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Not Just for Kids
More Fabulous Fables
by Sonia Linebaugh
This week, Sonia Linebaugh rewrites a pair of the ancient fables of Aesop, a man who lived in Greece 2,500 years ago. Last week, Emily Kehne shared her fabulous artistry at age eight. Old or new, fables are made-up stories drawn from observation and experience to make sense of life’s strange ways. Write your own fable and send it to Bay Weekly • P.O. Box 358 • Deale, MD 20751.
 A Fox and a Crow
A certain fox spied a crow sitting on the low branch of a tree with a tasty bit of food in his mouth. The fox felt very hungry and set about getting the crow to give up his food.
“Mr. Crow, you’re looking very beautiful today,” said the fox. “Your feathers gleam more brightly than any others. Your flight is the most graceful in the bird kingdom. Your eye sees the smallest movement in the field. If only your voice were as fine as all your other good qualities.”
The crow, of course, opened his mouth to declare the beauty of his voice, dropping his breakfast straight into the mouth of the waiting fox, who was gone in a flash.
Remember now, the fox had said nothing yet about the crow’s brains.
MORAL
Flattery can make a fool of anyone.
 A Fox and a Crab
A sharp-eyed fox spied a crab that had crawled up on the sand, and he carried the crab away. As he was about to be eaten, the crab realized, “This is my own fault for venturing out of my own territory. I was made for the sea, not for the land.”
MORAL
Follow your own nature, not another’s.
Word Attraction
Fable comes to us from the Latin word for story, fabula. Fabulous, meaning beyond belief, is rooted in the same word.
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Kids’ Stuff This Week
Thursday, January 22
Bingo for Kids
Enjoy a night of bingo designed just for kids with prizes for winners. 6pm @ Southern Community Center, Appeal Ln., Lusby. $4; rsvp:
410/586-1101.
Friday, January 23
Stuff Your Face
Kids 3-5–Skip breakfast and celebrate National Pie Day with pie games, a pie eating contest, pie crafts and lots of messy fun. 11:30-12:30am @ Southern Community Center, Appeal Ln., Lusby. $2; rsvp: 410/586-1101.
Stuff Your Face, Too
Kid 6 and up don’t feel left out. Bring your friends and celebrate National Pie Day with pie throwing, pie judging and a pie eating contest. Sure to be messy and fun, too. 6-7pm @ Southern Community Center, Appeal Ln., Lusby. $4; rsvp: 410/586-1101.
Saturday, January 24
Meet the Mammals
Ages 3-4–Meet furry mammals with story, crafts and songs. 10:30-11:30am @ National Wildlife Visitors Center, Powder Mill Rd. off 295, Laurel. free; rsvp: 301/497-5887 • www.patuxent.fws.gov.
Thursday, January 29
Become a Nature Detective
Ages 6-12–Hunt for clues like tracks in snow or mud, and learn how animals spend the winter. 1-3pm (Anne Arundel Schools closed). Meet at Tawes State Office Building lobby, Downtown Annapolis. $5; rsvp: 410/260-8189.
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