Folktales, Fairy Tales and Myths

Anansi is a known charlatan, so he gets little sympathy when Turtle eats all of the fish that Anansi has learned to catch. But the reader knows that the trickster has not really learned a lesson! Sly humor abounds in both text and image in this lively retelling.

In this winter fable about where snow comes from, Little Snow, who wears snowflake pajamas, gets a new featherbed for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping, but when she leaves the room, he jumps and jumps on his bed ... until one day it rips, sending feathers flying. A page turn reveals that his feathers are snowflakes, falling on a nighttime city block.

A little old lady complains to a wise old man that her house is “a squash and a squeeze.” She follows his advice is to bring her hen, pig, goat, and cow into her cozy abode with chaotic results. When the animals leave, however, the house becomes incredibly spacious! Humor abounds in rhyme and comic illustrations in this fresh take on an old tale.

Crow knows where to find water amid rocks and how to get it even though it's below the reach of his beak. The predictable patterns and repetition of words in this simple retelling of a fable invites participation. Bold illustrations use broad shapes and confident line in strong borders contained in a small format ideal for a new reader or to share on a lap.

Have you ever wondered how the moon got where it is? According to this Ashanti tale, Nyame, the god of all things, put it there when Anansi could not decide which of his sons deserved it. Brilliant illustrations accompany this classic retelling of a traditional tale.

This distinctive Appalachian version of Cinderella creates its unique setting in jaunty language and comic illustrations of a plucky, bright heroine. Ashpet is “hired out” and makes her employers jealous because of her loveliness. But she gets help from old granny to attend the church social and finds a way to get the attention of the doctor’s son — a fine young man.

A long time ago, fire belonged only to the animals in the land above, not to those on the earth below. Curlew, keeper of the sky world, guarded fire and kept it from the earth. Coyote, however, devised a clever plan to steal fire, aided by Grizzly Bear, Wren, Snake, Frog, Eagle, and Beaver. An ancient and powerful tale from the Salish people of Montana.

Wu Daozi's brush created images that seemed to come alive. Travel to ancient China to meet Daozi as he grows from a boy into a muralist for the Emperor. When the mural is finished, legend says that Daozi walks into the paradise he painted. Brief text combines with brush and watercolor illustrations for a memorable look at a legendary Chinese painter.

Cinderelephant lives wither cousins, the Warty Sisters, who are real pigs (actually, warthogs). The familiar storyline takes on new dimensions with a huge heroine whose prince matches her size. Comic illustrations add enormously to the outrageous, funny parody.

Coyote wanted to fly like the crows, so they humored him by making him feathers and teaching him how to fly. But Coyote's boasting makes the crows angry, and they decide to teach him a lesson. While Coyote's in midair, they remove his feathers one by one, causing him to fall to the ground. His coat remains the color of dust permanently.

A charming tall tale set in the American Southwest. Doña Flor, a giant, is a benevolent presence in her pueblo. While at first kids teased the young and large Flor, she quickly became an asset to them, whisking them off to school when they were running late or making tortillas big enough to be used as rafts on the river. With Spanish words peppered throughout, this is a welcome entry to the canon that includes other heroines like Sally Ann Thunder and Thunder Rose.

Flossie and the Fox is an African American variant of the tale, "Little Red Riding Hood." In this version, the fox is after Flossie's basket of eggs. In this version, however, it's Flossie herself who is brave enough and smart enough to outfox the fox!

The author turns the familiar tale around in this funny take-off. Here, Goldilocks goes to the home of three dinosaurs who would like nothing more than a chocolate-filled little girl. Goldi and the dinos take away very different lessons — all to the delight of well-read children!

BaMusa takes a break from selling his hats — only to have them stolen by mischievous monkeys. Told in rhythmic language sprinkled with words from Mali, BaMusa’s work to retrieve his hats is illustrated with strong line and bold form.

Vulture is sick and tired of Jabuti’s trickery. He gets his revenge when he flies the tortoise high in the air, then drops him, breaking his shell. But Jabuti puts himself together and comes out on top — with the help of the birds of the rainforest. How those birds got their colorful plumage is vividly explained in this brilliantly colored and well-told tale.

John Henry's talent was evident at an early age when he helped his daddy, but was cemented in American folklore when he took on the steam drill. His place among American tall tale heroes is chronicled in richly detailed watercolors and language.

