Squids Will be Squids: Fresh Morals, Beastly Fables
By Jon Scieszka
The Story
Eighteen fables swap gossipy people for animals and food — like a walrus who tells too much truth and a slug so wrapped up in herself she misses the steamroller behind her — each ending with a sly, modern moral.
Why It's Special
For the kid who already argues with the moral at the end of every fable, this collection hands them eighteen chances to argue back.
- Big idea: Old wisdom gets funnier — and sharper — when you swap the people for slugs, walruses, and matches.
- Vibes: Sly, deadpan, and gleefully subversive — Aesop with a smirk.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy absurd humor with a bite
- like to question morals instead of just accepting them
- are working on reading in short, standalone chunks
- respond well to stories that poke fun at grown-up rules
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What went wrong for Slug when she got so caught up in her big moment?
- Imagination: If you turned someone you know into an animal for a fable, who would they be and why?
- Real-life connection: Little Walrus told too much truth — have you ever said something true that got you in trouble?
- Feelings & empathy: Do you think Straw felt tricked by Matches? Why do you think that happened?
- Big ideas: These fables end with morals — which one did you think was the funniest or the truest?
