As in all fables there is a moral: ‘It is difficult to take in ideas, however valid, that are well beyond our experience.’ Children who read this tale should be able to appreciate the animals’ puzzlement, and look at themselves in a new way. The fable has been retold from ‘Short Stories About Animals’, London 1882. Set in an Indian jungle in the mythical past. Silver level titles (equivalent to the White bridging book band) use sentences with two or three clauses and the length of the texts extends to around 1000 words to help build reading stamina. Real-life problems are also introduced to encourage empathy. Available for Levels 15-24, PM Traditional Tales and Plays retell classic tales in a simplified language and form that children can understand. Teachers use the tales in guided reading sessions and children can later read them with confidence and understanding. Parts are colour-coded for easy recognition. #pm19-offer