These contemporary “fables” are instructive, hilarious, and now in paperback!
The fourth graders at Aesop Elementary are,... read full description
The fourth graders at Aesop Elementary are,... read full description
reviews
Sep 04, 2008
Caroline
rated it: 
Although it was perhaps a little bit TOO "punny" for my tastes, I can see how elementary school kids would get a real kick out of this as a read-aloud. Each chapter in this story of the notorious fourth-grade class at Aesop Elementary tells one of Aesop's fables in a new way, though the original morals are included at the end of each chapter. My favorite character, of course, is the school librarian, whose name is--are you ready for it?--Paige Turner. It was a fun, light read that has
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Mar 22, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Strongly reminds me of Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Each chapter centers around a main character and wraps up with a moral from Aesop's Fables. Some of the morals fit the story better than others. So far, I'm enjoying the book and would recommend it to students, though it's not one I would choose as a read aloud or small group novel.
Final verdict -- I liked it and found most of the stories amusing, but I don't think it's a fantastic book.
Continuing connect More...
Final verdict -- I liked it and found most of the stories amusing, but I don't think it's a fantastic book.
Continuing connect More...
Jun 12, 2011
Amanda
rated it: 
This book was so cute and funny. It retells Aesop's fables in the setting of a bunch of rowdy fourth graders. The characters are entertaining and the author has a good sense of humor along with some good puns. My favorite story was the one that made fun of standardized testing. "We're taking the E.S.B.A.F.C.A.E.FG.A.E.'s, otherwise known as the Every State Basic Abilities and Fundamental Cognitive Assessment of Essential Fourth Grade Achievement Evaluation Test." Hahaha that whole
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May 26, 2010
Elissa
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I read this book along with my 3rd grade son, who was reading it for a book report project. I recommend it. It was silly in a way that was engaging and entertaining to him (he's a sometimes reluctant reader, but really liked this), as well as really clever. Characters have silly names that are relatively intellectual puns (like the librarian named Paige Turner; extra points if you get the reference to Shakespeare, in the skull "substitute" being named Mrs. Yorick). The name of the
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Sep 28, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
I really thought that this book had great potential to share with my fourth graders who study Aesop. Each chapter is a modern school fable, complete with a moral at the end. Unfortunately, the teacher's character never comes alive - he's quirky, but that's about it. Also a little too much bathroom, immature humor to warrant reading the book aloud to a class. And the librarian character - a fluff brain who tries to reinvent herself in a helpless, feminine way - that's as bad as the stereotype of
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Sep 16, 2009
Heather
rated it:
Aesop's fables get a modern retelling in this quirky book, reminiscent of Louis Sachar's Wayside School. I particularly enjoyed Fleming's take on "The Tortoise and the Hare." In this version, two kids take part in a poetry race, trying to see who can memorize the most lines of poetry in a week. The not so surprising ending gives new meaning to "slow and steady wins the race" and reminds us that there's a poem for everyone.
It's also clear that Fleming is no fan of More...
It's also clear that Fleming is no fan of More...
Sep 06, 2010
Sandie
rated it:
I thought this book was really charming and reccomend it especially for reluctant readers. This is a modern day Aesop's Fables, with short chapters, making it a very easy read.
I am not even sure they should be called chapters, rather individual short stories that all kind of tie in together to make a thoroughly delightful book.
I believe it would make a fine read outloud book as well, whether for a classroom or to read with your own child. Each chapter ends with a mor More...
I am not even sure they should be called chapters, rather individual short stories that all kind of tie in together to make a thoroughly delightful book.
I believe it would make a fine read outloud book as well, whether for a classroom or to read with your own child. Each chapter ends with a mor More...
Jun 01, 2010
Yolanda
rated it: 
Eh. I didn't enjoy this one really all that much. Last year it was a Sunshine State Reads book and a lot of those books have interested me and when I saw this one for $4 I didn't want to pass up the chance of reading it. I kinda wished that I saved the $4 for another read.
It wasn't all that horrible, but I don't know. I just didn't read it. And to be honest, if this was one of the books that I would have been forced to read when I was younger, I probably wouldn't have liked it e
It wasn't all that horrible, but I don't know. I just didn't read it. And to be honest, if this was one of the books that I would have been forced to read when I was younger, I probably wouldn't have liked it e
Aug 02, 2011
Andrea
rated it:
This book was great because it reminded me of my own 4th grade teacher. After leaving private school for public school I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I was lucky enough to have the most amazing teachers who welcomed me with open arms and make me feel like a person. After being lost in the shuffle at a private school this was a life changing experience. I only hope every child has some teachers like this :)
May 31, 2011
Katie
rated it:
I was reminded time and again of Sideways Stories from Wayside School - to the point that I wondered whether the author looked to Louis Sachar for inspiration. Sideways Stories is much more creative and imaginative, however, with much more original humor. This book no doubt has an audience - the kids who enjoy the My Weird School and My Weird School Daze series will easily graduate to this book and its sequel, The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School - but for me, it took on too much
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Jul 12, 2009
Impageturner
rated it:
To the principal of Aesop Elementary, Mr. Jupiter seems heaven-sent. He agrees to take on the worst class of fourth graders, and seems completely unruffled by their pranks and comments. How he reins them in and teaches them valuable life lessons will keep young readers entertained until the very end. The short chapters make it a good choice for reluctant readers, too.
