Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories: Cultural heritage

Book SynopsisA story of kindness and determination, join Tisky as she tries to bring unity and colour to Last Island.Before 1861, the world was black and white. As Colour reached the end of his job, world weary he stopped to rest on Last Island: the last uncoloured place. The people of the island are believed to be the reason for this and seek to better themselves, in the hope that Colour will recognise their efforts and bring colour to the island. To make matters worse, the islands Nott - a deity responsible for drawing the curtain of night - begins to make more and more mistakes. As the islanders grow restless, they send a letter threatening Nott. However, when the letter finds itself in the hands of Tisky, a young islander with pockets full of cake, she tasks herself with bringing unity back to Last Island.

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Book SynopsisA talkative tortoise lets his vanity win out over common sense in this tale of why the tortoise has a cracked shell. This traditional Himalayan 'Tale with a Twist' is retold by poet, author and storyteller, Andrew Fusek Peters. Tales from around the world provide an insight into cultures other than our own.

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Book SynopsisIn the second book of this exciting three-part series a single roll of the dice reverses the fortunes of the Pandavas. The peaceful years following the division of the kingdom of Bharata are soon to end because of Duryodhana’s jealousy. With his uncle Sakuni he now plots to secure the entire kingdom for the Kauravas, but will his cunning strategy work? Can the Pandavas ever win against the cunning Sakuni? Yudhishtira, the oldest of the Pandava brothers and the architect of their misfortune, is prepared to gamble away his territory, his wealth, his brothers, himself – even his wife. What can the Pandavas do now?

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Book SynopsisThe deadly rivalry between the royal cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, can only end one way – in the mightiest of battles imaginable. The gods watch in dismay as the opponents draw up their forces. Will the mighty warriors Bhishma and Drona survive to see the end? And what of Karna? Where will his loyalties lie – with his true friend Duryodhana, or with his brothers, the Pandavas? Lord Krishna sees what is about to happen, and is so concerned that he comes to earth to counsel the mortals, especially the distraught Arjuna. In the last book of this exciting three-part series, the final battle fought on the field at Kurukshetra decides who will triumph and who will fall.

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Book SynopsisThe newest book in the beloved Hilda series continues the action-packed adventures with our beloved Hilda stuck in the body of a troll trying to save all of human and troll-kind! See what perils await our beloved blue-haired adventurer in the sixth book of Luke Pearson's widely praised series. We rejoin our heroine for her latest adventure just as she awakes to find herself...in the body of a troll! Her mother is worried sick, and is perplexed by the strange creature that seems to have taken Hilda's place. Now, both of them are in a race to be reunited before Ahlberg and his safety patrol get the chance to use their new secret weapon to lay waste to the trolls, and Hilda along with them! The long-awaited conclusion to the Hilda graphic novel series by Luke Pearson.Trade ReviewHilda is now on Netflix! Season 1 is the WINNER of the BAFTA Children's Award for Best Animated Series 2019! Season 2 is out now! "...a charming, and surprisingly cozy, Nordic myth–inflected world full of trolls and giants and strange beasts."—Publishers Weekly "Luke Pearson is one of the best cartoonists working today. Hilda is utterly brilliant!"—Raina Telgemeier, creator of Smile"Plain smart and moving. John Stanley's Little Lulu meets Miyazaki."—Guillermo Del Toro"Luke Pearson's Hilda stories are beloved in our house, and they will surely be enjoyed by audiences for many years to come." —Kazu Kibuishi, creator of Amulet"In Hilda, Luke Pearson has created a truly odd and amazingly beautiful world—Stunningly personal and original. I am in awe of his imagination. He is a real inspiration."—Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy“Pearson thinks kids can handle a lot: visually, emotionally, thematically. That’s why they like his work, and why I do too. Simplicity can be a virtue, but there’s also something to be said for embroidery, and he takes just enough from each of those attributes to make strong books […] The panel structure of Mountain King is as visually complex as the range of emotions in the story, and yet neither is hard to read. It feels cinematic without leaving comics behind.”—Hillary Brown, The Comics Journal"This is an adventurous and delightful story that follows Hilda as she wakes up a troll and seeks to become human again. With lots of action, a tenacious heroine, and fantastic illustrations, children are sure to enjoy following the latest graphic novel installment of HILDA AND THE MOUNTAIN KING. Highly recommend for reluctant readers and/or anyone who wants to enjoy a thrilling and engaging fantasy adventure."—Olivia Farr, YA Books Central

