Elaborates on the events recounted in the fairy tale, “Rumpelstiltskin,” in which a strange little man helps a miller’s daughter spin straw into gold for the king on the condition that she will give him her first-born child.
Spinners
Intermediate (ages 9-14)
Material appropriate for intermediate age groups
American Tall Tales
Presents an illustrated collection of tall tales about such American folk heroes as Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Paul Bunyan. Reissue.
Sparks Fly High
Colonel Lightfoot is never modest, especially when it comes to his dancing or his fine Virginia land. One piece of that land is turning to mud, and the devil himself is rumored to live in that murky mess, for on dark nights sparks fly high. How to put an end to the devil’s mischief? Why, a dance contest with the fiery fiend himself. The colonel bristles with confidence, but the devil is equally sure of himself, until, recognizing his own false pride in the devil’s boasts, the colonel discovers the perfect way to outsmart him. Witty, expressive illustrations aglow with color bring to life a Colonial American tale that sizzles and snaps with humor and folk wisdom.
Cross Your Fingers, Spit In Your Hat
Explains superstitions about such topics as love and marriage, money, ailments, travel, the weather, and death.
Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom
Recounts the journey of Black slaves to freedom via the underground railroad, an extended group of people who helped fugitive slaves in many ways.
Wish Riders
Fifteen-year-old Dusty, a ward of the state, is forced to work in a logging camp during the Depression. Despite the bleakness of her life, spirited Dusty dreams of escape.
Near Myths
Humorous renditions of stories featuring mythical and Biblical characters such as Prometheus, King Midas, and Samson and Delilah.
Sukey and the Mermaid
Unhappy with her life at home, Sukey receives kindness and wealth from Mama Jo the mermaid.
Tomfoolery: Trickery And Foolery With Words
Alvin Schwartz and Glen Rounds team up once again to preserve the heritage of American folklore in this hilarious compilation of word tricks and verbal hocus-pocus. The compilation of funny folklore has lots of riddles with ridiculous answers, very tall talk and an endless array of tales.
Papa Alonzo Leatherby
When Papa Alonzo Leatherby’s tall tales about New England freeze solid one extra cold winter, they have to be thawed out and preserved in ingenious ways.