Enter a world in which magic exists, hope wins and every woman's heart is alive with courage! This global feast of ancient tales features valiant women overcoming every kind of obstacle and danger to fulfil their destinies. Travel through Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific. Shudder, cheer and laugh out loud as the heroines deal with trolls, faeries, dragons and ghosts; admire their knowledge, wit and cunning; marvel at shapeshifting and other manifestations of the supernatural. A rich collection of fairy tales, beautifully illustrated throughout with Joe McClaren woodcuts, this book is stitched together like a series of Scheherazade stories. It is story-telling at its best, pitch perfect fairy tales of fearless women for readers everywhere.
Many people in England have little knowledge of genuine 'English' fairy tales. The stories that many of us grew up with are from overseas: for example Snow White is German, Cinderella is French and Aladdin is Arabian. But folk tales and legends are an intrinsic part of English national culture and the author has revived our best tales for a new generation of readers. This terrific collection of 12 classic tales is a great introduction to the different types of traditional story and their place in English oral and written heritage. They include tales of giants, dragons, fairies, beauty-and-the-beast, and Arthurian Romance. Each tale is linked with a specific place or county in England: 'The Dragon Castle' from Northumberland, 'The Girl Snatched By Fairies' from County Durham, 'The Princess and the Fool' from Kent and 'The Dark Moon' from Lincolnshire. The book also includes notes on each story: the history and where it came from, its development and short summaries of many related or similar stories
From mermaids to dragons, 16 ancient Celtic fairy tales retold with their histories The Celtic cultures of the British Isles – Ireland, Scotland and Wales – have produced some of the richest traditional tales in Europe. Three words best sum up their themes and flavour: adventure, enchantment and romance. In this book, Rosalind Kerven has revived the best Celtic fairy tales for a new generation. The stories are sourced from old folk tale collections from all three regions, alongside selected medieval Welsh and Irish texts. • Visit mysterious Otherworlds inside the hills and below the sea – including a land where only the truth is ever spoken. • Meet iconic characters such as the first great Welsh poet, Taliesin, and the mighty Irish hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill. • Cheer on bold Scots lasses such as Mallie Whuppy, as she outwits a fearsome giant, and Kate Crackernuts, who rescues a prince from bewitchment. • Encounter witches, fairies, a bogle, talking animals and strange underwater beings. Each story is retold from the medieval texts and oral storytelling traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with fascinating background notes and a long list of sources and further reading included. The background notes feature a list of source material, analyses of themes, and examples of similar legends from all over Europe.
Text from the international bestseller, originally published as an illustrated book by DK. This was recommended by the American Library Association: "e;the legend of Arthur as you've never seen it"e;; attracted full-length features in the Sunday Times and the TES - and sold almost quarter of a million copies in 14 countries. A beautifully written retelling of the complete King Arthur story, brought dramatically, vividly and very readably back to life. Perfect for all ages from 9 to adult. Authentically based on the iconic medieval work, Malory's 'Morte d'Arthur', it covers all the important episodes:* The sword in the stone* How Arthur obtained the magic sword Excalibur* His marriage to the noble Guinevere* The coming of the Knights of the Round Table* Merlin and the Lady of the Lake* The evil enchantments of Morgan le Fay* Sir Lancelot's love affair with the Queen* The Quest for the Holy Grail* The last battle* The promise of Arthur as the 'Once and Future King'Reviews of the first edition: - "e;a delightful retelling of the story which manages to bring the story alive and captivate the reader"e; (Goodreads)- "e;This king Arthur book is amazing...although this is aimed at children as an adult King Arthur fan I think this is one of my best King Arthur books as it summarises the Malory version of the legends"e; (amazon.co.uk) - "e;I recommend this book to those who like Arthurian Mythology"e; (amazon.com)- "e;chronicles the legend...simply and accessibly... both entertaining and informative"e; (Dispatch Online)- "e;vividly brought to life"e; (Northwest Evening Mail)
A unique collection of traditional stories about faeries, elves and goblins. Faeries, elves, goblins, leprechauns, brownies, spriggans and many other supernatural beings leap vividly off the page in this collection of haunting stories. Included are 25 stories drawing on folklore from the rich narrative heritage of Britain and Ireland. Marvel over ancient spells to summon faeries to your house, tremble at the shapeshifting powers of dangerous faery queens, lose yourself amongst the illusions of Faeryland and learn how to protect family members from the terrors of faery abduction. Interspersed with facts on faery folklore, these tales cover faery morals, elvish misdemeanours, the spells cast by goblins and the sightings of the creatures, as well as their dealings with mortals. With charming illustrations from favourite illustrators throughout, including Arthur Rackham, this book reminds us of the enduring appeal of folklore and mystery for all generations.
