resurrection and save seven innocent souls in this exciting Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!- BOOK REVIEWS:
9) Aesop’s Favorite Fables: More Than 130 Classic Fables for Children! (Children’s Classic Collections) by Milo Winter
BOOK SUMMARY: Racehorse Publishing’s Children’s Classic Collections is a new series that offers readers timeless compilations of children’s literature. Handsomely packaged and affordable, this new series aims to revitalize these enchanting works and continue the tradition of sharing them with the next generation- BOOK REVIEWS:
10) Fables: The Deluxe Edition Book Seven by Bill Willingham , Mark Buckingham, et al.
BOOK SUMMARY: Preparation for war between Fabletown and the Empire begins! The Adversary calls a conference of the Imperial elite to decide what to do about Fabletown and Pinocchio has to face up to his divided loyalties between his friends and his family. Meanwhile, Bigby decides the time has come to confront his father, the North Wind, while the cubs learn more of their family and celebrate their birthday! Plus, Burning Questions by the fans answered!- BOOK REVIEWS:
Best Fable Movies
1)Puss in Boots
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Antonio Banderas, and Salma Hayek
Directed by: Chris Miller
Movie Summary:You loved him in Shrek…now see where the one-and-only swashbuckling feline found his fame – and a very big pair of boots – in the “hilariously funny” (Associated Press) animated epic! Here’s the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend – Puss In Boots!
Movie Reviews:
This was the greatest cinematic masterpiece ever produced! The adventure and romance of this epic tale are unparalleled. The story of puss an boots will live on for generations because of the brilliant and breathtaking scenes presented by this piece of art.
-Amazon Reviewer
Great movie! Who has always wanted to know the story of Puss from Shrek? Well this movie is his story. It ties together some very familiar fairy-tales. Like in Shrek this movie is filled with fairy-tale characters. Specifically Puss, Humpty Dumpty, Ms. Kitty South-Paws, and a goose that lays golden eggs. Spoiler alert Puss and Humpty were good friends until one leaves the other behind. They go for their revenge. Humpty decides to try and find the golden egg. They get magical beans and go up the beanstalk and get it. What happens when they get their egg? You’ll have to watch to see!
-Amazon Reviewer
2)Classic Tales
Starring: Directed by: Craig Handley
Movie Summary:“Classic Tales” features timeless stories that have entertained and enchanted for generations. Each tale has been adapted to stay truthful to the spirit of the original source while featuring a fresh and unique visual style. Drawn from around the globe, the stories include all the best loved fairy tales, ancient myths and legends that have become favourites in their own lands.
Movie Reviews:
This is something you watch for the storytelling. The narrative style hardens back to bedtime stories. Recommend.
-Amazon Reviewer
3)Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare
Starring: Drake Bell , Vivica A. Fox , Danny Glover, and Keke Palmer
Directed by: Howard E. Baker
Movie Summary:A modern take on the story The Tortoise and the Hare.
Movie Reviews:
My kids and I have always loved this movie. It’s a funny version of the story.
-Amazon Reviewer
4)Robin Hood
Starring: Roger Miller, Phil Harris, Brian Bedford
Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman
Movie Summary:The Disney animated classic tale of England’s legendary hero.
Movie Reviews:
The musical score is very sweet. Perfect movie to let your kids watch when they are not feeling well and you want to keep them quiet but entertained.When my kids were little and under the weather I used to set up the ‘death bed’ in the family room and show them Disney movies. I bought several Disney classics so my daughter can continue the tradition.
-Amazon Reviewer
5)The Star
Starring: Anthony Anderson, Ving Rhames, and Kristin Chenoweth
Directed by: Timothy Reckart
Movie Summary:Bo, a brave donkey, and all his new hilarious animal friends go on the adventure of their dreams filled with lots of laughter.
Movie Reviews:
Wonderfully put together great story about the birth of Christ from the animals perspective.
-Amazon Reviewer
Best Fable Audio Books
1)Aesop’s Fables, by Aesop
Book Summary:Aesop’s celebrated collection of fables has always been popular with both adults and children. These simple tales embody truths so powerful, the titles of the individual fables – the fox and the grapes, the dog in the manger, the wolf in sheep’s clothing and many others – have entered the languages and idioms of most European tongues. This edition is beautifully illustrated in black and white by the great Arthur Rackham, and has an introduction by G.K. Chesterton.
Book Reviews:
-Amazon Reviewer
2)Fables by Arnold Lobel
Book Summary:A pig flying through marshmallow clouds to a marzipan moon? A camel pirouetting through the desert? Where can a listener find such marvelous things but in a fable? In this collection, short, original fables with fresh, unexpected morals poke subtle fun at human foibles through the antics of animals.
Book Reviews:
3 year old loves it, always laughs when I explain the moral at the end of each story and waits with bated breath for the punchline. 1 year old loves the drawings. The perfect package for witty babies./shareable]
I have taken this book to work on all areas of language with my students. It has been very successful and I am grateful to the author who has written in such a way that has enhanced my students language skills.
Thank you so much!
-Amazon Reviewer
3)The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen
Book Summary:“The Ugly Duckling”, one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved fairy tales, is narrated by Stephen Fry for the GivingTales project. It is a story about the troubles and sufferings of a young swan that got hatched from an egg in a duck’s nest. He was marked as different and there all of his troubles started. He was humiliated in many ways and abused which ended up with him not trusting himself. He thought that he was worthless and he left the ducks. The is the primal story about bulling and about self-belief.
Book Reviews:
Our girls really love this story. I’ve always loved this story, and the message it tries to teach.
-Amazon Reviewer
What is not to like about a book written by Hans Christian Anderson…This is such a nice classic. Although it was written many years ago everyone knows the story.
-Amazon Reviewer
4)The Story of the Three Little Pigs, by Frederick Warne
Book Summary:Many modern tales alter the ending and leave some of the story behind. A tale of mutual deception and shoddy home building could bring smiles in this classic tale.
Book Reviews:
I’ve always loved this version of “The Three Little Pigs,” as told by the Wolf. The narrating wolf (who you’re free to not believe) claims to have been a victim of a bad cold and some very rude swine. It’s a clever and funny approach with wonderfully unique artwork.
-Amazon Reviewer
An old story told from a different perspective. I liked it when my kids were younger and hope the grandkids will, too.
-Amazon Reviewer
5)The Tale of Two Bad Mice, by Beatrix Potter
Book Summary:Two mice, Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca, discover a beautiful dollhouse, and decide to explore it. In the process, they cause some havoc! One of Potter’s finest tales.
Book Reviews:
This one is just TOO funny, with a morality tale about greed, thievery, losing one’s temper, and repentance for one’s sins as a bonus.
-Amazon Reviewer
Beatrix Potter has always been a favorite of mine since my first child was born 41.5 years ago – I have shared it with all of my four (4) children and now my 9 grandchildren – they loved it every time it has been read to them – not to mention the underlying lessons learned from the antics of the mice and, of course, all of Beatrice’s stories.
-Amazon Reviewer
Conclusion
What do you think about our list of best fable books? If you have another genre that you prefer to read we have probably compiled a list of our favorites for that genre too. So if you are looking for something other than the best fable books you can find other genres here.
