Folktales

Each Peach Pear Plum - the classic picture book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Each Peach Pear Plum is a timeless picture book classic from the bestselling illustrator/author team Janet and Allan Ahlberg, creators of Peepo!. Each beautifully illustrated page encourages young children to interact with the picture to find the next fairy tale and nursery rhyme character. This board book edition is perfect for little hands. In this book With your little eye, Take a look, And play 'I spy' Praise for Each Peach Pear Plum: 'Deceptively simple. Each Peach Pear Plum is a work of genius' Elaine Moss 'This familiar rhyme has been given the brilliant Ahlbreg treatment to which no young child can fail to respond. It's a book which will be read over and over again . . . just perfect!' Child Education 'A charming, pictorial fantasia...a warm, sunny, delectable picture book' Brian Alderson, The Times Allan Ahlberg has published over 100 children's books and with his late wife Janet, created many award-winning children's picture books.

A timeless collection of twenty of Aesop's best-loved fables--punctuated by the age-old morals that have instructed countless generations. Accompanied by beautiful, full-color illustrations from award-winning artist Don Daily, this volume highlights such fables as "The Goose Who Laid the Golden Eggs," "The Mouse and the Frog," and the one and only "The Tortoise and the Hare."

Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo- chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo! Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent's classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. Tikki Tikki Tembo is the winner of the 1968 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books.

In this elegantly designed volume, more than sixty of Aesop's timeless fables have been carefully selected, humorously retold, and brought gloriously to life by four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Jerry Pinkney. Included are the Shepherd Boy and The Wolf, the Lion and the Mouse, the Tortoise and the Hare, plus many other charactersand moralsthat have inspired countless readers for centuries. With more than fifty magnificent full-color illustrations, this handsome edition is a must for every bookshelf.

This laugh-out-loud funny pop-up book takes on a traditional American tale about a wide-mouth frog and is sure to delight, with each spread featuring a different animal From the Okefenokee Swamp comes a frog with a wide mouth that he just loves to use. He's particularly interested in the eating habits of other creatures found in the great outdoors, from the blue-feathere bird to a furry brown mouse. Until one day, he meets a big green animal with lots of teeth who finds wide-mouthed frogs simply delicious.

The bestselling Old Lady series finally delivers its own version of the original, classic song: THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY! It's the Old Lady as you've never seen her before! Now she's swallowing animals from the classic story...to create a home full of lovable pets!With rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, this is the original song young readers know and love with a wacky twist. The perfect story to read all year long!

A Caldecott Honor Book with remastered artwork for its 75th anniversary! Clever soldiers outwit greedy townspeople with the creation of a special soup in this cherished classic. Three soldiers come marching down the road towards a French village. The peasants, seeing them coming, suddenly become very busy, for soldiers are often hungry. All their food is hidden under mattresses or in barns. Then follows a battle of wits, with the soldiers equal to the occasion. Why, of course—even with no food, they can still make a wonderful soup! All they will need is three round stones. But to make a truly perfect stone soup, they will of course also need a carrot or two…a cabbage…and so it goes. First published in 1947, Marcia Brown’s retelling of a French folktale is a picture book classic. Her lively art creates a festival of activity, of dancing and laughter, that young readers will want to experience again and again.

Revive your childhood wonder and fascination with the most exquisitely illustrated edition of Aesop’s Fables —featuring breathtaking original artwork by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Charles Santore! Captivating the hearts and minds of kids and adults for generations, Aesop, a former Greek slave, developed simple and meaningful adventures featuring animals or insects to teach a moral standard or lesson for living. The most well known and well loved of Aesop's fables are included here: The Hare and the Tortoise The Lion and the Mouse The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Charles Santore’s works has been widely exhibited in museums and celebrated with recognitions such as the prestigious Hamilton King Award, the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence, and the Original Art 2000 Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. He is best known for his luminous interpretations of classic children’s stories, including The Little Mermaid, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Snow White, and The Wizard of Oz.

Can the three Billy Goats Gruff cross the troll’s bridge without being eaten? Find out in the perfect introduction to the beloved must-have classic by two-time Caldecott Honor-winner Paul Galdone. The three Billy Goats Gruff are hungry! They want to go over the bridge and up the hillside to a fine meadow full of grass and daisies where they can eat and eat and eat. But under the bridge lives a troll who's as mean as he is ugly… How will they ever get past him? An energetic, predictable chorus makes for a wonderful read-aloud of this classic tale.

A 1973 Caldecott Honor Book. Anansi the Spider is one of the great folk heroes of the world. He is a rogue, a mischief maker, and a wise, lovable creature who triumphs over larger foes. In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons. But which of his sons should Anansi reward? Calling upon Nyame, the God of All Things, Anansi solves his predicament in a touching and highly resourceful fashion. In adapting this popular folktale, Gerald McDermott merges the old with the new, combining bold, rich color with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms.

