Clever Foxes & Lucky Klutzes

by William J. O'Malley

A dictionary definition of 'fable' goes something like "a narration intended to enforce a useful truth." You are going on a journey where clever foxes, stalwart princes, fair damsels, giggling goats, ignominious witches, and all other sorts of creatures, human and not, represent some very useful, and often funny, truths. You might recognize a favorite aunt in a kind queen, a neighbor in a bumptious pig prince, or perhaps yourself in, of course, a clever fox or even a lucky klutz. This collection of prankish folktales will tempt you to pause and ponder, to laugh out loud or be quietly touched by the emotion of the moment. Above all, these fables will lead you to worlds where anything may be true, where villains don't hold all the cards, and where dreamers still have a chance, if by just a whisker of derring-do. You may start at the very beginning and gallop through. You may stop to savor a particular favorite story. Or you may pick and choose, depending on what title fits your fancy. However you meet this enchantment, enjoy the the carpet and the banquet await.

170 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

About the author

William J. O’Malley, S.J., is a legendary high school teacher who began his career as a Latin and English teacher at Brooklyn Prep in 1957 and who taught English and theology at Fordham Prep in the Bronx for twenty-five years. He has also been an adjunct assistant professor of theology at Fordham University and has taught at several other universities around the country. In 1990 he was awarded the F. Sadlier Dinger Award for outstanding contributions to religious education in America. O’Malley has authored forty books, hundreds of articles, produced several videos, and written and directed over one hundred plays and musicals in his distinguished career.