Best Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths Books for 8 Year Olds

Here are the top 30 fairy tales, folk tales & myths books for 8 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.

1. The Odyssey

by: Gillian CrossNeil Packer
Release date: Sep 11, 2012
Number of Pages: 178
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A bold re-envisioning of The Odyssey, told with simplicity and style — perfect for fans of graphic retellings and mythology enthusiasts alike.

Odysseus faces storm and shipwreck, a terrifying man-eating Cyclops, the alluring but deadly Sirens, and the fury of the sea-god Poseidon as he makes his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. While Odysseus struggles to make it home, his wife, Penelope, fights a different kind of battle as her palace is invaded by forceful, greedy men who tell her that Odysseus is dead and she must choose a new husband. Will Odysseus reach her in time? Homer’s epic, age-old story is powerfully told by Carnegie Medalist Gillian Cross and stunningly illustrated by rising talent Neil Packer.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

2. Mermaid’s Gift, The

by: Claudia McAdamTraci Van Wagoner
Release date: Sep 02, 2015
Number of Pages: 32
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Out of a bitter storm comes a gift that saves a village.

In this adaptation of an Italian folktale, the young fisherman Gianni braves the thawing, ice-bound lagoon of Burano to catch fish to feed the starving people of his island. His fiancée, Nicoletta, prays for his safety. Gianni, swept from his fishing boat, is rescued by a mermaid who whips the water into a length of elegant lace, which she gives to Gianni for Nicoletta’s wedding veil. This gorgeously illustrated tale recounts the mythical origins of Burano lace, whose production has long been a vital part of the island’s economy and vibrant culture, ensuring the islanders would never go hungry. The lace is still famed throughout the world for its scalloped, wave-like patterns.

tags:

Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

3. The Legend of the Lady Slipper

by: Margi PreusLise Lunge-LarsenAndrea Arroyo
Release date: Mar 26, 1999
Number of Pages: 32
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The lady slipper grows in the northern woods to mark the courage and strength of a small girl who lived there long ago – a girl who saved her people from a terrible disease by listening carefully to the whispering snow, the rumbling ice, and the dancing northern lights. Illustrated with paintings as graceful and delicate as the lady slipper itself, this unforgettable retelling shows how a child’s lost slippers became one of nature’s most lovely spring flowers.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Multiculturalism

4. Ravenheart (Ravenheart Series)

by: K. A. Thomas
Release date: Oct 01, 2008
Number of Pages: 244
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The power of the Creator God is dead. His pendant lies dormant, forgotten inside the altar of a temple dedicated to worshiping statues and demons. Few know of a prophecy and a girl who might not only awaken the blessed pendant, but also a power so evil and deadly it could destroy the world. Ayla, a human child raised by dwarfs, must solve the mystery of the pendant before a spoiled prince and devious priestess crush a kingdom’s hopes forever.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Girls & Women

5. Fantastic, Fabulous Creatures & Beasts

by: Melanie DellasChristopher Bennett
Release date: Nov 10, 2010
Number of Pages: 54
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Fantastic, Fabulous Creatures & Beasts came about because of my love of history. As a child I was fascinated with folk tales from other countries and the history of ancient civilizations. I read everything I could get my hands on, including the many encyclopedias my parents kept in the study. There was a certain thrill in discovering mythology from all over the world and seeing how closely related it all was. As an adult, my love for mythology and history never ceased. In fact, it grew stronger. After having my second child, I decided it was time to put my favorite myths into a book that would not only entertain my children, but teach them about the various cultures and their folklore. I have taken the “real” folk tales and written them in a format that will help children remember them. Because I have not embellished the stories or changed them in any way from their original versions, you will find happy creatures and sad creatures, friendly creatures and not-so-friendly creatures. The tales contained within are from China, Russia, India and many other countries. Through this book, it is my hope that children will come to respect and appreciate the multicultural world they live in and, of course, remember that our world is still mystical and magical – as long as our stories remain alive.
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Children’s Books