Brer Rabbit is the quintessential American trickster. Early versions, first collected by Joel Chandler Harris, are retold here without dialect — ideal for reading aloud — and illustrated by lively watercolors to make a timeless trickster accessible to contemporary children.

When Kumak snags a fish — a really big fish — it takes the entire village to bring it in. This original tall tale set in the Arctic has light-hearted illustrations that add vigor and glee to the playful story.

Long ago, Lady Hahn sewed with the help of her seven friends — needle, thimble, etc. — until each thought that their special job was most important. Swirling, detailed illustrations evoke the story's origin and early Korean setting and provide personalities to typical sewing tools.

When an industrious red hen finds seeds, the other animals refuse to help her plant them. But when the little red hen finally bakes the bread from the wheat she has grown, the others are all eager to eat it! Luminous, realistic, highly-detailed watercolors breathe freshness into this traditional tale.

Red's feisty grandmother enlists the wolf as her assistant muffin maker in this contemporary parody of the traditional fairy tale.

Do you know why a weather vane has a little rooster on the top, spinning around to tell us which way the wind is blowing? Here is the answer in this old story about Half-Chicken, who has one eye, one leg, and one wing. His adventures take him far and wide until he's carried straight to the top, in this lively retelling — in Spanish and English — of a traditional folktale.

Look at the moon and what do you see? Could it be Fox? Fox convinced Mole to accompany him to the moon by suggesting that huge worms were there. Mole comes back down to Earth, but Fox may still be up there. This myth from Peru is told in both English and Spanish and is illustrated with shining collages inspired by Peruvian artwork and artifacts.

Contemporary language distinguish this retelling of a traditional fable. Two mice visit each other: the country dweller visits his urban cousin followed by the urban mouse going country after which each decides their own home is best. Contemporary language distinguish this retelling of a traditional fable. 

When others ran from trouble, eight foot tall Mose Humphreys ran toward it as an extraordinary New York City firefighter. This larger-than-life story is actually a tall tale, an urban legend based on a real firefighter who lived in the 1840s. Text and illustration combine to create a fast-paced celebration of heroism and the man who earned the gratitude of an entire city.

When Bad Bart who was the "biggest, burliest pirate this side of the Atlantic" meets Mean Mo, "maddest, mightiest pirate this side of the Pacific," an unwinnable competition ensues that ends in romance. The rollicking pirate adventures are told with verve and humor.

In this tall tale, you'll meet Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, a heroine generously endowed with strength, speed and spunk who could stand up toher larger-than-life husband like Davy Crockett. Kellogg's exaggerated illustrations are a riotously funny complement to this tall tale.

Big Anthony is large in size and curiosity but short on self-control. When Strega Nona, "grandma witch" of the village, leaves him in charge of her magic pasta pot, he can’t resist trying his hand at a spell. The small town almost drowns in pasta until Strega Nona returns just in time to reverse the spell and save the day. Through his lively illustrations and vivacious retelling, dePaola brings a traditional tale to new generations.

Sylvester is transformed into a rock by a magic pebble and remains that way until he encounters his unsuspecting parents.

Three leprechauns can't help but create a bit of mischief on their way to place their pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow; that's what leprechauns do! This spritely original tale, accompanied by energetic illustrations evokes the magic and mayhem often attributed to the Little Folk of Irish lore.

Travel with Bossy Rooster to his uncle's wedding. Of course the road is not entirely smooth in this cumulative, handsomely illustrated tale from Cuba — and that's when the fun begins!

Based on an ancient Mexican legend, this story introduces young readers to the importance of corn — and tortillas — as Mexican food staples.Jade's village is running out of water. When a small blue hummingbird tells Jade that she most go to the Mountain Spirit to ask for rain, she is afraid to make the journey alone — but she knows that it may be her village's only hope. 

Read about Jack and the famous beanstalk, how Jack stopped folk from dying, and more — all with a distinctive Appalachian flair. This collection is meant to be shared aloud, sure to delight listeners (and readers) of all ages.