* A UNIQUE collection of romantic stories from the 12th - 15th centuries.* Authentically and entertainingly retold from translations of the original, very lengthy and complex texts.* Almost thirty stories - both famous and little known - from England, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Wales.* Dramatic adventures in courtly love, mystical passion, bawdy and jocular tales, tragedy, scandal and feminist longing.* Written by a highly acclaimed expert in world legends* Essential reading for anyone interested in the popular thought and culture of the Middle Ages'Rosalind Kerven, connoisseur of myths and folktales... has translated and condensed sprawling, beautiful but inaccessible original texts from the 12th to 15th centuries into concise, elegant tales. Capturing Christian, Muslim and folk influences at play in western Europe during this period, they celebrate romantic love at the same time as offering some salient points of comparison.' - THE INDEPENDENTDISCOVER:- The 12th century #MeToo scandal of Abelard & Heloise- Why a medieval feminist condemned the bestselling 'Romance of the Rose'- The secret heartache behind Dante's seminal work, 'Divine Comedy'- Bawdy tales from Chaucer and Boccaccio- Why men were banned from the mysterious City of Ladies- How Queen Guinevere's affair with Sir Lancelot brought down the legendary King Arthur- The tear-jerking twists and turns of Portuguese romantic epic, 'Amadis & Oriana'................................................................................................................................................"e;A fine collection of medieval stories...A great introduction to the whole area"e;- Professor Helen Cooper, University of Cambridge"e;A spicy collection... authentically and accessibly retold"e; - The Bookseller'A well selected collection of accessible translations'- Dr. Andrew Dunning, Curator of Medieval Manuscripts, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford
THRILLING, ACTION PACKED HISTORICAL ADVENTURESVividly set in the Viking Age - full of sword fights, treasure, pirates, adventurous sea journeys, kings, queens, runes and belief in the supernatural.Four-books-in-one edition of this HIGHLY ACCLAIMED series, recommended by numerous reviewers, teachers and young readers. - 'If you've not discovered Grim Gruesome yet, where have you been! ...Vividly told scary adventure...you can't stop reading' - Primary Times- 'Dahl-style jokes and adventure' - The Times - 'horrible but also funny...wonderful' - TES- 'Full of twists and turns that you are desperate to follow' - www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk- 'A page turner...dramatic and vivid...fast-paced and enjoyable' - Birmingham Post- Shortlisted for the Solihull Children's Book Award and Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardAN UNFORGETTABLE VILLAIN!Grim Gruesome is a mysterious, hideous, shape-shifting trickster - charismatic yet evil, the terror of the North Lands. He has sworn to harm as many children as he can. No one has ever seen his face, but he can be recognised by his repulsive, pus-oozing finger stump with hypnotic powers.In each story Grim appears incognito, and in a different disguise, to lure young victims into his power. He weakens them with terrifying threats and throws them into horrifically dangerous situations. At first escape seems impossible. However, in true fairy tale style, children always overcome him by drawing on their own courage, determination and inner strength. LOTS OF CHILD APPEAL- Child-centred fiction with the emphasis on a gripping, thrilling story. - Strong appeal to both girls and boys- Written in a page-turning style with short chapters ending on cliffhangers.- Scary yet buoyant and touched with dark humour.- Vividly written: rich plots and colourful characters.- Short chapters, snappy sentences and constant drama - accessible to all reading abilities.- Language that's direct and pithy - look out for some unique Viking curses!
Enter a world in which magic exists, hope wins and every woman's heart is alive with courage! This global feast of ancient tales features valiant women overcoming every kind of obstacle and danger to fulfil their destinies. Travel through Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific. Shudder, cheer and laugh out loud as the heroines deal with trolls, faeries, dragons and ghosts; admire their knowledge, wit and cunning; marvel at shapeshifting and other manifestations of the supernatural. A rich collection of fairy tales, beautifully illustrated throughout with Joe McClaren woodcuts, this book is stitched together like a series of Scheherazade stories. It is story-telling at its best, pitch perfect fairy tales of fearless women for readers everywhere.
World of Festivals retells the stories and legends which are central to the origins of each festival as well as the historical, cultural and religious importance. This title explores the festival of Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr, describing the different harvests, rites and rituals.
While on holiday David and Emma meet the Rushing family who have developed a special rapport with the wild animals sharing their remote mountain home but all this is threatened by a proposal to build a resort in the area.