6. The Queen & the Cross: The Story of Saint Helen (Tales and Legends)

by: Cornelia Mary BilinskyRebecca Stuhff
Release date: Aug 25, 2013
Number of Pages: 40
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Sweet-smelling basil marks the spot in this treasure hunt led by a queenly saint…join her as she treks to Jerusalem in search of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ! In this fabulous and instructive blend of tale and history, children ages 5-8 will be inspired by the lore and legend of the faith. Boys and girls alike will be captivated by Helen, a heroic empress on a mission, and will be encouraged to treasure the Holy Cross in their own lives! As children accompany Helen on her quest to find the true cross upon which Jesus died, they will relive her adventures. They will experience Helen’s excitement when she thinks she has discovered the ‘X’ that marks the spot-sweet-smelling basil-since basil is the herb of kings and Jesus is the King of Life. But just as it seems that the site of the Holy Cross has been identified, not one, but three crosses are found while digging… How will the one true cross be determined? Read on to discover the legend of the Holy Cross and learn all about Helen’s thrilling life! Features & Benefits Contains an opening hymn and prayer Includes a brief biography of Saint Helen following the legend Mentions the locations where the true cross exists today Concludes with a quote from Emperor Constantine’s letter to Bishop Macarius.
tags:

Biographies & Memoirs

7. The Banyan Deer: A Parable of Courage and Compassion

by: Rafe MartinRichard Wehrman
Release date: Apr 10, 2010
Number of Pages: 48
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This inspiring tale reminds us that no one can be truly at peace unless all beings have a chance for peace, freedom, and happiness. The Banyan Deer is a wonderful, heart-warming gift for anyone who loves a great story. This beautiful hardcover edition will delight both adults and children alike.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

8. The Answered Prayer: And Other Yemenite Folktales

by: Sharlya GoldMishael Maswari Caspi
Release date: Feb 23, 2004
Number of Pages: 80
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Yemenite Jews were the victims of harsh laws and persecution, yet out of their troubled lives came tales of joy as well as of sorrow. When the Jews left Yemen for Israel, the stories came with them, reflecting their culture, their heritage, and their struggle to survive. Mishael Caspi collected these stories and translated them for Sharlya Gold, who adapted them for children. The wonderful illustrations by Marjory Wunsch highlight the authenticity and spirit of Yemenite Jewish life. This collection of 12 folktales, originally published by JPS in 1990, is sure to entertain new readers and introduce them to the rich lore of this ancient culture.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Jewish

9. The Best of Grimm’s Fairy Tales: In Modern Language

by: Jacob GrimmWilhelm Grimm
Release date: Jun 17, 2009
Number of Pages: 196
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The best loved fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm collection, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Tom Thumb, and many others. Translated in modern English. The internationally renowned writings of the Grimm brothers have inspired dozens of Disney remakes and hundreds of other modern day fairy tales and stories. This collection includes the most well-known among the hundreds of tales in the expansive Grimm library.
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Children’s Books

10. The Boy & His Mud Horses: & Other Stories from the Tipi

by: Paul GobleAlbert White Hat Sr.
Release date: Mar 16, 2010
Number of Pages: 48
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Beautifully illustrated by award-winning author Paul Goble, The Boy and His Mud Horses features a collection of 27 traditional stories from different Native American tribes, including the Pawnee, Cheyenne, Blackfoot, and Lakota. Also includes a foreword by Albert White Hat, Sr., a nationally respected Lakota leader and linguist.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

11. Dance, Nana, Dance / Baila, Nana, Baila: Cuban Folktales in English and Spanish (English and Spanish Edition)

by: Joe HayesMauricio Trenard Sayago
Release date: Sep 28, 2010
Number of Pages: 128
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Joe Hayes received the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award for Dance, Nana, Dance. In his acceptance speech, Joe talked about his hopes for his book: “Someone has said that enemies are just people whose stories we don’t know. I see a lot of truth in that. The more other people’s stories are hidden from us, the easier it is for us to view them as enemies. But when we begin to learn their stories we recognize all we share in common with them and we delight in how the unique beauty of their traditions enriches our own lives.”

tags:

Children’s Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Learning > Spanish

12. The Girl Who Wore Too Much: A Folktale from Thailand

by: Suparporn VathanapridaMargaret Read MacDonaldYvonne Lebrun Davis
Release date: Jun 07, 2015
Number of Pages: 32
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In this timeless tale from Thailand, A girl cannot decide which of her many silken dresses and lavish jewels to wear to the dance, so she wears them all. Her foolish decision, teaches her a valuable lesson.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Fiction