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Book SynopsisNow available in paperback, kids will love this exciting excavation of ancient Egyptian myths as they follow along with the clever Marcy on a quest to save her dad from the belly of the sphinx! Many years have passed since the tale of Arthur and the Golden Rope, and Arthur is now a world-famous adventurer. If only his daughter Marcy shared his enthusiasm for exploration. Determined to bring out Marcy's adventurous side, Arthur sets off to Egypt to bring back the legendary Book of Thoth. When Arthur doesn't return, Marcy must follow in his footsteps. Can she overcome her fears and rescue her father from the clutches of the great Sphinx?Trade ReviewNOMINATED FOR A RINGO AWARD IN BEST SINGLE ISSUE AND BEST PRESENTATION IN DESIGN CATEGORIES, WHILE AUTHOR JOE TODD-STANTON HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST COVER ARTIST AND BEST COLORIST "A wonderfully charming mixture of myth and fairy tale."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW“Todd-Stanton’s whimsical illustrations feature mazelike details chronicling Marcy’s quest throughout the book.”—School Library Journal"The genial, gentle tone of this light exploration of Egyptian mythology is beautifully matched by Todd-Stanton’s gorgeous, jewel-toned artwork.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisWhen Kai grows tired of her bookish mum not being adventurous enough for a Brownstone, she decides to seek out the mischievous and rebellious Monkey King - who she's always been told to stay away from. Will he bring her the adventure she craves, or will he cause her more trouble than he's worth?Read the latest story from the mythical Brownstone's family vault where we venture to China and learn about the story of the Monkey King, meet magical gods, taste powerful peaches and see that maybe our heroes aren't always what they're cracked up to be. Winner of the 2018 Waterstones Children's Book Prize, longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, and most recently nominated for an Eisner for Arthur and the Golden Rope, Joe Todd-Stanton is a master at storytelling and illustration, and this time he takes his history loving adventurer deep into Chinese mythology.

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Book SynopsisGet whisked away into the history of some of the most controversial women in history: witches. Tracing as far back as the Stone Age, witches have fascinated us for centuries. But were they evil sorceresses determined to seek revenge, or suppressed feminists who were misunderstood? From Egyptian priestesses to Norse healers, take a closer look at witches throughout history and across the world, in this holistic non-fiction book that incorporates poetry, art, mythology, hexes, potions, and magic from different cultures and religions around the world.Trade Review"This guide will satisfy younger readers looking for a mix of history and magic."—Publisher’s Weekly“I love how this book takes a global perspective…It's really cool to learn about the similarities and differences between magical beliefs across the world and throughout history.”—The Tiny Activists “A magical way to share different cultures with readers, the colorful illustrations will captivate even the youngest of learners as they soak in the mysterious visuals and listen to the enchanting tales.”—MaiStoryBook “A magical journey through the history of Witches.”—The Literacy Shed

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated Companion Reader is an exact transcript of Jim Weiss’s award-winning storytelling performance of three classic American stories and one original tall tale. The Reader can be enjoyed on its own, or used along with the recorded performance to build strong language skills. Listen to the Jim Weiss stories, read along to improve fluency, vocabulary, and grammar, and then speak great words and sentences out loud by practicing and performing the short, accessible dramatic versions of Jim’s performances (including a stage play, a puppet show, and a dramatic monologue).

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Book SynopsisA long time ago, in a village nestled beneath a mountain, there lived a beautiful girl with long shiny black hair whom the villagers called “Long Hair.” One year, there was a severe drought in the mountain. All lives were dying from thirst. Meanwhile, the mother of Long Hair became seriously ill because she could not get drinking water. Like everyone else in the village, Long Hair climbed over the steep mountain to get water from a very small lake far away. One day on her way, she found a spring where clean and sweet water kept running. However, it turned out that this spring was controlled by the mountain monster, who threatened Long Hair not to reveal the secret to any villagers or else she would be punished. What will the girl do? Will the village get the water again? Let the imaginative paintbrush embark us on a magical journey with Long Hair. You will discover the warmest heart in the intricate story of this Chinese classical folklore.

