Inspired by Aesop's classic fables and Bill Martin Jr.'s friendship and book, Lee Jenkins wrote The Thirsty Crow: Aesop's Little by Little Fable. Until Jim Chansler illustrated this book, few people knew how much humor could be placed in crow drawings! Together, the simple language and creative cartoons create an enjoyable book for many beginning readers. These fortunate children will never forget how much fun learning to read is.

The Aesop Patterns for Young Readers series is unique among fables for children because they are specifically written for beginning readers, ages 4-7. After parents, other adults and older children read The Thirsty Crow a few times to young children, they will quickly pick up the patterns and learn to read the book for themselves.