13. Watermelons, Walnuts, and the Wisdom of Allah: And Other Tales of the Hoca

by: Barbara K. WalkerHarold Berson
Release date: Jan 15, 1991
Number of Pages: 72
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Every country has its folk hero—real or legendary, and in Turkey he goes by the name of Nasreddin Hoca, pronounced Nahz-red’-din Hoe’-djah. He lived several years ago and he served as a religious teacher, Moslem priest or judge as the occasion demanded. In spite of these exalted duties he was as human as any man. He could be wise and he could be foolish, and he was always able to laugh at himself. Over the years a collection of stories grew up around this man, and today there is scarcely a Turk alive who doesn’t know dozens of them by heart. Barbara Walker has put together only a sampling of the hundreds of Hoca tales that exist. She has captured in English the same directness typical of a Turkish storyteller as he relates one of the well-known, well-loved stories of the wisdom or foolishness of Nasreddin Hoca.
tags:

Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

14. The Maiden of Northland: A Hero Tale of Finland

by: Aaron ShepardCarol Schwartz
Release date: May 01, 1996
Number of Pages: 40
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Not so long ago, in the tiny, isolated villages of Finland, where prolonged summer days gave way to endless winter nights, people would pass the time by singing the many adventures of their favorite heroes: the mighty, magical men and women of ancient days. 
 
They sang of old Vainamoinen, greatest of sages and magicians, who helped create the world but never could find a woman to wed him. They sang of his friend and ally Ilmarinen, first among craftsmen, the blacksmith who forged the dome of the heavens. 
 
They sang of Louhi, the ancient lady of Northland, whose crafty wit and magical powers made her a worthy opponent for Vainamoinen himself. And they sang of Aila, Louhi’s lovely daughter, who captured the hopes of the two old friends and drew them as rivals to the shores of Northland. 
 
The songs endure, the heroes live, in this poetic retelling of Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala.
 
TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS — A READER’S THEATER SCRIPT OF AN EXCERPT FROM THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE FREE ON AARON’S WEB SITE.
 
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of “The Baker’s Dozen,” “The Sea King’s Daughter,” “The Adventures of Mouse Deer,” and many more children’s books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader’s theater.
 
Carol Schwartz is the award-winning illustrator of over 45 picture books.
 
tags:

Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > European

15. De oro y esmeraldas: mitos, leyendas y cuentos popules de latinoamérica

by: Lulu DelacreLulu Delacre
Release date: Nov 01, 1998
Number of Pages: 80
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Twelve classic tales of Latin America celebrate the literature, culture, and history of thirteen countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. By the author of Arroz Con Leche.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Latin American

16. A Donkey Reads

by: Muriel MandellAndré Letria
Release date: Feb 28, 2011
Number of Pages: 18
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A lushly illustrated, fanciful adaptation of a Turkish fable tells the tale of a poor villager named Mustafo, who must give a gift of tribute to his tyrannical Mongol ruler. When Mustafo presents his old donkey, his only posession, the Mongol is furious and threatens to kill the villager. But Nasreddin Hoca, the wiseman, devises a plan to save Mustafo. Nasreddin also manages to prove that the donkey reads.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths

17. Likely Fictions

by: K. MarvickBrooklyn Henke
Release date: Dec 05, 2012
Number of Pages: 250
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A collection of traditional folk tales and other narrative folklore from around the world retold in a cohesive setting with notes and suggested readings.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

18. Meow: Cat Stories from Around the World

by: Jane YolenHala Wittwer
Release date: Jul 26, 2005
Number of Pages: 40
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Why are cats and mice enemies?

Why do cats always land on their feet?

Are cats as smart as they seem?

Here’s a story behind each of these feline traits. For centuries, people everywhere, from Tibet to Oman to Scotland to the United States, have been fascinated with cats and their intriguing personalities. In this captivating collection, New York Times best-selling author Jane Yolen has gathered and adapted cat stories, sayings, and nursery rhymes from around the world. The glowing jewel-like illustrations of cats galore in their native homes have been lavishly painted by Hala Wittwer.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Cats