In this retelling of a beloved Mexican folktale, Tomie dePaola presents Lucinda, a young girl who is helping her mother weave a new blanket for Baby Jesus to be used in the Christmas procession to the church. When her mother falls ill, however, Lucinda tries to continue weaving and is distraught when the blanket's threads get tangled. She is sure that she has ruined the celebration — until a Christmas miracle brings forth the flaming red-star flowers that we still enjoy each December. Beautiful artwork will enthrall readers.

The well-known fable about how the smallest creature — a mouse — saves the majestic lion is a tale of kindness returned. A wordless story in a new setting, evoking Africa's Serengeti. (2010 Caldecott Medal Winner)

The cumulative tale of a child's lost mitten — but found to become home to a host of animals — is told in straightforward language and intricate, bordered illustrations. Now 20 years old, Brett's interpretation of a Ukrainian folktale will be enjoyed anew.

An old Inuit woman takes in a polar bear cub and raises him until others in the village become jealous of the bear’s hunting prowess, threatening to kill him. The old woman sends her beloved bear away, but continues to meet him far out on the ice where her polar bear “son” gives her food to eat. The gentle telling and illustrations evoke the Arctic.

Sisters each use their special talent while working together to save the sister who was snatched by a not-too-scary dragon. Uncluttered illustrations add detail to the crisply told original tale likely inspired by a Chinese folktale. 

A beautiful mandarin duck is captured and caged by a greedy lord who wants to show off the bird's magnificent plumage. But the wild creature pines for his mate. When Yasuko, the kitchen maid, releases the bird against her lord's command, she and the one-eyed servant, Shozo, are sentenced to death. The grateful bird intends to return their kindness, but can he outsmart the cruel lord?

How could the teeny-tiny bone found by the teeny-tiny woman make such an un-teeny-tiny noise from her teeny-tiny cupboard?  Can the teeny tiny woman be a teeny-tiny braver?  Find out while reading this short, repetitive, and totally engaging traditional tale just right for sharing aloud.

Three goat brothers attempt to get to a grassy hillside by crossing a bridge under which lives a fierce troll. The traditional tale has been given an innovative new look and also a fresh, surprising, and very satisfying ending. 

Ever-popular tellings of familiar folktales have become modern classics and are again available, just right to share with younger children.

From Swedish folklore comes the story of the tomten, a little gnome who watches over us while we sleep. Read this heartwarming version, from the author of Pippi Longstocking, and celebrate a time-honored tradition for the Winter Solstice.

Ole Scamp learns to like himself better once he’s changed by a peculiar witch. This wacky story uses comic illustrations to convey a positive message in a lighthearted, Seussian way.

A classic fable encouraging generosity and individuality. All Tico the wingless bird wants is a pair of golden wings to carry him up over the mountaintops. But when Tico's wish is granted, none of his friends will talk to him. What's so wrong with being different?

Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo is the full name of the firstborn son in the Chinese family of this story. This old folktale tells what happens when the boy falls into a well and his younger brother attempts to get help.

Peter thinks his house is too noisy. The bed creaks, the floors squeak — it's no wonder he's having a hard time falling asleep! But when he follows the village wise man's advice, he soon discovers that his house isn't that noisy after all.

One of the most well known of African American folktales are the Uncle Remus tales, originally written down by Joel Chandler Harris over a hundred years ago. This four-book series drops the heavy and difficult dialect of the original tales and adds contemporary language and references to Brer Rabbit's fun.

Folktales and trickster stories collected in the 1930s have been adapted, retold, and freshly illustrated for contemporary readers. Find out why dogs hate cats, why waves wear whitecaps, and more. This clever collection is ideal for sharing aloud.

After Papa warns the family that they may have to abandon their failing olive farm, young Maria dreams of planting orange seeds, and a beautiful lady with a crown of stars, Altagracia, materializes in an orange-laden grove. The next morning, the family plants orange seeds and gives thanks to Our Lady — and sure enough, a bountiful orange crop is born. This tale introduces the legend of Our Lady of Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.

A lttle boy and his magician father lull a hungry giant to sleep with their ukelele and makethe giant disappear.

Almost 100 fables attributed to Aesop have been selected and illustrated in this oversized collection. Familiar and less familiar tales are included, and most are distinguished by illustrations that give these old fables a fresh face. This large collection is an introduction to these classic stories.

