Brothers

Whether the rivalry is about territory, possessions, the biggest, or the most, anyone with a sibling will relate to the ongoing competition between these two canines. Taken to ridiculous heights, this series of situations with surprisingly human overtones illustrates their ongoing struggle to get along. It’s a rivalry that knows no bounds. Julius the Elder describes how he dominates, tricks, subdues, and, yes, even admires his exuberant young pup of a brother. William the Upstart, on the other hand, demonstrates he is his own dog whatever the consequences. The results are hilarious and tinged with history. In the end, no one would ever dare to question the singular bond demonstrated in Brothers.

Priceless Gifts

There is an old saying that good things come in small packages. In this story from Italy, storytellers Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss show us that good things also come in furry packages. When a merchant finds himself in a land that is overrun by rats, he realizes that he has the most priceless gift in this country, namely his ship’s cats.

Jump Up Time: A Trinidad Carnival Story

Carnival is supposed to be a happy time, but Lily wishes it were over. Her family has been working on the gorgeous hummingbird costume for months, but it’s Lily’s big sister, Christine, who will wear it at the Children’s Carnival. Lily doesn’t want to wait till next year for her chance to jump up in costume.

Mcfig and Mcfly: A Tale of Jealousy, Revenge, and Death (with a Happy Ending)

From the unparalleled Henrik Drescher comes a wickedly funny story about the perils of runaway rivalry (with a happy ending). McFig lives with his daughter, Rosie, in a lovely little cottage far away from anywhere big and important. One day, McFly and his son, Anton, buy the land next door. At first McFig and McFly hit it off big-time and build McFly a cottage modeled exactly after McFig’s house. But then the two start to add things onto their houses — a medieval tower, a second-story playroom and soon McFig and McFly are in a lifelong competition to be bigger and better than each other.