19. The Legend of the Old Man of the Mountain (Myths, Legends, Fairy and Folktales)

by: Denise OrtakalesRobert Crawford
Release date: Sep 22, 2004
Number of Pages: 40
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For centuries, the Great Stone Face has kept silent watch from Cannon Mountain, high above the Pemigewasset River. But who is the onlooker and for whom does he keep vigil? Though from warring tribes, Mohawk maiden Minerwa enchants Chief Pemigewasset, and with their union comes peace for many years. But when Minerwa leaves to visit her dying father, Pemigewasset must stay behind. Denise Ortakales recounts the legend of Chief Pemigewasset, whose steadfast love and devotion to his wife is forever honored in his profile on the mountainside. Denise Ortakales graduated from the Art Institute of Boston, where she studied illustration and children’s literature. Having grown up in the shadow of the Old Man, it was natural for her to write about it as a school assignment. Years later, when the granite formation fell, she knew it was time to share that story with others. This is her first book as an author. She has illustrated several picture books, including Carrot in My Pocket and Good Morning, Garden. Denise lives in Laconia, NH, with her husband and two sons. Artist Robert Crawford graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. His paintings have appeared on the cover of major magazines such as Fortune, Business Week, The Atlantic and U.S. News and World Report, as well as book covers for major publishers including Random House, Penguin/Putnam, and Avon. Robert’s work has won numerous awards and has been selected for permanent collection by the United States government and major corporations. Robert lives in Woodbury, Connecticut.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

20. The Saint Who Fought the Dragon: The Story of Saint George

by: Cornelia Mary BilinskyTheresa Brandon
Release date: Nov 11, 2011
Number of Pages: 27
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Holiness is an adventure!

In this timeless story of Saint George, kids discover what happens when a loyal soldier fights a dragon-and wins! Dramatic, fantasy style illustrations capture his adventures. This story provides a unique way to teach children ages 5-8 about Christian history while inspiring them to follow in the heroic footsteps of a courageous saint who stands up for all that is good and true. For a child that already enjoys fantasy tales and legends, this book is a perfect introduction to Saint George.

“Many accounts have been written about the life of Saint George, some so fantastic as to be virtually unbelievable. In her adventurous account of The Saint Who Fought the Dragon, Cornelia Bilinsky presents an imaginary but credible account that focuses on the steadfast courage of Saint George and his unwavering allegiance to his Lord, Jesus Christ.” -Liguorian

tags:

Children’s Books > Religions > Christianity > Biographies

21. The Story Bag

by: Kim So-UnSetsu Higashi
Release date: Aug 21, 2012
Number of Pages: 229
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This collection of Korean folk tales is sure to delight the hearts of all children between the ages of eight and eighty.

Written with earthy wit and pathos, these Korea children’s tales unveil the inevitable foibles of people everywhere and expose the human-like qualities of animals and the animal-like qualities of humans. Pulsating with the rhythm of life and the seasons, these stories transport the reader to a wonderland, where a tiny mouse teaches filial piety to a spoiled child, a blind man can “see” evil spirits, and fleas drink rice wine.

It is somehow deeply reassuring to know that even in present-day war-ravaged and politically-divided Korea, these same stories are still being told, just as they have been for generations.

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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

22. Rabbit Goes Duck Hunting: A Traditional Cherokee Legend (Grandmother Stories)

by: Deborah L. DuvallMurv Jacob
Release date: Nov 15, 2004
Number of Pages: 32
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Ji-Stu, the Cherokee trickster rabbit, wakes early one morning and decides to visit his old friend Otter, who lives up the river. Along the way, he sees a huge wood duck sitting on the water and instantly recognizes the Chief of All the Wood Ducks, who is surrounded by hundreds of smaller ducks.

Ji-Stu hurries to tell Otter, but when they return the great Chief is gone. Otter, who did not believe Ji-Stu’s story in the first place, slips into the water to catch a wood duck, his favorite feast. Ji-Stu decides to catch the Chief as he reappears.

Ji-Stu, famous for tricking others, manages to outwit himself. When he catches the Chief of All the Wood Ducks, the Chief tries to drown Ji-Stu and then takes him for a flight the rabbit will never forget! Ji-Stu flies high above the People’s village, hanging on to the Chief for dear life, while two little boys below barely miss him with an arrow. He will see those two boys again–and this time he will need all his skills to escape!

This is the fifth of Deborah L. Duvall’s collaborations with Murv Jacob on the Cherokee Grandmother Stories.

