Search: Folk tales, fairy tales and ledgends

rating: asin: 0912670509 binding: Paperback list price: $10.95 USD amazon price: $8.76 USD

All the central characters in these folk tales are spirited females-decisive heroines of extraordinary courage, wit, and achievement who set out to determine their own fate. Some of their stories are comic, some adventurous, some eerie, and some magical. The 25 traditional tales come from Asia, Europe, India, Africa, and the Americas; detailed information about their sources is given. "A sparkling gathering or traditional, yet little-known tales."-Chicago Sun Times

rating: asin: 0735819874 binding: Hardcover list price: $15.95 USD amazon price: $15.95 USD

Once upon a time, deep in the middle of a forest, stood an old castle. An ancient witch lived in the castle, and she had powerful magic. She cast a spell on any young man who came within one hundred steps of the castle—freezing him to the spot so he could not move or speak until the witch set him free. If a young girl wandered too near the castle walls, the witch turned her into a bird, and locked her in a cage inside the castle. But true love triumphs over evil enchantment in this story of one young couple, the beautiful Jorinda and Jorindel, the shepherd boy who loves her. Adapted and illustrated by Bernadette Watts, this tale by the Brothers Grimm will enchant youngsters with its sweetness and charm and not-too-frightening magic.

author: Alma Flor Ada rating: asin: 0689807759 binding: Hardcover list price: $16.99 USD amazon price: $16.99 USD

Far on the other side of the mountains, next to an enchanted castle, grows a tree with three golden oranges. It is there that the three brothers -- Santiago, Tomás, and Matías -- must journey if they wish to find a wife.Once they reach their destination, the brothers must carefully pick the oranges and bring them back to the old woman who lives in a cave on the cliffs overlooking the sea. But, "In order to find your wives, you will need to work together," the old woman has said. "Woe to you if you do not follow my advice!"Each of the brothers wants something different. Santiago wants a wife who is beautiful. Tomás wants one who is both rich and beautiful. But Matías, the youngest brother, longs for a woman who is kind, joyful, and loving...someone he could love very much in return.Will the brothers be able to avert misfortune by working together?

author: Gillian Avery Ivan Bilibin rating: asin: 0679436413 binding: Hardcover list price: $14.95 USD amazon price: $14.95 USD

Notable for their magnificent, jewel-like color illustrations by Bilibin, these traditional tales include "The Frog Princess," "Vassilissa the Beautiful," and "The White Duck." Though Russian Fairy Tales in the Pantheon Folklore Library is a book for adults, it has sold over 30,000 copies.

rating: asin: 0316354503 binding: Hardcover list price: $15.95 USD amazon price: $15.95

Spared by her would-be executioner, Snow White finds a home with seven kindly dwarfs, but the hateful queen who wants her dead will stop at nothing to be the most beautiful woman in the land. A poisoned apple seems to send Snow White to her death, but true love brings her back, and good once again prevails. Paul Heins's graceful words and Trina Schart Hyman's expressive artwork create a dramatic retelling of this classic tale, filled with movement and passion that will enchant readers of all ages.

rating: asin: 0439561450 binding: Hardcover list price: $15.99 USD amazon price: $11.99 USD

Poor Cinderella, who is relegated to a dingy garret room by her duplicitous stepmother and beleaguered by her nasty stepsisters, never gives in to hostility or revenge. Instead, this sweet heroine remains steadfast in her kind, gentle ways, and her generosity flows like a mountain stream. This tale of virtue rewarded is as charming and rich as any prince. McClintock's warm, humorous, and lucious artwork that reflects the story's French roots, coupled with her disarming text will insure that this book will be loved and cherished -- happily ever after.