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Book SynopsisA long time ago, in a small river of a remote valley, there lives a happy little carp. He has many good friends and plays games with them every day. One day, his friend tadpole disappears. It turns out that the little tadpole has grown up into a little frog and left for the outside world.The little carp becomes very curious. What does the outside world look like? His friends tell him that the outside world is very dangerous, but the little dragonfly tells him that the outside world is wonderful. Dad says that only by swimming across eighty-one rivers to the Yellow River, and jumping over the Dragon Gate, can he leave the water and reach the outside world. But his mother says that fish can never leave the water. However, the little carp is determined to find the Dragon Gate.The little carp keeps swimming and swimming. On his voyage, he enjoys the extraordinary scenery, and experiences severe storms and rough seas. The little carp finally reaches the Yellow River. Will he be able to jump over the high Dragon Gate?

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Book SynopsisA long time ago, hundreds of birds lived on the Cangwu Mountain where they experienced four distinct seasons. Among them, there is a very unnoticeable brown bird called Phoenix. All birds except Phoenix fly to the largest lake in the mountain every day. They comb their feathers by the lake and compete to see whose feathers are more beautiful. Phoenix doesn’t like to attend such gatherings; instead, she collects food quietly to get ready for the winter. However, all the other birds make fun of her hard work. Unexpectedly, the coldest winter comes earlier than usual. Those birds who only care about their looks have to go out to find their food in the cold wind and heavy snow. They are almost starving to death due to the sudden shortage of food, but the kind Phoenix does not hesitate to share her food with her friends to tide over the difficulties. The cold winter is finally over, and spring has come. To thank Phoenix for saving their lives, the birds have prepared a mysterious gift for her. What is the gift then? Read the story and find out how the ordinary brown bird has transformed herself into the Queen of birds in Chinese myths.

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Book SynopsisIn this retelling of Nankichi Niimi's masterpiece, delicate watercolours bring to life the mischievous yet kind-hearted spirit of Gon, the Little Fox. Readers should proceed with caution as they begin this tale, however, especially as Gon is sure to win over their hearts. Like many Japanese folktales, 'Gon, The Little Fox' does not exactly end happily; a circumstance which will inspire lively and provocative conversation among young readers. When readers first meet Gon, he is relishing his life as a rascally fox. Each day brings a new opportunity for him to stir up trouble in Nakayama. One day, however, he feels remorse for having killed an eel that was meant for the poor villager Hyoju's dying mother. Ironically, it is this rare moment of conscience that leads Gon down a path that leads to his fate. As with all great folktales, the world of 'Gon, The Little Fox' is both extremely familiar and extremely mysterious. This quality, as evident in both the text and illustrations, will greatly appeal to readers, both young and old. AGES: 5 to 7 AUTHOR: Nankichi Niimi was an author of children's books in Japan. Though he passed away at the age of 29, he had already written a number of children's books, novels, poems, children's songs, and plays during his short life. Genjirou Mita was an artist and children's book illustrator. He was a three-time winner of the Sankei Children's Book Award for his illustrated books, and was the president of the Japan Art Association from 1989 to 1995.

