What do a discouraged lion, a deceived sheep dog, an obstinate chimpanzee, and a love-struck prince have in common? What links an indecisive restaurant patron, a jealous author, and an unscrupulous fiancée to a prudent park visitor? The answer to both questions: Not much-unless one takes the time to recognize the well-concealed symbolism behind each of these inspired fables. In the tradition of the short stories written by the late Hans Christian Anderson, the first seven of this collection have been written to be read to children. The remaining five are meant for the more mature readers to enjoy over a cup of soothing tea after the little ones are fast asleep. All, however, carry a common thread of hidden moral concepts that all age groups can learn from-that is, if they have ears to hear.
