Which type of children’s literature often includes moral lessons through animal characters?

Fables are a specific type of children’s literature that use animal characters to convey moral lessons or ethical themes. These stories often feature animals with human traits, allowing them to engage in behaviors and scenarios that reflect human nature. The primary aim of a fable is to impart a lesson or moral, often presented at the end of the story in a straightforward manner, such as "slow and steady wins the race" or "don’t count your chickens before they hatch."

In contrast, fairy tales typically involve magical elements and may focus on themes of adventure, love, or bravery rather than direct moral lessons attributed to animal characters. Graphic novels, while they can be aimed at children, encompass a wide range of genres and are not specifically focused on moral teachings. Historical fiction is grounded in real historical events and figures, often focusing more on storytelling than on the moral lessons that are characteristic of fables. Thus, fables stand out for their unique approach to imparting wisdom through relatable animal characters.