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Book SynopsisHow would a kitchen maid fare against a seven-headed dragon? What happens when a woman marries a mouse? And what can a young man learn from a thousand leaf cutter ants? Famed Love and Rockets creator Jaime Hernandez asks these questions and more as he transforms beloved myths into bold, stunning, and utterly contemporary comics. Guided by the classic works of F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada, Hernandez’s first book for young readers brings the sights and stories of Latin America to a new generation of graphic-novel fans around the world.Trade ReviewTEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD 2019-20 MASTER LIST WINNER 2018 AESOP PRIZE (AMERICAN FOLKLORE SOCIETY) NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE NAMED TO KIRKUS' REVIEWS BEST BOOKS OF 2018 NPR 2018 GREAT READS "A trio of Latin American folktales are given a makeover in the children's-book debut of one of the brothers behind famed graphic-novel series Love and Rockets...In his six-panel pages, Hernandez flexes his considerable storytelling skills, his deceptively simple art conveying all the detail, nuance, and expression of character each story needs...In addition to the tales themselves, the book opens with an on-point essay by author F. Isabel Campoy putting the mix of Spanish and Native American influences in context...María E. Santana's simultaneously publishing Spanish-language translation is identical in look but far from dry, flawlessly employing its own language quirks. Rousing tales, spirited artwork, and rich backmatter ensure that this slim graphic novel for kids becomes a rich resource for all caregivers, not just those of Latinx children." - Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW "These delightfully rendered stories should easily find a home in the folktale/fairy-tale section of any library." - School Library Journal "This beautifully designed collection, with amiable art in lovely full color, is perfect for bedtime read-aloud or a lesson on traditional folktales." - Booklist "With its eye-catching design, appealing cover, and its spirited stories, you may have to pry this entertaining and informative book from the hands of children." - Julie Danielson's "Four Favorites" on the Kirkus blog "It’s a perfect work for adults who grew up on Love and Rockets to share with their children, and it’s an equally perfect introduction to the rich folklore immediately to the south of the U.S." - Good Comics for Kids on the SLJ Blog "One of the best folktale and fairy tale-based comics I've seen...The Dragon Slayer is a sweet, short burst of smart, loving comics, and comes highly recommended." - Kinder Comics "I absolutely love this introduction to Latin American folktales, and can only hope there’s a volume 2 somewhere down the line. This is such a great addition to folk and fairy tale collections and diverse, culturally rich collections." - Mom Read It "Campoy’s introduction, and the tales’ origins and bibliography, including art reproductions, in the back matter, combine to enrich understanding of the culture of these strong heroines and heroes. Hernandez’s vivid illustrations make the tales modern, relatable and universal." - Youth Services Book Review MassachusettsFinalist for 2019 Excellence In Graphic Literature Award, Best in Children's Graphic Literature (Fiction)!

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Book SynopsisHow would a kitchen maid fare against a seven-headed dragon? What happens when a woman marries a mouse? And what can a young man learn from a thousand leaf cutter ants? Famed Love and Rockets creator Jaime Hernandez asks these questions and more as he transforms beloved myths into bold, stunning, and utterly contemporary comics. Guided by the classic works of F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada, Hernandez’s first book for young readers brings the sights and stories of Latin America to a new generation of graphic-novel fans around the world.Trade ReviewTEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD 2019-20 MASTER LIST WINNER 2018 AESOP PRIZE (AMERICAN FOLKLORE SOCIETY) NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE NAMED TO KIRKUS' REVIEWS BEST BOOKS OF 2018 NPR 2018 GREAT READS "A trio of Latin American folktales are given a makeover in the children's-book debut of one of the brothers behind famed graphic-novel series Love and Rockets...In his six-panel pages, Hernandez flexes his considerable storytelling skills, his deceptively simple art conveying all the detail, nuance, and expression of character each story needs...In addition to the tales themselves, the book opens with an on-point essay by author F. Isabel Campoy putting the mix of Spanish and Native American influences in context...María E. Santana's simultaneously publishing Spanish-language translation is identical in look but far from dry, flawlessly employing its own language quirks. Rousing tales, spirited artwork, and rich backmatter ensure that this slim graphic novel for kids becomes a rich resource for all caregivers, not just those of Latinx children." - Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW "These delightfully rendered stories should easily find a home in the folktale/fairy-tale section of any library." - School Library Journal "This beautifully designed collection, with amiable art in lovely full color, is perfect for bedtime read-aloud or a lesson on traditional folktales." - Booklist "With its eye-catching design, appealing cover, and its spirited stories, you may have to pry this entertaining and informative book from the hands of children." - Julie Danielson's "Four Favorites" on the Kirkus blog "It’s a perfect work for adults who grew up on Love and Rockets to share with their children, and it’s an equally perfect introduction to the rich folklore immediately to the south of the U.S." - Good Comics for Kids on the SLJ Blog "One of the best folktale and fairy tale-based comics I've seen...The Dragon Slayer is a sweet, short burst of smart, loving comics, and comes highly recommended." - Kinder Comics "I absolutely love this introduction to Latin American folktales, and can only hope there’s a volume 2 somewhere down the line. This is such a great addition to folk and fairy tale collections and diverse, culturally rich collections." - Mom Read It "Campoy’s introduction, and the tales’ origins and bibliography, including art reproductions, in the back matter, combine to enrich understanding of the culture of these strong heroines and heroes. Hernandez’s vivid illustrations make the tales modern, relatable and universal." - Youth Services Book Review MassachusettsFinalist for 2019 Excellence In Graphic Literature Award, Best in Children's Graphic Literature (Fiction)!

