The best fables with moral through the eyes of animals

Why am I passionate about this?

I enjoy stories with morals & adventure! The animal kingdom has always been a favourite of children around the world, and a perfect way of conveying these fables without boring the reader. My particular love for foxes has always been there but also extends to other forest creatures. They are always my first choice when picking a book that kids will love and also for my video game designs.

I wrote...

Autumn's Halloween

By Kevin Asla,

Book cover of Autumn's Halloween

What is my book about?

One day a young fox named Fitch awakens in a mysterious and fantasy-filled land called Autumn. Now, all alone he must find his way back home, back to Summer. He happens upon a new friend and sets off on a journey to find his world. Encountering many strange and magical things, Fitch learns a lot on his adventure about Autumn, Halloween, harvest, and bravery; but will it be enough to get him back to Summer?

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Whale Who Wanted More

Kevin Asla Why did I love this book?

The theme of this book is universal. Many of us have always desired more and find little solace in what we have, when what we have is truly all we need. The Whale Who Wanted More reflects a society that needs too much of everything and never has enough. The book tells the story of not living the life one should and depriving ourselves of real happiness only because we think we need more. Humphrey the whale wonders in the deep blue too busy and stressed to think about what he really wants in life. 

By Rachel Bright, Jim Field (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Whale Who Wanted More as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

A stunning undersea tale of friendship, community and discovery from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside.

Under glittering waves of a vast ocean blue, a beautiful world is hidden from view.
And there, in the cool and the quiet of the deep, a great, gentle giant was stirring from sleep . . .

Humphrey the whale is on a quest: to find the one perfect object that will make him feel complete. He roams far and wide, gathering endless undersea treasure as he goes. Yet, no matter how many goodies he accumulates, Humphrey still doesn't feel content. Could it…


Book cover of The Wolf’s Secret

Kevin Asla Why did I love this book?

The Wolf’s Secret tells a tale of friendship and sacrifice with beautiful drawings. A wolf is enchanted by a woman singing in a mythical forest. After her father passed away, she became silent. The wolf finds a way to communicate with her in human form, which puts his life at risk. It is not your typical fairy tale children's book; instead, it is mysterious and dark. The book's cover is stunning, and the pictures inside tell the story in an almost monochromatic way.

By Myriam Dahman, Nicolas Digard, Julia Sardà (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Wolf’s Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Wolf is a hunter, feared by every creature. But he has a secret: in the middle of the forest lives a girl whose beautiful voice has entranced him . . .

The Wolf longs for friendship. But is he prepared to sacrifice his own true nature in order for his wish to come true?

A beautiful and lyrical contemporary fairy tale about difference, trust and the power of friendship to overcome any obstacle.

This sumptuous hardback gift book, with gold foil detail, is perfect for lovers of fairy tales and fables, new and old. It is gloriously illustrated by acclaimed…


Book cover of The Littlest Yak

Kevin Asla Why did I love this book?

I love the scenery in this book. Great Himalayan mountains and crisp snow. Gertie is a perfect character that lets us see what many children struggle with. Gertie is not happy, she feels inferior, but an opportunity arrives which allows showing how valuable she is. Fun is intertwined within the pages of the books. The pictures are beautiful! Another fable story with a moral center!

By Lu Fraser, Kate Hindley (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Littlest Yak as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

WINNER of Oscar's Book Prize 2021!
WINNER Book of the Year and Best Picture Book at the Sainsbury's Children's Book Awards 2021!

Perfect for fans of Rachel Bright and Julia Donaldson, The Littlest Yak is a joyous, rhyming caper that teaches little ones to celebrate their own unique talents!

On the tip of the top of a mountain all snowy, where the ice-swirling, toe-curling blizzards were blowy, in a herd full of huddling yaks, big and small, lived Gertie . . . the littlest yak of them all.

Gertie is the littlest yak in her whole herd, and she's feeling…


Book cover of Rain Before Rainbows

Kevin Asla Why did I love this book?

A pet can be a powerful companion, which is why I've always adored books that convey the relationship between a person and their animal and how a furry friend can help us out of our darkest times. Written with a song-like rhyme and with animals portraying friendship, help, and hope, it tells the story of a girl and her companion fox, illustrated colorfully. I particularly like the background scenes. The book undoubtedly runs from a troubled stage to a place of hope.

By Smriti Prasadam-Halls, David Litchfield (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rain Before Rainbows as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

An uplifting, stunningly beautiful book about optimism in the darkest of places.

A girl and her companion fox travel together from a place of loss and despair, through uncertain times, towards the hope of colour, light and life. Along the way, they find friends to guide and support them. Together, they build a glorious future and discover there is a way out of the darkness, into the light of the rainbow. A book with immense hope at its heart, this is a positive message for anyone who's ever gone through a tough time.


Book cover of Wolfboy

Kevin Asla Why did I love this book?

The black pages caught my attention immediately. Unfortunately, it is not often used for children's books, and it looks terrific with the plasticine style illustrations, making the drawings stand out. A few words tell the story of Wolfboy and his gloomy mood while being hungry and how it can make you look like a monster! Fun reading for little ones.

By Andy Harkness,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wolfboy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Wolfboy is hungry! He's drooly and growly and fussy! As he stomps through the forest looking for rabbits, he grows hungrier and growlier by the minute! What will happen if Wolfboy can't find those rabbits? And what will happen if he does? With bold illustrations and energetic storytelling, Wolfboy perfectly captures the big feelings that come with being very hungry! Engaging, original and perfect for reading aloud, this funny and fresh picture book is a must-have for anyone who's ever been impatient for their food.


You might also like...

Totally Turtles!

By Ginjer L. Clarke,

Book cover of Totally Turtles!

Ginjer L. Clarke Author Of Animal Invaders: Creatures Causing Trouble

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Hiker Reader Dancer Nature & science lover Social justice activist

Ginjer's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Did you know that leatherback turtles can weigh up to 2,000 pounds? Or that the Florida softshell turtle can breathe through its snout and its skin? Turtles have been around for millions of years, and we’re still learning more about them!

With simple language and vivid photographs, Totally Turtles! is perfect for emerging readers curious about turtles and how they have managed to adapt, survive, and thrive for so long. Learn about the fascinating world of turtles, from sea to land and everywhere in between.

Totally Turtles!

By Ginjer L. Clarke,

What is this book about?

Learn about turtles and their many talents in this nonfiction leveled reader perfect for kids interested in these shelled creatures and their lives on land and in the water!

Did you know that leatherback turtles can weigh up to two thousand pounds? Or that the Florida softshell turtle can breathe through its snout and its skin? Turtles have been around for millions of years and we're still learning more about them!

With simple language and vivid photographs, Totally Turtles! is perfect for emerging readers curious about turtles and how they have managed to adapt, survive, and thrive for so long.


Genres
  • Coming soon!

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in fables, hope, and fairy tales?

11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about fables, hope, and fairy tales.

Fables Explore 44 books about fables
Hope Explore 18 books about hope
Fairy Tales Explore 299 books about fairy tales