In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece.

A gorgeous picture book that tells a whimsical origin story of the phases of the moon, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace Lin Pat, pat, pat... Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake. Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble? In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.

A young boy and his father save the town that ostracized them from a hungry giant in this picture book adaptation of a South African lullaby and folk story. In a small town, one young boy loves walking around playing the ukulele, but the people get tired of the clink, clunk, clonk and beg him to stop while covering their ears! The boy’s father has a magic wand he uses to make things disappear, like a playing card or a glass of water—or a chair just as someone’s about to sit. The townspeople have had quite enough of the boy’s noise and the father’s tricks and drive them from the town. But then the giant called Abiyoyo comes to town and starts gobbling up everything in sight. If they work together, can the magician and his son make this very big problem disappear?

Aesop was an Ancient Greek fabulist or story teller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains uncertain and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales are characterized by animals and inanimate objects that speak, solve problems, and generally have human characteristics.

A pig flying through marshmallow clouds? A camel pirouetting through the desert? Where else could a reader find such marvelous things but in a fable? From the author-illustrator behind beloved Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel, comes a collection of humorous, silly fables that will delight readers young and old.

Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination! Dialogue balloons pepper a wide variety of illustration styles taking readers through a dazzling fantasy universe to the surprising and happy ending. You will never look at “The Three Little Pigs”—or artwork—the same way again!

A fun take on Little Red Riding Hood -- with a safari twist! Little Red is on her way to visit Auntie Rosie with a basket of goodies and some spot medicine. Along the way she meets the Very Hungry Lion. The Lion is eager to gobble up Little Red. The Lion's plan doesn't work out the way he wanted. Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion is a fractured fairy tale version of Little Red Riding Hood. It's a classic fairy tale with a safari twist! Alex T. Smith's fun, bold art brings Little Red Riding Hood to life in a refreshing new way that will delight young readers.

Celebrate Chinese New Year and learn how every animal earned its place in the Chinese zodiac by taking part in the Great Race! Discover who will come first to win the ultimate prize, and find out why Cat will never forgive his friend Rat in this ancient folk tale that has been passed from generation to generation. Praise for Deep in the Woods, the previous title from Christopher Corr: '… the book looks like a delectable candy box… There is a lesson here — about friendship, and sharing — but the book never feels plodding or pedantic… Which may be why the lesson just goes down like the truth.'

Join Idia of the Benin Kingdom as she molds herself from the young and curious daughter of a village warrior to becoming the Queen of the ancient African Kingdom of Benin. Discover the journey of a young heroine who saw her future in a dream and works her way to becoming one of the most well-loved, praised, and successful queens in African History. Idia of the Benin Kingdom is a precious storybook that empowers young girls to create a vision of who they want to be as they create limitless possibilities for their future.

The magic of myths comes to life in this Celtic mythology book for kids 8 to 12 Imagine a world where fearsome giants, mischievous fairies, charming witches, and ageless queens wander the land. In Celtic Mythology for Kids, you’ll be taken on a guided journey through the mystical realm of the Celts told through folklore and tall tales. This engaging book for kids (ages 8 to 12) will keep your imagination running as wild as Ireland’s emerald-green forests. Featuring a handful of famous and lesser-known myths from places like Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany, this is your introduction to a faraway world of wonder. With vibrant, colorful illustrations at the beginning of every myth, you’ll feel like you’re part of the action―whether you’re chasing deep-sea treasure or starting off on a quest. Celtic Mythology for Kids includes: 20 stories―20 different myths of Celtic culture come together in this captivating book. Dive deeper―Along with each myth, you’ll find thought-provoking questions to help you talk about each story. Speak the Celtic way―Use the extensive glossary of Celtic mythology terms to better understand words like banshee, brownie, and selkie. Enter the magical universe of Celtic mythology with this riveting book for kids.

The sky was once so close to the Earth that people cut parts of it to eat, but their waste and greed caused the sky to move far away.

Filipino Children's Favorite Stories presents thirteen well-loved myths and tales from the Philippines. These stories will enchant six to ten-year-old readers around the world with their wit and charm. Many of the tales have been transmitted from mother to child over centuries, and cover classic childhood themes—such as the forces of good triumphing over evil, children rebelling against adults and the weak prevailing over the strong. They make perfect new additions for story time or bedtime reading. Narrated with an international audience in mind and illustrated with whimsical watercolors by award-winning artist Joanne de Leon, this is a must-have collection of tales for anyone interested in the Philippines. Featured Filipino stories include: Why Mosquitoes Buzz Around Our Ears The Magic Lake> The Deer and the Snail Why the Cock Crows The Prince's Bride