Tales translated into English from Danish author Hans Christian Andersen have become part of the oral tradition and adapted into movies and more. Faithful versions of some of the best-known tales have been compiled anew, delicately illustrated and presented in a handsome volume. Be warned, however, Andersen’s endings are not always happy!

In this Russian fairy tale, kind and beautiful Vasilisa lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. When her stepmother wants to get rid of her for good, she sends her on an errand to the witch that lives in the forest, Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga poses impossible tasks for Vasilisa, threatening to eat her if she fails, but Vasilisa prevails with the help of a doll her mother made for her. In the end, cruelty is punished and kindness is rewarded.

Bruchac frames 11 legends of Native American sacred places with a conversation between Little Turtle and his uncle, Old Bear, who says, "There are sacred places all around us…They are found in the East and in the North, in the South and in the West, as well as Above, Below, and the place Within."…The text is printed in stanzas, enhancing the image of prose poems.

In this traditional Crow story, a monster climbs out of the lake and up the cliff to steal the mother Thunderbird's young chicks each spring. This year she is determined to save them, but she needs human help. So she snatches up Brave Wolf while he is out hunting and carries him to her nest, where he comes up with a plan. 

Adapted from a traditional Creole story, this fresh retelling, told from the perspective of the magical godmother, captures the romance and magic of Cinderella and mixes it with the vivid beauty of the Caribbean and the musical language of the islands.

Deep in Choctaw Country, Chukfi Rabbit is always figuring out some way to avoid work at all costs. When Bear, Turtle, Fox, and Beaver agree on an everybody-work-together day to build Ms. Possum a new house, Chukfi Rabbit says he's too busy to help. Until he hears there will be a feast to eat after the work is done: cornbread biscuits, grape dumplings, tanchi labona (a delicious Choctaw corn stew), and best of all, fresh, homemade butter! So while everyone else helps build the house, Chukfi helps himself to all that yummy butter!

Angelica Longrider, the "wildest wildcat in Tennessee" and larger than life (first introduced in Swamp Angel) moves to the open spaces of Montana where she finds a fine, feisty steed to be her sidekick. This original tall tale is folksy in its telling and exaggerated paintings, and sure to please.

Fables are short tales of animals with an explicit (though gentle) moral. Lobel has written original fables which are sure to delight young readers. Each tale is accompanied by a large illustration to create humor, character, place, and pleasure.

A humorous retelling of the traditional Irish tale of how Ireland’s Fin M’coul – with the help of his wife – outwits an even bigger giant and creates the topography of Ireland. Characteristic illustrations add to the outsized fun.

26 folk tales from Turkey cast a keen light on the rich multicultural heritage of Anatolia. Also included are maps and in-depth information about the historical and social aspects of the region.

Cinderella stories are found around the world; here, they have been fused into one tale with special characteristics in text and illustrations that reflect the different origins. Expand parts of the story to echo the traditions of the culture and its history from which it comes. It may be possible to develop a map of tales (e.g., ancient vs. modern countries, or as a visual as to where it is/was told).

A richly colorful new interpretation of this classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, setting the infamous witch's cottage deep in a lush African forest. 

A retelling of the Cheyenne legend about the creation of the Big Dipper. A young Indian girl who has a special gift for embroidery learns from the spirits that she must leave her home and search for a new one with seven brothers. Seven brothers welcome her, and her gift of beautiful clothes, in the north, but the Chief of the Buffalo Nation also wants a new sister. The girl and her seven brothers make a dramatic escape to the sky.

This collection of 15 Cherokee tales introduces the trickster-hero Rabbit, the most important character portrayed in the animal stories of the Cherokee culture. The surefooted messenger who carries important news to his animal friends near and far, Rabbit is charming and mischievous. Sometimes he wins and sometimes he loses, but somehow Rabbit always survives.

A retelling of a Tlingit tale — the story of how the Raven transformed himself into a bird "black as smoke" to bring light to what had been an earth shrouded in darkness. The author first heard this story from her father, an old tale from the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

A cat befriends a monk and brings good fortune to his rundown temple in this handsomely illustrated retelling narrated by Tama, the feline hero, and based on one of the legends of Maneki Neko ― “beckoning cat” in ancient Japan.

In this installment of friends known as the Time Warp Trio, Joe, Fred, and Sam meet key figures from ancient Greek mythology when they're transported back to Mount Olympus. It all started during a school play about ancient Greece...

