Children's Books for Parents and Teachers » Fairytales

A Christmas Memory

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:12:46 +0000

Seven-year-old Buddy inaugurates the Christmas season by crying out to his cousin, Miss Sook Falk: “It’s fruitcake weather!” Thus begins an unforgettable portrait of an odd but enduring friendship between two innocent souls–one young and one old–and the memories they share of beloved holiday rituals.

Aesop’s Fables

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:41:17 +0000

Here’s a picture book version of Aesop’s fables that should be in every classroom. Pinkney’s watercolor creatures illustrate more than 60 tales that end with one of Aesop’s moral lessons. Try it as a crowd-pleasing read-aloud for younger grades and as a wonderful resource for older children.

Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:13:27 +0000

Through the voice of a washerwoman living on the island of Martinique comes the story of a beautiful servant girl, a cruel stepmother and stepsisters, a magnificent ball, a magic wand, and a lost slipper. French Creole words and phrases illustrate the melodious language of the Caribbean. Vibrant pictures add to the depth of this heartwarming tale.

Code of the Clans (Warriors Series)

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:42:37 +0000

The secrets behind the warrior code will finally be revealed. An ominous sign from StarClan that signaled the need to patrol borders . The unexpected help from a warrior ancestor that cemented the importance of elders. A secret coup that led to a deputy’s new role. A medicine cat’s pleas that stopped a spree of interClan bloodshed and many more never-before-told stories!

Diary of a Fairy Godmother

admin — Sat, 05 May 2007 15:23:42 +0000

Hunky Dory’s mother always told her, “You’ll be the wickedest witch wherever the four winds blow.” And why not? She’s at the top of her class in charm school. She can make flowers wilt like wet spaghetti. And she can turn any prince into a frog–but she always changes him back. That’s when she knows she has a problem. Hunky Dory’s interest in wishcraft over witchcraft gets her kicked out of charm school. Now she’s determined to follow her heart and become a fairy godmother. But how to go about doing it? She gives a woodsman a new mustache, and grants Wolf his strange wish for a grandmother costume. Finally, motivated by jealousy over her friend Rumpelstiltskin’s crush on the girl in the roomful of straw, she meets the ticket to realizing her career dream–Cinderella. This fresh, funny twist on fairy tales is just right for girls who have not quite outgrown the magic of classic stories–and who are open to unconventional happily-ever-afters!

Dream Snow

cindy — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:11:38 +0000

A simple story, lively collage-like illustrations and a fun gimmick for little hands…”

Ella Enchanted

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:16:46 +0000

At her birth, a fairy blesses baby Eleanor with the gift of obedience. But for Ella this is a curse. She must spend her life doing literally everything that is asked of her, from sweeping the floor to handing over valued jewelry. When her mother dies, her father sends her away to boarding school with two cruel sisters. Ella’s spunk keeps her afloat until she meets her charming prince, breaks the wicked spell, and begins her “happily ever after” life.

Favorite Celtic Fairy Tales

admin — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:56:06 +0000

8 popular tales: The Story of Deirdre, The Fate of the Children of Lir, Morraha, five others. For young and old alike-eight captivating tales filled with whimsy, charm and magic: The Fate of the Children of Lir, The Shepherd of Middvai, Beth Gellert, The Tale of Ivan, Morraha, The Story of Deirdre, The Llanfabon Changeling, and The Sea-Maiden. Reset in large, easy-to-read type.

Frog and Toad Together

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:32:14 +0000

In 1957, Harper published its first I Can Read title, Little Bear, written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Large type, simple vocabulary, chapter-like divisions, and decorative pictures made Little Bear perfect for emerging readers—they could read the story comfortably and not feel overwhelmed by the text. Following suit came such classics as Peggy Parish’s Amelia Bedelia series, Lillian Hoban’s books about Arthur the monkey, and Syd Hoff’s popular Danny and the Dinosaur. Many books in this series are special in the depth of emotion evoked – Little Bear, the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, and Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Bulla, to name a few – and all are enjoyed by children of all ages.

Goldilocks Returns

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:14:47 +0000

Goldilocks has always felt guilty about breaking into the Bears’ house and causing all that damage. So as she grew up she shortened her name to Goldi and opened a lock and key shop to help people protect themselves against snoops. It’s 50 years later and Goldi can’t stand it anymore. She must return to the scene of her crime to make amends. Finding no one home again, Goldi plasters the finest locks all up and down the Bears’ door, and then takes it upon herself to restock their cabinets and “spruce things up a bit!” When the Bears return, readers learn that one person’s improvements may well be another’s disaster! But read on — a surprise ending just might set things straight.