When the fiercest giant in all of Ireland comes knocking at his door, what can peaceful Fin M'Coul do to escape him? An ALA Notable Book, by the bestselling author-illustrator of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many more. Fin M'Coul lives atop windy Knockmany Hill, and spends his days with the other giants of Ireland, moving huge stones to build a causeway to Scotland. But one morning, he hears a rumor that Cucullin, the strongest giant in the land, is coming to find and fight him. Fleeing home, Fin tells his wife of his worries. But clever Oonagh the giantess has a plan— with her wits and her skills and her magic charms, she sets out to trick Cucullin and save her husband. Full of humor and charm, Tomie dePaola's retelling of this classic fable is boldly illustrated, with detailed borders based on ancient Irish metalwork.

Wherever Coyote goes you can be sure he’ll find trouble. Now he wants to sing, dance, and fly like the crows, so he begs them to teach him how. The crows agree but soon tire of Coyote’s bragging and boasting. They decide to teach the great trickster a lesson. This time, Coyote has found real trouble!

Award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book and ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book! Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations, and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths. In The Princess and the Warrior, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh retells one of Mexico’s cherished legends.

The gold standard in Greek mythology, in a dazzling Graphic Deluxe Edition featuring flaps, deckled edges, and specially commissioned cover art by Ross Macdonald and a new introduction by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series From the creation of the world out of Chaos and the birth of the Olympians to the Trojan War and Odysseus's return, Robert Graves's superb retelling of the Greek myths has long been acclaimed as the definitive edition. Graves draws on sources scattered throughout ancient literature, using a novelist's skill to weave a crisp, coherent narrative of each myth and providing commentaries with cross-references, interpretations, and explanations based on solid scholarship. The result is a classic volume of many of the greatest stories ever told—stories of the gods, heroes, and extraordinary events that inspired Homer, the Greek tragedians, and so much of subsequent European literature.

Ixchel wants to follow in the long tradition of weaving on backstrap looms, just as her mother, grandmother, and most Mayan women have done for more than two thousand years. But Ixchel's mother is too busy preparing her weavings for market. If they bring a good price, they will have money to pay for Ixchel s school and books. And besides, there is not enough extra thread for Ixchel to practice with. Disappointed, Ixchel first tries weaving with blades of grass, and then with bits of wool, but no one would want to buy the results. As she walks around her village, Ixchel finds it littered with colorful plastic bags. There is nowhere to put all the bags, so they just keep accumulating. Suddenly, Ixchel has an idea! She collects and washes the plastic bags. Then she cuts each bag into thin strips. Sitting at her loom, Ixchel weaves the plastic strips into a colorful fabric that looks like a beautiful rainbow just like the weavings of Mayan women before her.

It's a fine bright day, and all the animals are working--all except Anansi, that is! He's sleeping, as usual. Warthog, Lion, and Zebra laugh so hard at his messy house that they wake him up. Anansi stomps off in a huff--right into an amazing secret! Hyena has a magic stick that follows his orders. If Anansi steals the stick, he'll never have to work again, and his home will be the neatest one in town. Is the magic stick his secret for success? Or the beginning of disasters he can't even imagine?

“Galdone has already proven many times over that he is perfectly at home with those traditional nursery tales that are still preschoolers’ favorites, and his expressive, unassuming style just right for their very young audience.” —Kirkus Reviews No child should be without the best versions of the best stories, all told and illustrated by the masterful Paul Galdone: The Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Gingerbread Boy. Pair this boxed set with the Folktale Classics Keepsake Collection!

A beautifully illustrated treasury of winter-themed folktales celebrating diverse heritage and cultural storytelling, including "The Nutcracker," "The Snow Queen," and "The Mitten." Winter Tales is a fully illustrated treasury of stories celebrating the wonders of the season throughout the world. This stunning book brings together a selection of wintery tales from all over the globe—from North America to Siberia, Scotland, France, Russia, and Norway. Written by award-winning author Dawn Casey and with beautifully detailed artwork by illustrator Zanna Goldhawk, this is a magical book to be treasured for generations to come. Some of the 18 stories included are: “The White Bear King,” “The Mitten,” “The Apple Tree Man,” “The Twelve Months,” “The Snow Queen,” and more.

Paul Galdone’s masterful storytelling brings new life to this familiar high-stakes tale of a mysterious little man who makes a devastating deal with the miller’s daughter. Sold to a king who expects her to spin straw into gold, she promises Rumpelstilstkin the most valuable thing of all in exchange for his help, and she must outwit him when he comes to claim his due. Children will delight in the illustrations, replete with details and rich colors. This new addition to the Folk Tale Classics series is an outstanding addition to any fairy tale collection.