There is just no pleasing all of the ancient Greek gods. When Jason gathers 50 men on a quest to find the Golden Fleece and regain his throne, he does so with the help of Medea ... but not without consequences. An accessible retelling in a large format with detailed illustrations makes an exhilarating version of an old myth.

John Henry was born to be a hero – strong, competitive and determined. The legendary steel-driving man brought to life through Ezra Jack Keat’s collage illustrations and jaunty text is again available hardcover in honor of its 50th anniversary.

Señor Calavera is back in this new original trickster tale about a Día de los Muertos skeleton who must find the perfect birthday gift (or gifts!) for Grandma Beetle's birthday party. He consults with Zelmiro the Ghost and chooses one gift for every letter of the alphabet: acordéon, bigotes, cosquillas (accordian, moustaches, and tickles). It isn't until he reaches the letter Z, however, that Señor Calavera finds the best gift of all for Grandma Beetle.

In this retelling of a Korean legend, the son of a powerful minister and a servant is scorned by high society because of his commoner roots. After leaving home and discovering that injustice drives criminals to crime, he begins training a group of bandits to become an army that rights wrongs. With artwork authentic to the historical time, this is a drama for sophisticated readers.

Little Red is one tough cookie. When a menacing wolf blocks the path to her grandmother's house, she looks him in the eye, answers his questions, and continues on her journey. The wolf "might have scared some little girls. But not this little girl." This phrase is repeated throughout the story. Woollvin's street-smart character cannot be fooled by the wolf, even when he dresses up as her grandma. 

Inspired by the true story of a crane that rescued a Chinese village. One day, when a village floods, the crane helps raise the alarm as Lotus and her grandfather urge their neighbors to get to high ground. The next spring, the crane miraculously returns, and he has brought new life to the nearby lake.

A sweet retelling of the Cuban folktale, full of puns and a sprinkling of Spanish. When it is time for beautiful young Martina to find a husband, her grandmother gives her some wise advice: to always spill coffee on her suitor's shoes to test his temper. 

Miz Berlin tells wonderful stories about how she caught crawdaddies the day the sky rained feathers or about the day the flood rose right to her front door as she and young Mary Alice walk together around the block.

The lives of real people inspire these tales, retold here with humor and colorful language.The stories and people of the mountains are larger-than-life in the actions and pictures of this tall tale book.

Familiar tales such as "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Princess and the Pea" have been faithfully retold and dramatically read.

Elegant illustrations decorate this free verse retelling of the young woman whose curiosity about the contents of a forbidden jar brought trouble into the world. A large format and limited text make this sophisticated telling more accessible.

Welcome to a fantastic world populated by magical teakettles, long-nosed goblins, brave warriors, and a host of other beloved characters who have lived on for centuries in the traditional tales of Japan.

Inspired by stories she heard as a child, the author presents original tales steeped in oral tradition and imbued with the African American experience. Rich language and memorable characters create a collection to be shared aloud time and time again on front porches or anywhere else.

John’s mother thought cooking was more important than beauty in this gently humorous riff on a traditional tale. Here, John finds perfection in a batch of perfectly prepared black-eyed peas. A tasty looking recipe concludes this colorfully illustrated tale told with a distinctively Southern flavor.

Ji-Stu the Rabbit thinks he's very clever but discovers he has outsmarted himself, in this Cherokee trickster tale. In the forest where Ji-Stu the Rabbit lives, the rain has stopped falling and the river is drying up. Soon the forest creatures will have no water to drink. One day Ji-Stu has an idea: there's plenty of water deep in the ground. What the animals need is a well! All his neighbors agree, and they begin at once to dig a well. Everyone, that is, except Ji-Stu. 

The ancient Mayan belief that the future was divinely decreed and could not be changed is the basis for this original tale of a boy who must defeat the Rain God in a ball game to save his people from disaster. Mayan art and architecture were the inspiration for the spectacular cut-paper artwork.

In this traditional, sophisticated retelling of the Grimm tale, Rapunzel was taken from her parents because her father gathered food from a witch’s garden. Rapunzel grew up in a tower only accessible by way of her long golden hair. Hyman’s luminous, highly detailed illustrations were honored when first published in 1982 and are again available. 

