Retold with rich, musical, narration and illustrated with Mr. Bryan's distinctive paintings, these tales are full of fun and magic and a few lessons to be learned. They are tales of tricksters, chieftains, and both wise and foolish creatures. You will learn why Frog and Snake never play together, or why Bush Cow and Elephant are bad friends, or of the problems that a husband has because he likes to count spoonfuls. Although the stories come from many parts of Africa, they are full of the universal human spirit, to be shared and treasured for every generation, uh-huh.

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 7/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0689820763

ISBN-13: 9780689820762

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'Basho and the River Stones' by Tim Myers is a story based on the teachings of one of Japan's most revered poets, Matsuo Basho. Through the antics of a greedy fox, Matsuo introduces us to his unique form of poetry, a haiku. He also teaches us that the simple beauties of the world, give our lives 'radiance'. Enjoy this gentle story of generosity and friendship.

Similar authors: Jan Freeman Long; Stephen Krensky

Similar books: The Boy Who Drew Cats: A Japanese Folktale by Arthur A. Levine; The Greatest of All: A Japanese Folktale by Eric A. Kimmel; Tanuki's Gift: A Japanese Tale by Tim Myers; The Bee and the Dream: A Japanese Folktale by Jan Freeman Long; Bokuden and the Bully: A Japanese Folktale by Stephen Krensky

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/13/2011

ISBN-10: 076145165X

ISBN-13: 9780761451655

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Long ago, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds, who were colored red, yellow, blue, and green, were so envious that they begged Blackbird to paint their feathers with a touch of black so they could be beautiful too. Although Black-bird warns them that true beauty comes from within, the other birds persist and soon each is given a ring of black around their neck or a dot of black on their wings -- markings that detail birds to this very day.

Awards won: Laura Ingalls Wilder Award Winning Author

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 7/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0689847319

ISBN-13: 9780689847318

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A beautiful butterfly chooses a mouse for her husband because of his sweet singing voice. One day, she sends him to the local pond to bring home water. While pulling up the bucket, he accidentally falls into the water and is swallowed by a fish. She mourns her loss by sitting at the edge of the pond until a king in his underwear causes everyone to laugh so wildly that the fish coughs up her husband and the two are reunited. The illustrations by Victoria Chess are beautifully done with warm lovable characters and bright colors.

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 7/30/2010

ISBN-10: 0395900158

ISBN-13: 9780395900154

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A luscious retelling of the classic tale, set the early 1900s. Beauty lives with her father and two older sisters, Vanessa and Mona, in New York City. Their father is a rich merchant, until his ships are lost at sea and they must sell everything. They move upstate to a tumble-down farmhouse. 'Pretty girls are a dime a dozen. Beauty is much rarer than you might suppose.' A delightful read rich in detail and full of magic.

Similar books: Beauty, a Retelling by Robin McKinley

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 8/16/2010

ISBN-10: 0152060529

ISBN-13: 9780152060527

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