Igraine the Brave

admin — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:00:16 +0000

Igraine, who turns twelve tomorrow, dreams of becoming a famous knight. But today, like most days, life at the family castle remains . . . rather boring. Until the nefarious nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up. Greedy Osmund’s got a dastardly plan to capture Pimpernel Castle and steal the singing magic books that belong to Igraine’s mom and dad. Complicating matters, on the eve of the siege her parents misspeak a spell and turn themselves into pigs! (How inconvenient.) Igraine’s birthday wish has come true, and the challenge is bigger than she ever bargained for: Will she face her fears and find the courage to save the day–and the books?

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:14:04 +0000

Young received a Caldecott Medal for this book’s watercolor and pastel picture sequences which are reminiscent of traditional Chinese decorative panels. The children’s frightened eyes, the wolf’s evil eyes, and the matter-of-fact text lend this ancient Chinese tale added drama. The canny wolf tricks the children into thinking he is their grandmother, but the eldest child successfully plots and then executes (with the help of her siblings) the wolf’s demise.

Look Out, Jack! The Giant Is Back!

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:15:28 +0000

Jack had destroyed the giant along with the beanstalk, so you would think that he, his mother, and the hen that lays the golden eggs would be home free. And that was the case until the giant’s brother (bigger, nastier, and uglier) showed up. He’d heard about what Jack had done, was hopping mad, and was determined to get back his brother’s possessions. Will Jack’s quick wit get him out of trouble again?

Magykal Papers

admin — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:16:25 +0000

Enter the world of Septimus Heap with this collection of previously unpublished papers.

This rich compendium includes: The private journals of Septimus, Jenna, and Marcia Overstrand. The best—and worst—places to eat as described in The Egg-on-Toast Restaurant Guide. Sirius Weazal’s Speedy Guides to the Palace, the Wizard Tower, and Wizard Way. Excerpts from the Pigeon Post Biography series and the Heaps of History series. Alther Mella’s Guide to Being Dead: Ten Handy Rules for New Ghosts. Beautiful maps, quirky flyers, funny letters, and much more!

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s Farm

admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:12:45 +0000

Ms. Piggle-Wiggle’s left her upside-down town house and has moved to a farm in the country. With the help of her cows and pigs and horses, she’s still curing girls and boys of their bad habits. So whatever the problem-from pet forgetter-itis to fraidycat-ness-the parents all exclaim, “Better call Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!”

Nightmare Before Christmas Storybook

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:26:13 +0000

Meet Jack Skellington. He’s in charge of making Halloweenland the coolest creepy place around. But when Jack suddenly grows bored with tricks and treats, he goes searching for new ways to celebrate…and he finds them in Christmas Town! Christmas, Jack decides, is just what Halloweenland — and the world — needs! He sets out to take over the role of Santa. But can anything good come of a tall and lanky skeleton dressed up as everyone’s favorite jolly old elf?

Puff, the Magic Dragon

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:32:18 +0000

Puff, the Magic Dragon is simply one of the most beloved songs of all time—a classic that’s become as much a part of the childhood experience as Mother Goose and fairy tales. Yet singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow and co-composer Lenny Lipton have never allowed a picture book adaptation of this magical tale…until now. With Yarrow’s and Lipton’s blessing, Puff, Jackie Paper, and the land of Honalee finally live on the page. The exquisite package includes a cloth case with a tipped-in illustration and an embossed jacket with foil touches, as well as an exclusive CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia. This is a publishing event sure to attract broad attention and please Puff’s many fans. In richly-hued paintings of the deepest sea blues and greens, Puff and his friend Jackie Paper frolic in the land of Honalee—traveling in a fantastic boat with billowed sails, climbing red castle stairs onto a balcony to meet with noble kings and princes, and watching pirate ships lower their flags for the roaring dragon. Artist Eric Puybaret has brought an entire magical world into being with enthralling landscapes, color, and characters. And everyone will love the way the art cleverly turns the song’s end, which at first seemed so sad, into a surprising and joyful moment.

Quiet Bunny

cindy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:29:52 +0000

More than anything, Quiet Bunny loves the sounds of the forest: the birds chirping, the wind whispering shhhhh through the leaves, and, especially, the night song all the rabbits listen to. But, one day, he wonders: how can I join in? Bunny wanders the woods asking animal after animal—but he just can’t ch-cheet like the cricket, ssssss like the hissing snake, or o-uuuu like the howling wolves. But nothing feels just right—until Quiet Bunny finds the wonderful beat that’s his and his alone.

The Chocolate Touch

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:16:10 +0000

John midas loves chocolate. He loves it so much that he’ll eat it any hour of any day. He doesn’t care if he ruins his appetite. He thinks chocolate is better than any other food! But one day, after wandering into a candy store and buying a piece of their best chocolate, John finds out that there might just be such a thing as too much chocolate.

The Christmas Magic

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:59:46 +0000

A new Santa with one reindeer and a cat. He wears a blue suit with a golden star at the end of his pointed hat and bunny slippers .

