The Man Who Caught Fish

A stranger with a bamboo pole magically catches fish and hands them out to villagers, saying “One person, one fish,” but the king will not be content until he receives a whole basket of fish.

The Master Swordsman and the Magic Doorway: Two Legends from Ancient China

In two original stories set in ancient China, Little Chiu masters the sword and Mu Chi escapes death through his marvelous painting.

Magic Spring

Once upon a time, in a small village in Korea, there lived a childless old couple. They worked hard and lived good, simple lives, wanting only a baby to love and care for. But their rich, greedy neighbor sneered at their patched-up clothes. And when he saw the old man chopping wood he’d taunt him: “Ha! Old Man, where is your son to help you?”

Then one day, a mysterious bluebird leads the old man to a magic spring that makes him young again. But that’s only half the magic, as the miraculous power of the spring brings justice to the greedy neighbor, and a child for the couple from the least likely place of all.

The Boy of the Three-Year Nap

A poor Japanese woman maneuvers events to change the lazy habits of her son.

Tasty Baby Belly Buttons

Urikohime, a girl born from a melon, battles the monstrous oni, who steal babies to eat their tasty belly buttons.

D Is for Dragon Dance

A is for Acrobats. B is for Balls. C is for Calligraphy. D is for Dragon Dance. From firecrackers to noodles, from red envelopes to the zodiac, young readers are introduced to the exciting traditions of the Chinese New Year.