Jul 06, 2009
Hilary
rated it:
The fourth graders at Aesop Elementary School are notoriously misbehaved, until a new teacher, Mr. Jupiter, begins to teach them in unusual ways. Episodic chapters mirror Aesop's Fables with goofy results. A good read for kids who can't get enough of the silliness of the Wayside School Series (Louis Sachar) or the clever puns of the Regarding of... series (Kate Klise).
Jan 19, 2010
Marie
rated it:
This had potential to be a great book- but fell a little short for me. I teach fables and proverbs in third grade and thought that maybe different sections of this book may be fun to read to my class.
Some of it caused me to chuckle- but that's because I felt like there were more adult references then for children.
It was okay-- but a little disappointed.
Some of it caused me to chuckle- but that's because I felt like there were more adult references then for children.
It was okay-- but a little disappointed.
Apr 04, 2011
Franklini.
rated it:
I tink this book is so cool and funny,i wish that the school be like that.I will never miss a day this book is realistic fiction.but they ore to dont and they ore in fourth grade.I like the part when thy ore acting a play in the scool.This book is cool i will recomend this book to the people that like to laf.
Jul 22, 2009
Ajdepas
rated it:
Take Calvin Tallywong. He wants to o back to kindergarten,but...he should be careful what he wishes for! When Calvin actually gets the chance he is forced to do the squirrel dance and wear a yellow school bus name tag.How will he ever escape? This book may be below your normal rade level of reading but it is really a good book.
Apr 04, 2011
Daniella
rated it:
I think its a fantastic realistic fiction book.It was shoking when mr.Jupiter kissed the librarion on the check so thats what so that is I want to remember.I want to recommend this book to 4th and 5th graders.I have schema with this book because ihad pranke a person before.I wonder why did the kids prank Mr.Jupiter?
Jul 24, 2011
Karolinde (Kari)
rated it:
The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School is very much in the spirit of Louis Sachar's Wayside stories. The book consists of silly retellins of Aesop's fables. While the book is cute and fun, the very best part of the whole book is "critic's reviews" on the back cover.
Feb 01, 2010
Kim
rated it:
Very cute story about the worst group of fourth graders who have a life-changing year thanks to Mr. Jupiter. Each chapter takes a look at each child in the class and the moral of his/her experience. This would be a wonderful read aloud or nightly shared with with your child.
Nov 26, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
Cute loosely connected stories about a fourth grade class and their new teacher, Mr. Jupiter. Each kid has a flaw, such as Victoria Sovaine (who is very vain) and Hamm Sammitch (who loves to eat) and each chapter/story has a moral, inspired by Aesop.
Feb 22, 2009
Rebecca
rated it:
entertaining enough. a bit tiresome though. and not stellar.
some funny names and almost-bad words that delight a 4th grade audience, even one that considers itself sophisticated.
good to know for readers looking for something light/funny/fast.
some funny names and almost-bad words that delight a 4th grade audience, even one that considers itself sophisticated.
good to know for readers looking for something light/funny/fast.
May 12, 2011
Diane
rated it:
I think my fourth graders will like this book. The morals at the end of each chapter are a bit hokey, but I think it will reinforce the understanding of fables with my students. The characters are quirky and I think that kids will like the book.
May 15, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
I thought it was very cleverly written using Aesop's Fables in a modern day classroom. The fables are presented to kids today in a language they understand. Funny book! My class loved it! I'll definitely read it again next year!
Jul 30, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
Quirky characters and an out of the ordinary teacher make me think of the Wayside School stories. But I must admit, the librarian in this book is lots of fun. Puns and bad jokes are everywhere. That's my kind of story. :)
Sep 29, 2011
Nancy
rated it:
A school book about quirky individuals who find they have an amazing teacher who "gets" them and is up for the challenge. There is even a love story brewing. Funny and different. Very fun read-aloud.
Feb 24, 2011
Erin
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The review I read compared this to "Sideways Stories from Wayside School", which was one of my favorite books as a kid. "The Fabled Fourth Graders isn't a bad book, but it's no "Sideways Stories".
Jul 18, 2010
Maggie
rated it:
This is a perfect book to blend into a classic fables/Aesop unit. I had to get this book for myself the day I heard about it in class...I literally was out of breath from laughing so hard! What a great book for starting off my 1st year in 4th grade!
Jan 13, 2010
Daniel
rated it: 
Read this one for my daughter Sierra. There were some funny parts but I didn't like it overall. The author writes a one-line 'moral' at the end of each chapter which I think is a little condescending.
Dec 10, 2009
Elise
rated it:
It was actually pretty funny to me... I think that if one of you guys (friends) read it you'd like it. It was a sunshine state book so I ACTUALLY HAD TO read it.... SO READ IT!!! :-)
Oct 14, 2009
Sheryl
rated it:
I enjoyed the connections to the morals of familiar fables. Sometimes the author stretched a little too much to make the connection. It was an enjoyable easy read, but not my favorite.
Jun 06, 2009
Sherrie
rated it:
8 of 15 SSYRA books read for 3rd to 5th grade next school year...this is a light read, but it has lots of literary and cultural allusions to keep more able readers interested.