Would you like to know how a thief can turn into a donkey? Or why you should spoon yogurt into a lake? Mulla Nasruddin knows all the answers, and he might also tell you why he rides his donkey backwards. Enjoy 21 classic tales about a much-loved character from Muslim cultures in a book packed with jokes, riddles, and wisdom and paired with vibrant, theatrical illustrations.

Realistic illustrations and a straightforward retelling of one episode of the legendary Robin Hood's triumph in an archery contest provides a satisfying, accessible introduction to the heroic outlaw and his band of Merry Men.

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, changed his world "seed by seed, deed by deed" as this handsome book encourages readers to do. Children are encouraged to celebrate Johnny Appleseed's anniversary every autumn by planting seeds literally and figuratively.

Why does Mister Bear think that the pumpkins he’s sitting on will hatch? Because Miz Goose convinces him so! And she's only one of the funny tricksters whose tales are told in this engaging collection, sure to tickle listeners or readers.

Under the spell of a vengeful fairy, Princess Aurora sleeps for a hundred years until she is awakened by the kiss of her true love. Lush illustrations place this retelling of the familiar story in a dramatic Baroque-like setting, rich in detail and suspense.

The traditional tale has been retold and newly presented to create a theater within the covers of a book. Scenes unfold and become 3-dimensional with text hidden under "curtains" — flaps that unfold.

A traditional tale has set in China as three Zen monks come to a remote village where residents are wary of strangers. The villagers gradually add ingredients to the initial soup the monks begin from a stone, building a community feast. Radiant illustrations successfully recast the tale.

Ten of Australia's ancient aboriginal legends, authentically and elegantly retold. Here you can discover how Great Mother Snake created and peopled the world with plants and creatures, what makes Frogs croak, why Kangaroo has a pouch, and just what it is that makes Platypus so special. The illustrations are by the aboriginal artist and storyteller Francis Firebrace.

Alice McGill retells the tales she heard growing up in North Carolina with the verve and informality of a storyteller. Some are familiar, others are less well known, but all involve Bruh (Brer) Rabbit and his companions from the lore of the southern United States.

Nine tales from German folklore are presented in a large, vibrantly illustrated format are made to share. Well-known tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Puss in Boots, and Sleeping Beauty are included, as are lesser-known stories.  

Where do you find needles? All over the world, of course! Readers will recognize many things in these stories from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries where stories, riddles, and more are told at mealtimes to feed the soul as well as the body. As with many folktales, readers recognize what they share with people in another part of the world while celebrating what makes them unique.

An aged Bee-man lives contentedly among his insect friends, surviving on honey and the occasional piece of meat, until the day an itinerant Junior Sorcerer informs him he's been transformed and encourages him to discover his "original form." A comic American folktale that says much about fate, identity, and the captivating power of bees.

Start with a farm maiden and a pot, invite some friends to help her, and before you know it, you have arroz con leche — and a rollicking party! Told in the style of "The House That Jack Built," this lively story incorporates new Spanish words into each refrain, which are highlighted by Rafael López's vibrant and entertaining illustrations. Activity guide available.

Seeing that man is sorry after arguing with his wife, Sun sends the first strawberries to the land. The sweet fruit slows the wife down, allowing her husband to catch up and apologize. To this day, strawberries remind people to be kind to each other. Rich illustrations add interesting details to this fluid telling of a traditional legend.

Otto, a gentle giant, is understandably upset when a fellow named Jack steals his pet hen. When Otto descends the beanstalk to retrieve it, he encounters several boys named Jack (who readers may recognize from other tales!) – until he finds the right Jack and makes an equitable deal. Humor abounds in the text and illustration of this fractured fairytale.

Thulani enjoys sitting in the sun, and he is tired of milking his cow. When he sells his cow to buy a goat, however, his problems are just beginning. What will it take for his luck change? Illustrations are done in a folkart style and filled with little details of South African rural life.

Retellings of Greek myths and a brief introduction to the gods and goddesses are presented in this attractive volume. Though not as comprehensive as the d'Aulaires book, this is a useful beginning point.

Thirteen creatures in China have come to the river to join in the Emperor's race. Who will win the ultimate honor of naming the first year of the new calendar? And what will happen to the thirteenth animal? Join Rat, Monkey, Dragon and all the others in this exciting race to the finish.

the story of Pear Blossom, a lovely girl who is sorely mistreated by her nasty stepmother and stepsister. This brightly illustrated retelling of Cinderella includes Korean customs and the incorporation of Korean words. 

Bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas. How they came to be is an Indian legend from the Comanche tradition. An orphan, She-Who-Is-Alone, is raised by the tribe in a time of drought and famine. Her sacrifice brings the people back into harmony with nature and saves the tribe. Stylized illustrations (though obviously still dePaola's work) provide atmosphere for this inspiring, touching, and respectful tale.

In this reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic, Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney reinvents this tale about love and sacrifice for young, 21st century girls with the strong message that "you should never give up your voice...for anyone."

Have you ever wondered how the Milky Way came to be? According to a Cherokee legend, it started when an old couple learned that their corn was being stolen by a Great Spirit dog. To get away, the spirit dog jumps into the sky, spilling the corn. And we can still see the results today in the night sky.

In Hamelin town, the rich care only about themselves and so refuse to pay the piper who rids the town of the rats. The stirring (and happily resolved) tale is made fresh again.

Eric Carle brings to life Aesop's fables with his gorgeous illustrations and charming retelling of the classic stories. The lively, colorful style of art is ideal for the short tales each with its maxim, sure to generate discussion.

Here is a collection of eighteen stories about heroines: girls and women with as much courage as their better-known male counterparts.

A funny, comics-format collection of four original fairy tales, that reinvent recognizable stories. A genie just wants a chance to grant a wish to the frog who accidentally let him out of his lamp―meanwhile, the frog just wants to be left alone. A witch is tormented by the cheerful (and awful) singing of a persistent bard, but when she finally snaps and turns him into a rock, he just keeps on singing―somehow the power of terrible music overcomes all magic. A wizard wants a pet. An ogre just wants to make beautiful art.

The incomparable author and illustrator team retells traditional tales such as the "Gingerbread Man" and the "Little Red Hen" in inventive and hilarious ways, sure to make readers familiar with the originals laugh out loud. Even the traditional format of the book is changed to suit the absurdity of the new versions, for a memorable reading experience.

This classic Indian fairy tale, when a kind Brahmin discovers a tiger in a trap, he convinces the Brahmin to help him escape. The tiger repays the sympathy of the Brahmin by threatening to eat him, but a wise jackal negotiates a clever escape for the Brahmin while returning the tiger to its rightful place.

In the retelling of this Aesop fable, the wind, rain, and sun compete to make a shepherd take off her cap. The shepherd laughs off her cap with delight at the grass around her growing green thanks to the storm and sunshine, so it’s the earth that actually wins — in more ways than one! The artwork featuring collages made of torn paper and photographs vividly bring the dramatic weather elements to life and may inspire some readers the desire to pick up scissors and make their own collages.

Thea observes the growth of the three unusual beans she plants for her science project. A series of letters to various experts chronicles the unusual vegetation that develops — though readers will see the giant beanstalk for the tale it is.

To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. These 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the "Moon of Popping Trees" — when the "cottonwoods crack with frost" — to the "Big Moon" of the Abenakis.

Tim O’Toole and his wife, Kathleen, are so poor they have not a penny or a potato between them. Even their cats are too skinny for the mice to chase! When Tim goes out to find a job, he stumbles upon “the wee folk”—a band of leprechauns who give him gifts to make his fortune. That is, if Tim can keep clear of the evil McGoon family ...

The enduring wisdom of Aesop's fables have been retold and newly illustrated. The large, attractive format invites readers to consider how the actions of the animals are similar to their own.

Meet Ana, a young girl who loves to read. There aren't many books in her small Colombian village, though — until the day Ana meets the Biblioburro, a librarian who brings books through the mountains on the backs of two strong donkeys. Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, this story asks readers, "How far would you go for a book?"

The illustration looks like a fairy tale but this book actually dispels the myth of the luxurious life of princesses who lived in the Middle Ages. Not at all like Cinderella, it seems. The smell would have been the moat (filled with potty water), banquet halls cluttered with bones, grease — and rats — you get it. An author’s note and bibliography about the period conclude this myth-buster.

Wiley and his mama live near the swamp; together, they trick the scary ol' hairy man three times, getting rid of him forever. A traditional southern tale has been retold for newly independent readers but loses nothing of the original's energy and suspense.