World of Festivals retells the stories and legends which are central to the origins of each festival as well as the historical, cultural and religious importance. This title explores the festival of Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr, describing the different harvests, rites and rituals.
Two adventure stories based on the myths about the Irish hero Finn. In The Magic Drinking Horn Finn and his band are hunting in the forest when they fall under the spell of a fierce giant. In The Land Beyond the Sunset Finn's son, Oisin, falls in love with a mysterious woman on a white horse.
While on holiday David and Emma meet the Rushing family who have developed a special rapport with the wild animals sharing their remote mountain home but all this is threatened by a proposal to build a resort in the area.
Two stories set in the amazing and dangerous world of Norse mythology, this text is part of a series which retells myth and legend from around the world in a lively way for children. The books are illustrated with photographs of objects related to the stories.
A unique collection of traditional stories about faeries, elves and goblins. Faeries, elves, goblins, leprechauns, brownies, spriggans and many other supernatural beings leap vividly off the page in this collection of haunting stories. Included are 25 stories drawing on folklore from the rich narrative heritage of Britain and Ireland. Marvel over ancient spells to summon faeries to your house, tremble at the shapeshifting powers of dangerous faery queens, lose yourself amongst the illusions of Faeryland and learn how to protect family members from the terrors of faery abduction. Interspersed with facts on faery folklore, these tales cover faery morals, elvish misdemeanours, the spells cast by goblins and the sightings of the creatures, as well as their dealings with mortals. With charming illustrations from favourite illustrators throughout, including Arthur Rackham, this book reminds us of the enduring appeal of folklore and mystery for all generations.
Re-issue of this highly acclaimed book, previously published by Cambridge University Press under the title In The Court of the Jade Emperor: Stories from Old China - first edition 1993, second edition 1999.Reviews from the first edition:** 'What riches there are to be read here! A wonderful variety of stories...and in a variety of tellers' voices, so that every story is different and a delightful surprise. The language itself is immediate... the words have a truth and depth... this is a book both to instruct us on Chinese culture and to delight our narrative thirst. A real find!' - School Librarian** 'luminously clear prose' - Times Education Supplement** 'Rosalind Kerven is the author of a number of excellent retellings from around the world, and this collection is as good as the others. The language is lively and direct ... the stories have a timeless feel but are easy to read' - English and Media Magazine ** SELECTED BY THE FEDERATION OF CHILDREN'S BOOK GROUPS FOR NATIONAL TELL A STORY WEEK, 1994A rich tapestry of stories full of extraordinary magic. Read about stern Dragon Kings and enchanted Dragon Princesses; laugh at the outrageous adventures of the super-hero King Monkey; mingle with a colourful crowd of gods and goddesses; visit the terrifying Palace of Boundless Cold; and even discover the secrets of Everlasting Life. The stories will transport you right into the heart and mind of ancient China - one of the oldest and greatest civilisations in the world. ** Stories tried and tested in primary schools over many years - perfect for reading alone or reading aloud ** Ideal for the government's National Curriculum English statutory requirements: 'increasing familiarity with ... fairy stories, myths and legends'** Fun and informative for readers of all ages including adults.Full contents:THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF KING MONKEYPart 1 - In Which Monkey Proves That Nothing Is ImpossiblePart 2 - In Which Monkey Gets Too Big For His BootsPart 3 - In Which Monkey Tastes The Peaches Of ImmortalityPart 4 - In Which Monkey Takes A Giant Leap To NowhereWOMAN-OF-THE-MOON, MAN-OF-THE-SUNTHE FARMER AND THE WEAVING GODDESS (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Nine-Year-Olds)DARKNESSTHE PALACE OF BOUNDLESS COLD (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Eight-Year-Olds)THE GOLDEN KEYTHE MAN WHO DID DRAGON'S WORKTHE HOT PIG AND THE DRAGON PRINCESSTHE GIRL WHO WENT HER OWN WAYCAKES AND KITCHENSSTORM GIRLTHE BOYS WHO FELL OUT OF TIMEBACKGROUND TO THE STORIES
* A UNIQUE collection of romantic stories from the 12th - 15th centuries.* Authentically and entertainingly retold from translations of the original, very lengthy and complex texts.* Almost thirty stories - both famous and little known - from England, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Wales.* Dramatic adventures in courtly love, mystical passion, bawdy and jocular tales, tragedy, scandal and feminist longing.* Written by a highly acclaimed expert in world legends* Essential reading for anyone interested in the popular thought and culture of the Middle Ages'Rosalind Kerven, connoisseur of myths and folktales... has translated and condensed sprawling, beautiful but inaccessible original texts from the 12th to 15th centuries into concise, elegant tales. Capturing Christian, Muslim and folk influences at play in western Europe during this period, they celebrate romantic love at the same time as offering some salient points of comparison.' - THE INDEPENDENTDISCOVER:- The 12th century #MeToo scandal of Abelard & Heloise- Why a medieval feminist condemned the bestselling 'Romance of the Rose'- The secret heartache behind Dante's seminal work, 'Divine Comedy'- Bawdy tales from Chaucer and Boccaccio- Why men were banned from the mysterious City of Ladies- How Queen Guinevere's affair with Sir Lancelot brought down the legendary King Arthur- The tear-jerking twists and turns of Portuguese romantic epic, 'Amadis & Oriana'................................................................................................................................................"e;A fine collection of medieval stories...A great introduction to the whole area"e;- Professor Helen Cooper, University of Cambridge"e;A spicy collection... authentically and accessibly retold"e; - The Bookseller'A well selected collection of accessible translations'- Dr. Andrew Dunning, Curator of Medieval Manuscripts, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford
Two stories set in the amazing and dangerous world of Norse mythology, this text is part of a series which retells myth and legend from around the world in a lively way for children. The books are illustrated with photographs of objects related to the stories.
