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I Had A Fantastic Time
The Boy Who Cried Wolf! contains the reimagining’s of thirteen of Aesop’s beloved tales, complete with fresh language and vivid illustrations. How did you choose which stories you would feature in this unique collection?
The full collection is over 200 fables. Almost all of the available collections have all of the stories in them so the available books are pretty dense. I hand picked 13 that I felt were relatable and the general public had a sense of “familiarity” with; for example, many people loosely use the expression “the boy who cried wolf” and “slow and steady” wins the race but may not know exactly what the original reference is.
What did you enjoy most about the collaborative writing process?
I had a fantastic time working with my teenage sons. We collaborated, laughed at each other, argued, voted on many gridlock items like particular vocabulary words. I wanted to create a core memory before they leave for college and I would not have this opportunity again.
The artwork in this book is wonderful. What was it like to work with illustrators Kam Wing Lo and Lai Sun Ip?
The artwork is truly special in this book, and I’m really proud of it. Each picture took weeks, with us directly telling them exactly what we wanted and going back-and-forth with details including colors and background and placement and even the expression on the animals faces. Kam and Lai are truly talented.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon?
I would love to do a part two of this book and pick out maybe 13 more fables!
What are you currently working on?
I’m still exploring the new world of promoting and celebrating this book.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
The Boy Who Cried Wolf! And Other Great Stories With Lessons
The Boy Who Cried Wolf!, by Dr. Uzma Farooq, Samir Ahmad, and Amani Ahmad, is a charming collection of thirteen timeless fables originally told by Aesop, retold here with fresh language and vibrant illustrations. Each story comes with a clear moral, from “The Tortoise and the Hare” to “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” The retellings stay true to the heart of the originals while making them more engaging for a modern audience. The lessons are simple and bold, making this book a go-to resource for both children and adults looking to reflect on honesty, patience, effort, and the consequences of one’s actions.
I found myself smiling often while reading. The writing is clean and energetic. It doesn’t try to be clever for the sake of it, and that’s what makes it feel real. There’s no fluff here, no over-explaining. Each fable gets right to the point, but it’s done with flair and warmth. I especially appreciated the playful rhythm and the subtle humor. The story of “The Fox and the Crow” made me laugh, while “The Ants and the Grasshopper” hit with a little sting of truth.
The heart behind the work is a standout feature of this collection. This wasn’t just a lazy rehash of old stories. You can feel that Dr. Farooq and her sons cared deeply about the messages in each tale. The dedication and acknowledgments give a window into that love for family, for storytelling, for teaching life’s harder truths without being preachy. And Kam Wing Lo and Lai Sun Ip’s illustrations are a delight. They give the book an extra layer of warmth and make it easy to imagine a parent and child reading together before bed.
I heartily enjoyed The Boy Who Cried Wolf! It’s funny, sharp, and full of heart. I’d recommend it to parents, teachers, or anyone who wants a sweet dose of old-school wisdom with a fresh coat of paint. Perfect for reading aloud, discussing over dinner, or just flipping through when you need a reminder of what really matters.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F7S5YK3X
LITERARY TITAN 