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Folktales

Time weathered stories passed down for generations

Aesop's Fables
Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 3428 votes, reviews
Aesops Illustrated Fables
Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 652 votes, reviews
Celtic Mythology for Kids
Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 366 votes, reviews
Filipino Children's Favorite Stories
Asian Culture, Folktales
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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
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 291 votes, reviews
Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill
Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 285 votes, reviews
Rainbow Weaver
Guatemalan Culture, Diverse Leads
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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.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 172 votes, reviews
Stone Soup
Caldecott Medal
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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.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1535 votes, reviews
The Princess and the Warrior
Mexican Culture
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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.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 246 votes, reviews
The Tale of Three Trees
Christian, Modern Favs
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Once upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. Each of their dreams come true in an unexpected way in this lovely retelling of an old folk tale. This classic story, beloved by young and old, is now retold in simpler text for younger readers.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2778 votes, reviews
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1356 votes, reviews
The Three Little Pigs
Diverse Leads, Modernized Classics
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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.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 122 votes, reviews
The Two Cars
Modernized Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 20 votes, reviews
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!
Folktales
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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!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2275 votes, reviews
Tikki Tikki Tembo
Asian Culture, Folktales
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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.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3960 votes, reviews

meaningful additions

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