In his 1956 essay titled “Sometimes a fairy tale best tells what needs to be said,” C.S. Lewis presents an intriguing perspective on the role of an author. He differentiates between the author who creates and the human being behind the creation, suggesting both are crucial for any imaginative work, whether it’s a novel or a poem. The author is the one who feels a spark of creativity and excitement, while the human element enriches the narrative, allowing it to resonate with deeper meaning. According to Lewis, combining these two aspects is vital for a work to be both enlightening and entertaining.
Dr. Matthew Meehan’s latest book, a substantial volume celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, exemplifies this theory beautifully.
A Noteworthy New Book
The “American Book of Fables” is a refreshing addition to literature, distinct in that it isn’t merely a collection of reprints or dusty classics. Instead, it’s a modern classic that captures the natural and man-made marvels of the United States through exquisite poetry, prose, and illustrations by the talented John Foley.
The book consists of 13 sections, each introduced by a relevant excerpt from the Declaration of Independence and dedicated to different ecological regions of the country. Its content is diverse, featuring poems, fables, and true stories drawn from America’s rich historical and cultural tapestry. Meehan ensures inclusivity, making sure there are elements appealing to “little people,” “middle people,” and “big people” alike.
As a homeschooling mom myself, I find this approach incredibly useful. With the nation’s 500th anniversary approaching, I’m contemplating how best to introduce young minds to the legacy of our country.
Sure, we plan to attend the local Fourth of July parade—dressing in red, white, and blue, waving flags, enjoying hot dogs, and watching fireworks. But I must confess, I sometimes wonder if these activities genuinely convey the essence of America: its profound history, rich diversity, and remarkable design.
Something for Everyone
This is where “The American Book of Fables” shines. You can start a curious 4-year-old with the engaging rhymes in the “Little” section. My 6-year-old son particularly enjoys the fables in the “Middle” section. As for me, I’ve discovered plenty from the “Big Things” section—there’s just so much to learn, and I expect we’ll revisit the material as the kids grow.
Last fall, I had the chance to chat with Dr. Meehan about his ongoing work on this book. To be candid, I found myself a bit tangled up in our conversation. I pride myself on being well-read and knowledgeable about history, yet I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by Dr. Meehan’s immense knowledge spanning the Western canon. Sure, I sometimes falter when trying to recall philosophers or their ideas.
I’m sharing this not to seek sympathy but to highlight the valuable insights I gleaned from my conversation with Dr. Meehan and his book. Sometimes, confusion is part of the learning process. This was true for our Founding Fathers as well, and it’s a lesson we’ve perhaps overlooked in the past two centuries.
A Remedy for Stagnation
In critiquing modern children’s literature, I hesitate to be yet another parent lamenting its shortcomings, but the truth remains: much of it is simply uninspired. While not entirely devoid of moral guidance, it often lacks substance and depth. Some even perpetuate harmful ideas, like the notion that gender is easily changeable.
In contrast, the founding generation of children consumed a far richer intellectual diet, which informed their journey from youth into adulthood.
If we’re going to celebrate America’s greatness, we must delve deeper than mere surface-level nostalgia for what our Founding Fathers fashioned. Dr. Meehan underscores the necessity of exploring the texts and ideas that influenced them; this intellectual curiosity sparked their creativity. “The superior imagination formed the foundation for all our nation’s essential thoughts, words, and actions,” he articulates.
A Rich Tapestry
“The American Book of Fables” weaves together Judeo-Christian values, lessons from nature, ancient philosophies, and tales from Greek and Roman mythology as well as animal fables, many of which were a staple for early American education. These stories served not just to impart morality but also to explore human passions and the concept of self-governance.
As we read together as a family, my children often encounter unfamiliar words and ideas, prompting many questions, such as, “What’s a lynx? Who are the Navajo? What does ‘candid’ mean?”
Enduring Literature
Yet again, this is a positive development. I’m there to clarify, explain, and learn alongside them, and we navigate this discovery process together. Each passage in the book opens up avenues for inquiry—whether it’s gazing at images of the Rocky Mountains or discussing historical figures like John and Abigail Adams. Every text and illustration stitches together a fabric of our own imaginative understanding.
Reflecting two centuries into the future, I hope a new generation celebrates our nation’s 500th anniversary. Although we may not be here, the timeless quality of good literature ensures that it will endure, just as great works have been cherished for millennia.
Without a doubt, “The American Book of Fables” is destined for that legacy. Its captivating narrative and beautiful illustrations will inspire future generations of Americans and their families for years to come.
