Final answer:
Beast fables are stories featuring animals as protagonists that teach a moral lesson, illustrated by examples like Chicken Little and The Queen Bee, which are staples of children's literature and convey important values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beast fables are a classical form of storytelling where animals are given human characteristics and act as protagonists to illustrate moral lessons. One of the key features of beast fables is that they teach a moral lesson. For instance, the story of Chicken Little, collected in the early 19th century but with older European folktale roots, highlights the importance of courage and critical thinking in the face of panic and misinformation. Similarly, Aesop's Fables, dating back around 500 BCE, are known for imparting ethical guidelines through tales involving animal characters. The fable The Queen Bee, recorded by the Grimm brothers, also exemplifies the theme where kindness to animals is rewarded, conveying the moral that even the smallest creatures serve substantial roles. These stories serve to instill values and teach important lessons, continuing to be a significant part of children's literature and Western storytelling traditions.