Young readers are sure to delight in Galdone's version of this classic story, and the lively illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it perfect for reading aloud with little ones. With a gorgeous cover in keeping with the rest of the Folk Tale Classics series, the story of Jack and his magic bean has never been more irresistible.

This humorous retelling of a favorite Armenian folktale is a story small children will follow and read along with ease. “One fine day a fox traveled through the great forest. When he reached the other side he was very thirsty.” The jaunty red fox stole milk from an old farm woman, lost his tail under the annoyed woman’s knife, and spent the day bargaining to get it back. Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book of 1971.

Bedtime Classics: charmingly illustrated board book editions of perennial favorites, simplified for the youngest readers! Bedtime Classics introduce classic works of fiction to little literary scholars through character-driven narratives and colorful illustrations. Designed to be the perfect one-minute bedtime story (or five minutes--if you're begged to read it over and over), parents can feel good about exposing their children to some of the most iconic pieces of literature while building their child's bookshelf with these trendy editions! Three little pigs set out to make their fortunes. The first little pig builds a house of straw. When he refuses to let the big bad wolf inside, he blows the house down, and the first little pig flees to his brother's house made of sticks. When both pigs deny the wolf once more, he blows their house down. The two pigs scurry to the brick house their brother built, which, try as he might, the wolf can't seem to blow down, and he leaves the pigs alone once and for all.

Step back into ancient India as Marcia Williams brings her inviting comic-book style to eight animal folktales that continue to enchant children today. Drawing from three books of best-loved Indian folktales— the Hitopadesha, the Jatakas,and the Panchatantra —this graphic storybook collection, alive with kidfriendly illustrations, is infused with humor and warmth.

“Mr. Galdone . . . had a knack for communicating humor through the eyes of his characters, whether he was drawing an overconfident wolf ogling a clever pig or a mouse in raptures at the scent of a freshly baked cake.”—Wall Street Journal This wonderful library includes four classic stories, all told and illustrated by the award-winning Paul Galdone: The Three Bears, Three Little Kittens, The Little Red Hen, and The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. Pair this gift box with the Folktale Classics Heirloom Library!

Cordelia can fly. Over the ocean and up with the birds. Until one day, she hears the whispers: people can't fly; it's impossible. And suddenly, Cordelia can't. Or can she? Cordelia is a modern-day fable about believing in yourself - and flying wherever you want to go.

Turtle lives in a beautiful little pond with everything a happy turtle needs. But one spring, Turtle awakes from hibernation to discover that her lovely home has been invaded! A pushy beaver takes over Turtle's beloved pond and refuses to share. Instead, he challenges her to a race to determine who can stay. But how can a little turtle outswim a big, powerful beaver? This charming fable of brains versus brawn is a great read for all the young readers in the forest to share!

When the Czar proclaims that he will marry his daughter to the man who brings him a flying ship, the Fool of the World sets out to try his luck and meets some unusual companions on the way. The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship is the winner of the 1969 Caldecott Medal.

Praise for the Folk Tale Classics:“Just as inviting today as when they first appeared decades ago.” —School Library Journal Paul Galdone’s version of the classic fairy talestands above the rest. His gentle retelling is resplendent with lush artwork and storytelling that weaves the magical tale of a princess both beautiful and kind. This lovely story is now a Folk Tale Classic, with gold foil stamping on the cover and saturated, full-color illustrations throughout. A beautiful and value-priced edition of a classic, this book deserves a place in every child's library!

In The Two Cars the celebrated husband and wife team of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, famous for their illustrated versions of Norse and Greek myths, offer young children a playful modern twist on the ancient fable of the tortoise and the hare. Two cars sit side by side in the same garage. One is fast, shiny, and ready to go; the other is a comfortable old jalopy, a little worse for wear but as reliable as can be. On a magic moonlit night, the doors of the garage swing open and they head out for a spin, each determined to prove that he is the “best car on the road.” Over hill and dale and roundabout they go, encountering—and narrowly missing—trains, trucks, wildlife, and even, in the form of a policeman on a motorcycle, the long arm of the law. Before the two cars’ nocturnal caper is over, each will have discovered the being the “best” is not so simple as you might suppose.

Author Ying Chang Compestine and illustrator David Roberts’s picture book The Chinese Emperor’s New Clothes reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale in a story set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Ming Da is only nine years old when he becomes the emperor of China, and his three advisors take advantage of him by stealing his stores of rice, gold, and precious stones. But Ming Da has a plan. With the help of his tailors, he comes up with a clever idea to outsmart his devious advisors: He asks his tailors to make “magical” new clothes for him. Anyone who is honest, the young emperor explains, will see the clothes’ true splendor, but anyone who is dishonest will see only burlap sacks. The emperor dons a burlap sack, and the ministers can’t help but fall for his cunning trick.

Young Prince Rakoto learns to cope with his father's death.