 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Feathers and Fools
Common Sense Media says
Literary-quality fable is engaging, effective.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this literary-quality story is an engaging, effective fable. The acrylic artwork is bright and dreamlike. Heavy on life lessons, it may be more appealing to parents and teachers than to kids.
What's the story?
At first there is harmony, but when the peacocks and swans begin to fear one another because of their differences, their peaceful pond turns into a battlefield--with tragic results. When all seems lost, hope arises, in this profound, well-crafted, and stunningly illustrated modern-day fable worthy of comparison to Aesop's tales.
Is it any good?
FEATHERS AND FOOLS is a timely, powerful fable, but parents should choose their audience wisely because, even though most kids will recognize the story's merit, the subject matter may sadden or disturb some. Author Mem Fox makes a point to name the most aggressive peacock "the first-and-most-foolish" and demonstrates in elegant prose how the follies of human nature -- such as prejudice, gossip, and aggression -- can lead to the despair of having to live in fear and, ultimately, face the ravages of war.
The right-hand pages are richly detailed acrylic illustrations with primitive borders, which stand out against a black background. The left-hand text pages are simply illustrated but complement the images on the right.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the moral of this story. What lessons does it try to teach? What could the birds have done differently?
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Author: | Mem Fox |
| Illustrator: | Nicholas Wilton |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Folklore |
| Publisher: | Harcourt Brace |
| Publication date: | January 1, 2000 |
| Number of pages: | 30 |
| Paperback price: | $6.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
