The Animals Stricken by the Plague

Written by Jean de La Fontaine
Illustrated by Heitz Bruno

  • Picture Book
  • Age group: 7 and up
  • Pages: 48
  • Format: 25 x 32 cm
  • Hardcover
  • RP: 18 euros

A terrible plague descends upon the animal kingdom, spreading terror and death. No one eats, hunts, or loves anymore. To appease Heaven’s wrath, the Lion, king of the animals, proposes that the most guilty among them sacrifice themselves to save the others. Each animal confesses its faults: the Lion admits to devouring sheep and even a shepherd, but the Fox flatters him and excuses his actions. The powerful are forgiven, their crimes minimized. But when the Donkey confesses to having grazed a little grass in a forbidden meadow, everyone is outraged and blames him for their collective misfortune. The innocent and weak Donkey is sacrificed, illustrating the injustice of the powerful who condemn the most vulnerable to protect themselves.

This fable, both cruel and ironic, denounces the hypocrisy and injustice of societies where fate depends on one’s power or misery.

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From the same illustrator

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