Humorous illustration and color-coded, rhyming text present retellings of familiar fables that include the morals (though with a light touch). Newly independent readers will have fun reading the short, snappy text with a second reader as they enjoy the cheery visuals.

Three storylines — contemporary and mythic — intersect in this tale of a boy who is not comfortable with his culture or himself. This fresh, sometimes surprising, revealing novel is told in image and text. This graphic novel was the first of its format to win the Printz Award for best work of Young Adult Literature.

The essence of Homer's Iliad is captured by Sutcliff's rich language combined with dramatic watercolor illustrations. The same team also presents Homer’s other well known epic tale in The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey. These retellings present the entire stories that involve the gods and goddesses and their impact on humans. They are fast-paced, sometimes grisly tales that together make fine stories for more sophisticated readers.

Imagine a world where fearsome giants, mischievous fairies, charming witches, and ageless queens wander the land in this graphic novel format. Use the extensive glossary of Celtic mythology terms to better understand words like banshee, brownie, and selkie.

Drawing from Mexico's rich cultural heritage, this olktale collection celebrates the courage and resilience of the feminine spirit through the stories of seven extraordinary Mexican women. Radiant colors in a style reminiscent of famous Mexican muralists capture the spark behind the stories.

Sixteen of the most celebrated myths in dramatic retelling, from the sadness of Persephone to the ill-fated love of Orpheus and Eurydice, from Pandora’s unlucky curiosity to the greed of King Midas

The saga of Hiawatha who along with the Peacemaker was instrumental in creating the federation of tribes, known as the Great Iroquois Nation. Dramatic illustrations evoke mystery and drama to complement the straightforward narration. An author’s note concludes this sophisticated, unique and handsome book.

Princess Violet is plain, reckless, and possibly too clever for her own good. Particularly when it comes to telling stories. One day she and her best friend, Demetrius, stumble upon a hidden room and find a peculiar book. A forbidden book. A different kind of fairy tale, about the power of stories, our belief in them, and how one enchanted tale changed the course of an entire kingdom.

Lalani and her mother live on Sanlagita, an island under constant threat from the mountain Isa. Lalani’s quest begins when her mother falls gravely ill. Steeped in Filipino lore, this is a riveting fantasy, enhanced by evocative illustrations in a handsome format. Lalani confronts and overcomes all odds for a satisfying conclusion.

In ancient times there lived a prince named Lugalbanda, the youngest and weakest of seven sons. He never expected to achieve greatness, but he discovers his true strength when he is called upon to save his brothers and bring peace to his land. Jewel-toned illustrations make the ancient epic accessible and appealing to modern readers.

In his foreword to this rich compilation, Nelson Mandela writes, "This collection offers a handful of beloved stories, morsels rich with the gritty essence of Africa, but in many instances universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical." Colorful vignettes add an extra dimension to the creation myths, trickster tales, and magical stories that Mandela has chosen.

12-year-old Percy Jackson learns the truth about his unique abilities: he is a demigod, half human, half immortal. He's a 21st century son of the ancient Greek god Poseidon on the biggest adventure of his young life — a quest to find out who stole Zeus's lightening bolt! Together with his trusted friends, Percy travels through the United States, battling monsters and hunting the elusive title character. (Book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

One of Hindu mythology's best-loved tales gets a retelling with a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, it tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king.

In this modern fable, Simeon loves a noblewoman from afar and seeks to find the music from deep inside him. His quest turns to despair until a series of events allow him to discover his real worth. Well-told and strikingly illustrated.

Rendi, a self-centered, unhappy boy runs away from home and winds up in a sad town. Storytelling, however, instigated by a mysterious newcomer allows Rendi to mature and help the villagers. The rich narrative incorporates tales inspired by Chinese tales in this worthy companion to Where the Mountain meets the Moon.

From “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” to “Sinbad the Sailor,” the most famous stories from the great classic A Thousand and One Nights comprise this collection of beautifully told tales.

When the Volnick family accidentally brings a Boggart home to Toronto from Scotland, the results are tumultuous and very funny. It's up to Jess and Emily to figure out how to return the rascally spirit. The story is steeped in the magic and traditions of the region in which it is set.