Inspired by Aesop's classic tales and by Bill Martin Jr.'s friendship and books, Lee Jenkins wrote Who's Afraid of a Lion? Aesop's Bully Fable. The amusing word patterns and swirling language that follow the gnat's path are both exemplars of Bill Martin Jr.'s writing. Jim Chansler's delightful illustrations greatly add to children's enjoyment of this story: so much personality is displayed by the lion, gnat and spider. 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, or older children read these books to young children, they will pick up the patterns and learn to read the books themselves.