Dickens & Rumi

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The rich man and the shoe-maker

Jean de La Fontaine; Brian Wildsmith · 1965

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The rich man and the shoe-maker by Jean de La Fontaine; Brian Wildsmith. This book is recommended for ages 5+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Products & advertising; positive qualities include Positive messages, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 5+Source checked

Why this age? Simple moral storytelling and picture-book presentation; brief worry about money and sleep may need light discussion with younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age5+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The story critiques greed rather than promoting products.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The story is not scary; it is a gentle moral lesson.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience1/5
Why this rating?

The shoemaker shows some resolve by returning the money and choosing peace of mind, but this is a small part of the fable rather than its main theme.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The artistic illustrations by Brian Wildsmith are imaginative and visually engaging.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Introduces children to classic fables and abstract concepts about wealth.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

The rich man gives the shoemaker money, but the act is brief and its troubling effects drive the story; sustained empathy or cooperation is limited.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It provides a clear moral about the dangers of greed and the value of a peaceful life over material wealth.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The shoemaker serves as a positive example of realizing that material possessions can be a burden.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The rich man and the shoe-maker would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The rich man and the shoe-maker, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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