From classic thrillers by Washington Irving and Charles Dickens to chilling legends from around the world retold by renowned authors such as Laurence Yep, to tales of fear from contemporary storytellers Bruce Coville and Stephanie Calmenson, this collection of spine-tingling stories and excerpts is sure to grab–and hold–young readers.
Folklore and Fairy Tales
Eleven Turtle Tales
Turtle carries the world on her back: this story has been told by different cultures around the world for generations. Like Mother Nature, Turtle is unhurried, wise, and enduring. She walks on land, swims in water, and breathes the air and so embodies three of the four elements of creation. We have much to learn from Turtle.
Duck’s Breath and Mouse Pie: A Collection of Animal Superstitions
Animals have long been believed to have the power to change people’s fortunes, cure illness, or foretell the future. Steve Jenkins has gathered seventeen superstitions and interpreted them in whimsical collages. Historical notes explain the origins of these seemingly illogical folk beliefs, making this collection as informative as it is entertaining.
Fair Is Fair
A lawyer and storyteller presents an international collection of folklore–from ancient Greece, Morocco, Germany, China, and Ireland–that provides revealing insights into our conception of justice, crime and punishment, and other legal issues. 30,000 first printing.
A Treasury Of Mermaids: Mermaid Tales From Around The World
Enter the mermaid’s realm, where brightly colored fish dart through strands of seaweed and noble octopi guard the gates of underwater palaces. From the ice floes of Alaska to the islands of the Mediterranean Sea to the reefs of New Zealand, the power of a magical water maiden is matched only by her unpredictability. For who can guess what may happen when a mermaid finds herself face-to-face with a human? Gathered from the diverse cultures, the stories in this collection tell of mortals who strive to capture mermaids–and mermen–as well as those who seek to rescue them from peril; mortals who entice mermaids to live on dry land, and those who dare follow mermaids under the waves. And here, too, are the fates of those fortunate–or follish–enough to listen to the mermaid’s appealing song. Renowed author and folklorist Shirley Climo presents tales of mystical merfolk from around the globe. Accompained by stunning illustrations from Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, the stories are woven together with threads of international mermaid lore, presenting a world of watery enchantment.A catch of international mermaids, from a Japanese ningyo and a Swiss nix to an Irish merrow and an Alaskan nuquot, swim through the pages of this elegant gift volume. Drawing on the folklore of diverse cultures, renowned author Shirley Climo presents a multi-faceted view of merfolk, exploring the promises and perils of meeting these creatures. Accompanied by stunning paintings from the brushes of Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, the stories in this collection are woven together with insightful introductions comparing and contrasting the myths of many lands. Lavishly designed and illustrated, this beautiful book is the definitive collection of mermaid lore. A catch of international mermaids, from a Japanese ningyo and a Swiss nix to an Irish merrow and an Alaskan nuquot, swim through the pages of this elegant gift volume. Drawing on the folklore of diverse cultures, renowned author Shirley Climo presents a multi-faceted view of merfolk, exploring the promises and perils of meeting these creatures. Accompanied by stunning paintings from the brushes of Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, the stories in this collection are woven together with insightful introductions comparing and contrasting the myths of many lands. Lavishly designed and illustrated, this beautiful book is the definitive collection of mermaid lore.
Women Warriors: Myths And Legends Of Heroic Women
From days of old, they have intrigued people all over the world: brave, defiant warrior women who stir imaginations, rouse passions, and often inspire thousands of followers. These fierce and fearless spirits are goddesses, queens, and peasants; they are children, young women, and adults in the winter of their years. From the story of Britain’s proud queen Boadicea to that of the Sioux warrior Winyan Ohitika, Marianna Mayer re-creates twelve thrilling tales of war and bravery, bitterness and triumph. Twenty-four full-color illustrations and a map, bibliography, and annotated index are included in this striking anthology for all ages.
Not One Damsel In Distress: World Folktales For Strong Girls
These thirteen folktales have one thing in common: brainy, brawny, brave heroines–and not one damsel in distress! From Bradamante, the fierce female medieval knight, to Li Chi, the Chinese girl who slays a dreaded serpent and saves her town, these heroines use their cunning, wisdom, and strength to succeed.
Drawing from diverse cultures around the world, renowned author Jane Yolen celebrates the smart, strong, and sassy heroines of legend and lore in a collection that will encourage bravery in every girl.
Drawing from diverse cultures around the world, renowned author Jane Yolen celebrates the smart, strong, and sassy heroines of legend and lore in a collection that will encourage bravery in every girl.
Still More Stories To Solve: Fourteen Folktales From Around The World
An illustrated collection of fourteen of the world’s folktales, each beginning with a riddle that must be solved, will delight puzzle-solvers everywhere.
A Treasury Of Princesses: Princess Tales From Around The World
From the Mayan people of Central America to the Xhosa people of Southern Africa, from the ancient mythology of China to the legendary Arabian Nights, every culture across the globe has its princesses. The princesses themselves may be as diverse as the lands they represent, but rich or poor, vain or wise, brave or spoiled, they have one thing in common: they all live happily ever after. Selected from world folklore and presented in a richly designed, elegantly illustrated volume, this lavish gift book is the definitive gathering of princess lore.
Dragons
A wondrous anthology of ancient dragon tales to enchant readers young and old. “Do you believe in dragons? “Just a few hundred years ago, sightings of dragons were common. Ordinary people saw them; so did kings, knights, archbishops, and monks. Learned scholars wrote about them. Today, most naturalists say dragons never existed. So what exactly were the dragons that people claimed to see?” In this richly illustrated anthology, David Passes invites us inside the fantastic world of dragon lore. This superb collection of heroic myths, stories, and folktales from the storytelling traditions of India, Greece, England, Wales, Sweden, and China are brought to life by the fabulous illustrations of renowned fantasy artist, Wayne Andersen.