A major reading scheme for the teaching of reading and the development of literacy throughout the primary years. Ingrid and Kjartan live in the troubled Viking Age: danger is everywhere and no stranger can be trusted. So what should they do when a foreigner comes knocking at their door, begging for help? The law-makers are hunting him down as an evil criminal, but he insists he is innocent. As they struggle to discover the truth, the two children are swept up into a terrifying adventure and a desperate race against time. Sorcery and Gold is one of eleven books that make up Extended Reading Level B, for children in Year 6/Primary 7. This phase of Cambridge Reading has an increased provision of extended narratives and aims to develop children's knowledge about language, its vocabulary, forms, structures and styles. This book's Viking setting means it can be read in conjunction with the KS2 History syllabus.
THRILLING, ACTION PACKED HISTORICAL ADVENTURESVividly set in the Viking Age - full of sword fights, treasure, pirates, adventurous sea journeys, kings, queens, runes and belief in the supernatural.Four-books-in-one edition of this HIGHLY ACCLAIMED series, recommended by numerous reviewers, teachers and young readers. - 'If you've not discovered Grim Gruesome yet, where have you been! ...Vividly told scary adventure...you can't stop reading' - Primary Times- 'Dahl-style jokes and adventure' - The Times - 'horrible but also funny...wonderful' - TES- 'Full of twists and turns that you are desperate to follow' - www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk- 'A page turner...dramatic and vivid...fast-paced and enjoyable' - Birmingham Post- Shortlisted for the Solihull Children's Book Award and Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardAN UNFORGETTABLE VILLAIN!Grim Gruesome is a mysterious, hideous, shape-shifting trickster - charismatic yet evil, the terror of the North Lands. He has sworn to harm as many children as he can. No one has ever seen his face, but he can be recognised by his repulsive, pus-oozing finger stump with hypnotic powers.In each story Grim appears incognito, and in a different disguise, to lure young victims into his power. He weakens them with terrifying threats and throws them into horrifically dangerous situations. At first escape seems impossible. However, in true fairy tale style, children always overcome him by drawing on their own courage, determination and inner strength. LOTS OF CHILD APPEAL- Child-centred fiction with the emphasis on a gripping, thrilling story. - Strong appeal to both girls and boys- Written in a page-turning style with short chapters ending on cliffhangers.- Scary yet buoyant and touched with dark humour.- Vividly written: rich plots and colourful characters.- Short chapters, snappy sentences and constant drama - accessible to all reading abilities.- Language that's direct and pithy - look out for some unique Viking curses!
Two adventure stories based on the myths about the Irish hero Finn. In The Magic Drinking Horn Finn and his band are hunting in the forest when they fall under the spell of a fierce giant. In The Land Beyond the Sunset Finn's son, Oisin, falls in love with a mysterious woman on a white horse.
Adventure. 'Lock away your children! Beware the Rings of Doom!' An ominous warning... A dramatic volcanic eruption... A rune-message bringing an unexpected gift of silver treasure...?Vividly set against the landscape of Viking Iceland with its turf houses, snow-capped volcanoes, black lava desert and boiling mud pools, the new Grim Gruesome story is another richly wrought and passionate tale in which nothing is quite what it seems.
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