Picturebook Adaptations of Aesop Fables: An Analysis of Morrison and Pinkney’s Adaptations of Three Classic Tales

Abstract This article examines the reconstruction of human foibles in picturebook adaptations three popular Aesop’s fables: “The Ants and Grasshopper”, Lion Mouse”, Hare Tortoise”. Adopting adaptation globalectics perspectives, author illustrates how social hierarchy is deconstructed these fables where authors use anthropomorphic animals to moralize about condition. Thus, although reiterate lessons from original source material, they deliberately undermine and/or expand by integrating sociocultural signifiers that situate Black aesthetics at core narratives. The six award-winning artists, Toni Slade Morrison, Jerry Pinkney.