Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details

Feathers and Fools (by Mem Fox)

common sense media says

Literary-quality fable is engaging, effective.


parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Peacocks and swans sharpen their feathers to be used as weapons of war. Violent imagery in text.
Language: Not applicable.

More on Feathers and Fools

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the moral of this story. What lessons does it try to teach? What could the birds have done differently?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Nicholas Wilton
Publisher: Harcourt Brace
Publication date: January 1, 2000
Number of pages: 30
Paperback price: $6.00

This review was written by Mary LeCompte
 
 

Review It

 

Review Feathers and Fools





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you read Feathers and Fools?


Already read it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is 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