The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:36:43 +0000

Just in time for the holidays, a picture book adapation of the #1 New York Times bestselling book from author and popular radio/tv host Glenn Beck.

The Girl Who Could Fly

cindy — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:25:19 +0000

Piper McCloud can fly. Just like that. Easy as pie.
Sure, she hasn’t mastered reverse propulsion and her turns are kind of sloppy, but she’s real good at loop-the-loops.
Problem is, the good folk of Lowland County are afraid of Piper. And her ma’s at her wit’s end. So it seems only fitting that she leave her parents’ farm to attend a top-secret, maximum-security school for kids with exceptional abilities.
School is great at first with a bunch of new friends whose skills range from super-strength to super-genius. (Plus all the homemade apple pie she can eat!) But Piper is special, even among the special. And there are consequences.
Consequences too dire to talk about. Too crazy to consider. And too dangerous to ignore

The Girl Who Spun Gold

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:40:08 +0000

The tale of Rumpelstiltskin is known around the world. This stunning West Indian version is told by one of today’s most distinguished storytellers, Virginia Hamilton. The Dillons’s breathtaking paintings further enhance Hamilton’s masterful tale.

The Little Prince

admin — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:00:33 +0000

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Richard Howard’s new translation of the beloved classic-published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s birth-beautifully reflects Saint-Exupéry’s unique and gifted style. Howard, an acclaimed poet and one of the preeminent translators of our time, has excelled in bringing the English text as close as possible to the French, in language, style, and most important, spirit. The artwork in this new edition has been restored to match in detail and in color Saint-Exupéry’s original artwork.

The Little Prince

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:50:12 +0000

Since 1943, the wise little boy from Asteroid B-612 has led children and their adults to deeper understandings of love, friendship, and responsibility. The Little Prince is a cherished story, read by millions of people in more than a hundred languages. In honor of its sixtieth anniversary, Harcourt is proud to present this special edition of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s treasure, which includes a satin bookmark and presentation page, and comes in an elegant cloth slipcase enhanced with gold stamping and embossing. A must-have edition for any collector, this lovely book is also the perfect gift for those new to the wisdom of the Little Prince and the charms of his rose-and-star-filled worlds.

The Matzah Man: A Passover Story

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:08:51 +0000

When Mr. Cohen, the baker, opens his oven, out jumps the Matzah Man. This rascal leads a cumulative chase through the neighborhood taunting everyone he meets. Mendel, a little boy, finally outwits the elusive Matzah Man when he hides him under the matzah cover on the seder table. Howland’s adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man” is teeming with Passover preparations and ends around a community table where all (especially Mendel) enjoy the best matzah they ever ate. A glossary of Passover terms is included.

The Night Before Christmas

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:53:11 +0000

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the house…for decades families have gathered together to read Clement C. Moore’s eternally enchanting holiday poem. And now there’s a magical new version to ring in the season with joy.

The Three Little Pigs

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:12:00 +0000

A wolf named Tempesto huffs and puffs in this wildly comic retelling of an old favorite. (“Open up, Pork Chop, or I’ll flatten this dump!”) In this rendition, the three pigs, Percy, Pete, and Prudence, and their mama, Serafina Sow, enjoy a thriving waffle business until one morning when Tempesto shows up with a taste for more than waffles. Children will cheer the pigs’ efforts to outwit the surly creature and comb the pictures for Kellogg’s hilarious visual nuances. The story might also motivate a comparison of Kellogg’s retelling with the traditional story and other variations, such as Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith’s The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Viking).

The Three Pigs

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:11:14 +0000

This is a Caldecott Medal-winning masterpiece. Readers will be amazed as characters jump out of the pages of one story into the next, changing illustration styles as they go. This Three Little Pigs story begins as expected. But when the wolf comes to the house of straw and blows it down, he blows the pig right out of the picture — and the story! Soon all three pigs are soaring from one tale to the next.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:10:24 +0000

According to A. Wolf, this is the “real” story of “The Three Little Pigs.” From prison (where he is serving time for his alleged crimes), Wolf relates his side of this famous story. The whole hullabaloo started because he had a cold and needed a cup of sugar for his dear granny’s birthday cake. While trying to borrow some from his neighbor in the straw house, he sneezed so hard that he blew down the house and killed the First Little Pig. “It seemed like a shame to leave a perfectly good ham dinner lying there in the straw,” says A. Wolf. “So I ate it up.” History repeats itself a second time, but before it can happen a third time, the police haul him away. Wolf claims that the real story was so unexciting that the reporters jazzed it up with all that “I’ll huff and puff and blow your house down” stuff. Enjoy more of Scieszka and Smith’s revisionist storytelling with The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales! (Penguin, 1992).