A kind and gentle fisherman catches a talking dolphin. The wondrous beast begs to be freed, and the fisherman gladly complies. Aghast that her husband has asked for nothing in return from the dolphin, the fisherman’s wife insists that he find the creature and ask that it grant them a wish. Given one wish, the wife desires more and more, until she asks for the unthinkable.
Europe
Materials from Europe
Snore, Dinosaur, Snore!
Three little dinosaurs try several different ways to wake their sleeping mother.
Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road
A gripping account of three dramatic journeys that changed history. The fabled Silk Road conjures up the sights, smells and sounds of faraway lands. But traveling the Silk Road took years, and those who set out encountered bandits, starvation and treacherous storms. Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road introduces readers to three great historical figures: Chinese Buddhist Xuanzang, whose 16-year journey from China to India and back (629-645 AD) is the only source we have for huge chunks of the history and geography of this time. His successful search for Buddhist scriptures changed the course of two great nations. Genghis Khan, bred from infancy to be a warrior, brought the Mongol clans together. He established the greatest empire the world had seen, which ruled the Silk Road from 1201 to 1227. Italian merchant Marco Polo journeyed through China from 1271 to 1295. He changed the way Europe saw the world, and his book even inspired Columbus to sail west across the Atlantic Ocean in search of China. Beautiful photographs and art depicting the ancient routes and peoples bring the stories to life. Maps, sidebars and an afterword that updates the story of the Silk Road are also featured.
The Little Golden Lamb
In this joyfully retold Hungarian version of “The Golden Goose,” a shepherd lad befriends a lamb whose fleece is the color of gold. The lad and the lamb set off on a journey, with the lamb dancing and frolicking as the boy plays his flute. Along the way they meet one person after another who tries to put an end to their merriment, but soon enough each has no choice but to join the cheerful procession and help the shepherd boy win his fortune and fulfill his destiny. Whimsically illustrated in delicious colors, this lively tale about the magic of music and the infectiousness of a light heart will have young children ready to join in the celebration.
The Fairytale Cake
“We make a cake, We bake a cake, And send it on its way! “Beloved characters from classic nursery rhymes — everyone from Humpty Dumpty to Little Bo Peep to Old King Cole — collaborate to bake the most perfect, towering, delicious cake . . . and roll it along to its special recipient — the birthday boy or girl! Mark Sperring’s spare but sweet text combined with Jonathan Langley’s bright, timeless artwork make for a fun, read-aloud book that allows readers to pick out their favorite nursery rhyme characters in the illustrations. Ideal for birthdays . . . or any occasion!
I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go To Bed (Charlie And Lola)
Charlie helps Lola get ready for bed, despite the tigers, whales, and other animals that serve as obstacles.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
“Nothing ever happens here,” the shepherd thinks. But the bored boy knows what would be exciting: He cries that a wolf is after his sheep, and the town’s people come running. How often can that trick work, though?B.G. Hennessy’s retelling of this timeless fable is infused with fanciful whimsy through Boris Kulikov’s hilarious and ingenious illustrations. This tale is sure to leave readers grinning sheepishly.
Tam Lin
A retelling of the old Scottish ballad in which a young girl rescues the human knight Tam Lin from his bondage to the Elfin Queen.
Arthur and the Sword
A retelling of the events that culminated in Arthur’s ascent to the throne depicts his dramatic removal of Uther’s sword from the stone and is accompanied by illustrations made to look like stained glass. Children’s BOMC Alt.
Pirate Treasure Map: A Fairytale Adventure
The creators of FAIRYTALE NEWS mix up favorite tales in a comical quest with a pull-out treasure map.Little Jack Hubbard can’t wait to set sail with Cap’n Horatio Hubbard on a hunt for long-lost treasure. But the ship’s wolfish crew are suspiciously big and bad, and soon Jack is diving into the waves to rescue a valuable treasure map. All seems lost until Jack is saved by the Owl and the Pussycat (in a beautiful pea-green boat) and passes a witch’s gingerbread cottage, where two kids are caught in a culinary plot. . . . With the help of a handy removable map, readers will happily follow Jack’s path to the treasure through a fractured-fairytale land.