Common Sense Note
The literary-quality story is an engaging, effective fable. Acrylic artwork is bright and dreamlike. Heavy on life lessons, it may be more appealing to parents and teachers than to kids.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Mary LeCompte
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.
When the book was read to a group of six- and seven-year-olds, the reviews were mixed. "Why did you read that sad book?" one tearful girl asked. "Because we're supposed to learn that fighting is wrong," replied her friend. "Yeah, the birds should have talked it out," offered one boy, "but I liked that story. It teaches a good lesson."
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, 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 image on the right.
For a gentler lesson in accepting differences, try Mem Fox's Whoever You Are. Or, if you prefer the classic morality tales, check out Aesop's Fables: A Classic Illustrated Edition.
From The Book
Again the first peacock broke the silence. "I fear the swans," he said. "They have great strength. If they wished, they could turn us out of our gardens, or make us fly, or force us to swim." Here and there, peacock feathers rustled uneasily. "Alas!" cries one. "No home! No happiness! No life!" There followed anxious mutterings and a making of plans.
Plot Summary:
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.
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