Brad Sneed brings his zany and creative talents to the world of Aesop. In his signature style of tricky perspectives, amusing exaggerations, and rich, delicate watercolors, his animal characters are beautifully realistic and yet humorously human, as they mimic a wide range of human feelings . . . and foibles. The stories of Aesop have been told and retold over the centuries; in his lively adaptation Brad Sneed updates the language and infuses these fifteen stories with a sense of humor that children will enthusiastically enjoy. And once again, as in his popular alphabet book Picture a Letter, Brad has included a wordless bonus for sharp-eyed readers of all ages-a sixteenth tale told only in pictures is hidden somewhere between the covers.
Primary (ages 6-9)
Material appropriate for primary age groups
James Marshall’s Cinderella
Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean…this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella’s tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs! “Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won’t sit there for long!” (Booklist, starred review) “An excellent storytime version of the favorite fairy tale, e.g. A strong addition to any picture book collection…and great fun.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
Red Ted and the Lost Things
When a teddy bear is accidentally left on the seat of a train, he uses his ingenuity–and some new friends–to search for the little girl who lost him.
Tatterhood And The Hobgoblins: A Norwegian Folktale
A retelling of a Norwegian folktale follows Tatterhood, the wild and strange twin sister of sweet and perfect princess Isabella, as she attempts to break a spell placed on her sibling.
One Potato, Two Potato
Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady are so poor they have just one of everything to share – one potato a day, one chair, one blanket full of holes, and one gold coin for a rainy day. After digging up the last potato in their patch, Mr. O’Grady comes upon a big black object. It’s a pot – no ordinary pot, for what they soon discover is that whatever goes into it comes out doubled! Suddenly the O’Gradys aren’t destitute anymore. But what they really long for is one friend apiece. Can the magic pot give them that?
The Wedding of Mistress Fox
As she rejects suitor after suitor, the recently widowed Mistress Fox almost despairs of finding a new husband with the same wonderful qualities as the late Mr. Fox.
Iron John
With help of Iron John, the wild man of the forest who is under a curse, a young prince makes his way in the world and finds his true love.
Dear Vampa
The Pires are cursed with new neighbors. Things were just fine on Nostfer Avenue until the Wolfsons arrived. There seems to be no end to the new family’s strange rituals. They stay up all day long, lock their windows at night, and bathe—in sunshine. What’s a nice vampire family to do? Ross Collins has created an ironic, laugh-out-loud story that invites you to think about accepting others—perhaps your neighbors are less different than you think.
Name That Dinosaur: A Puzzle Adventure
Readers search artwork for dinosaurs, complete a poster with dino-name stickers, solve puzzles, and more. On the island of Rosa Turoso, there are lions that speak, lizards that dance — and a girl named Abba who is crazy about dinosaurs. With her dinosaur poster, her dachshund, and her magical hat, Abba sets off on a journey, spotting dinosaurs all the way.
The Princess’s Blankets
“Haunting, mysterious paintings by Catherine Hyde form the highly unusual illustrations for Carol Ann Duffy’s new fairy tale.” — INSIDE CORNWALL MAGAZINE A young princess who can never feel warm. A worried king and queen. A stranger in black with hard gray eyes. A musician with a kind and good heart. Carol Ann Duffy’s powerful new fairy tale explores the depths of human fears, frailty, and love, complemented by a series of beautiful, atmospheric paintings by acclaimed artist Catherine Hyde. Compelling, lyrical, magical — this is the tale of THE PRINCESS’S BLANKETS.