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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

23. Under the Ice

by: Rachel A. QitsualikJae Korim
Release date: Sep 01, 2012
Number of Pages: 32
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Winter can be cruel in the Arctic, and food quickly grows scarce for those who cannot hunt. In these difficult times, the grandmother of an orphaned boy wishes aloud for the qallupaluit—strange, monstrous creatures that live under the sea ice—to take her grandson away forever. The old woman soon regrets her hasty words when the little boy is snatched and carried away. After enlisting the help of her fellow villagers, the old woman learns that her grandson may be happier with the qallupaluit than he ever was with her.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Other

24. The Giant Bear: An Inuit Folktale

by: Jose AngutingunrikEva Widermann
Release date: Sep 01, 2012
Number of Pages: 40
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One of the most terrifying creatures to be found in traditional Inuit stories is the nanurluk, a massive bear the size of an iceberg that lives under the sea ice. Its monstrous size and ice-covered fur make it an almost impenetrable foe. Jose Angutingunrik, a gifted storyteller and respected elder from Kugaaruk, Nunavut, brings to life a story of the great nanurluk that has been told in the Kugaaruk region for generations.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths

25. Greek Mythology Books for Kids: A Collection of Greek Stories and Greek Gods for Children

by: Anthony ClarkRobert Harper
Release date: Jul 06, 2015
Number of Pages: 94
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Greek Mythology Books for Kids encourages the love and learning of Greek Mythology. Be captivated by 3 stories: Arachne and Athena, Pandora’s Box, & Phaeton and Helios. Then, learn a little about 20 important figures that have influenced stories, art, and intrigued the imagination of the world!
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Children’s Books

26. The Land of Oz

by: L. Frank BaumJohn R. Neill
Release date: Dec 26, 2011
Number of Pages: 310
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Return to wonder and magic of Oz in The Land of Oz the sequel to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. and meet Tip, Jack Pumkinhead and, Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E. Race through the countryside with Tip and Jack Pumpkinhead as they flee the wicked witch Mobi meeting many of your favorite Oz characters on the way. This lavishing illustrated edition has more than one hundred twenty five illustrations form the original illustrator John R. Neill
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Children’s Books

27. Stolen Thunder: A Norse Myth

by: Shirley ClimoAlexander Koshkin
Release date: Mar 21, 1994
Number of Pages: 32
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Retells with drama and humor the Norse myth about the God of Thunder and how he recovers his magic hammer, Mjolnir, from the Frost Giant, Thrym.
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Children’s Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Norse

28. Spooky and Chilling Tales: Scary Short Stories and Poems for Children

by: Elle L. StoneSabrina Symington
Release date: Oct 13, 2016
Number of Pages: 31
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Dive into the shuttering and spine- chilling tales of original short stories and poems that this extraordinary compilation entails. From frightening car rides to spooky cemetery walks that will make you clutch for your pillow and hide underneath the covers, this collection is perfect for storytelling before bed, around a fire or just looking for chills and thrills. This book will keep you at the edge of your seat wanting more!
tags:

Children’s Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic

29. Tales of Cats

by: Pleasant DeSpain
Release date: Jul 01, 2016
Number of Pages: 80
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Worshipped in some cultures, feared in others, loved as pets worldwide, cats are seen as possessing special power?athletic, supernatural, or intellectual. The nine tales included her show cats in all their glory. The cats in these stories are kind, cruel, independent, lovable?and always clever. These nine stories come from all points of the globe, including Sri Lanka (“The Magnificent Cat”), East Africa (“Why Cats Live with Women”), Italy (“The House of Cats”), and Tibet (“The Holy Cat”).
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Cats

30. Tales of Insects

by: Pleasant DeSpain
Release date: Jul 01, 2016
Number of Pages: 80
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Insects have always been a part of the human existence. Whether they’ve annoyed us with buzzing, bites, or stings, or fascinated us with their complexities, we have noticed them enough to give them personalities and histories. These tales make us aware that insects exist for a purpose. Because these stories humanize insects, they can also show us our own foibles and strengths. Tales of tricksters and heroes, teachers and fools, come from countries all over the world, including: West Africa (“Why Ants Carry Heavy Loads”), Fiji (“Butterfly’s Bet”), Mexico (“Grasshopper’s Army”), and Jamaica (“Firefly Lights the Way”).

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Bugs & Spiders

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Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 6:25 AM