kids encyclopedia robot

The Grasshopper & the Ants facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
The Grasshopper & the Ants
The Grasshopper & the Ants.jpg
First edition
Author Jerry Pinkney
Illustrator Jerry Pinkney
Country United States
Language English
Genre Children's literature, picture book, American poetry
Published 2015 (Little, Brown and Company)
Media type Print (hardback)
ISBN 9780316400817
OCLC 862928754

The Grasshopper & the Ants is a children's book written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. It was published in 2015. This book is a new version of a very old story called "The Ant and the Grasshopper," which is one of Aesop's Fables.

The story is about a grasshopper who loves to sing and play music. He spends his Spring, Summer, and Autumn having fun. Meanwhile, a group of ants works hard. They gather food and store it for the cold Winter months. When Winter arrives, the grasshopper has no food. He asks the ants for help. At first, the ants say no, but then they decide to be kind. They invite the grasshopper into their home to share their food.

About the Author and Illustrator

Jerry Pinkney was a famous American artist. He was known for his beautiful illustrations in children's books. He won many awards for his artwork. Pinkney often drew animals and stories that taught important lessons. His style made classic tales feel new and exciting. He wanted his books to inspire young readers.

The Original Fable: A Timeless Lesson

The story of "The Ant and the Grasshopper" is one of Aesop's Fables. Aesop was a storyteller from ancient Greece. His fables are short stories that teach a moral or a lesson. They often feature animals that act like humans.

What the Fable Teaches

The main lesson of this fable is about planning ahead. It shows the importance of hard work and preparing for the future. The ants work hard when times are good. This way, they are ready for difficult times. The grasshopper enjoys the present too much. He does not think about what will happen later.

Why This Story Matters

This fable helps us think about being responsible. It teaches us that being prepared can prevent problems. It also shows the value of kindness and helping others. Even though the grasshopper made a mistake, the ants still showed compassion.

Awards and Recognition

Jerry Pinkney's adaptation of The Grasshopper & the Ants received several important awards. These awards show that the book was highly praised. They recognized its beautiful art and its message.

  • 2015 Best Illustrated Children's Books
  • 2015 Parents' Choice Picture Books Award - Gold Award
  • 2016 ALA Notable Children's Book - Younger Readers
  • 2016 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year

These awards highlight the book's quality. They show it is a great example of children's literature.