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Book Synopsis¿Cómo se enfrentaría una sirvienta a un dragón de siete cabezas? ¿Qué pasa cuando una mujer se casa con un ratón? ¿Y qué puede aprender un joven de un millar de hormigas cortadoras de hojas? jaime hernandez, el afamado creador de Amor y Cohetes, se hace estas y otras muchas preguntas al convertir famosos mitos en cómics frescos, sorprendentes y plenamente contemporáneos. Guiado por las obras clásicas de F. Isabel Campoy y Alma Flor Ada, el primer libro para jóvenes lectores de Hernandez acerca las historias y estampas de Latinoamérica a una nueva generación de aficionados a la novela gráfica de todo el mundo.Trade ReviewTEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD 2019-20 MASTER LIST WINNER 2018 AESOP PRIZE (AMERICAN FOLKLORE SOCIETY) NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE NAMED TO KIRKUS' REVIEWS BEST BOOKS OF 2018 NPR 2018 GREAT READS "A trio of Latin American folktales are given a makeover in the children's-book debut of one of the brothers behind famed graphic-novel series Love and Rockets...In his six-panel pages, Hernandez flexes his considerable storytelling skills, his deceptively simple art conveying all the detail, nuance, and expression of character each story needs...In addition to the tales themselves, the book opens with an on-point essay by author F. Isabel Campoy putting the mix of Spanish and Native American influences in context...María E. Santana's simultaneously publishing Spanish-language translation is identical in look but far from dry, flawlessly employing its own language quirks. Rousing tales, spirited artwork, and rich backmatter ensure that this slim graphic novel for kids becomes a rich resource for all caregivers, not just those of Latinx children." - Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW "These delightfully rendered stories should easily find a home in the folktale/fairy-tale section of any library." - School Library Journal "This beautifully designed collection, with amiable art in lovely full color, is perfect for bedtime read-aloud or a lesson on traditional folktales." - Booklist "With its eye-catching design, appealing cover, and its spirited stories, you may have to pry this entertaining and informative book from the hands of children." - Julie Danielson's "Four Favorites" on the Kirkus blog "It’s a perfect work for adults who grew up on Love and Rockets to share with their children, and it’s an equally perfect introduction to the rich folklore immediately to the south of the U.S." - Good Comics for Kids on the SLJ Blog "One of the best folktale and fairy tale-based comics I've seen...The Dragon Slayer is a sweet, short burst of smart, loving comics, and comes highly recommended." - Kinder Comics "I absolutely love this introduction to Latin American folktales, and can only hope there’s a volume 2 somewhere down the line. This is such a great addition to folk and fairy tale collections and diverse, culturally rich collections." - Mom Read It "Campoy’s introduction, and the tales’ origins and bibliography, including art reproductions, in the back matter, combine to enrich understanding of the culture of these strong heroines and heroes. Hernandez’s vivid illustrations make the tales modern, relatable and universal." - Youth Services Book Review Massachusetts

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Book SynopsisYoung Randall dreams of adventures until one day he’s sent off on a mission to discover the neighboring king’s secret. When he returns, he’s thrown in a dungeon and despairs until Princess Tilda — the power behind the throne – entices him to compete for her hand. Courage, determination — and Tilda’s trust in him – toss him from one adventure to the next as he dives for a ring at the bottom of the ocean and searches for a Golden Apple from the Tree of Life. BEN NADLER’s modern version in comics highlights the timeless truth at the heart of this Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale in a way that is sure to delight and resonate with today’s young readers.Trade Review"A white snake that empowers a servant with the ability to understand insects, birds and other animals and to communicate with them. Nadler's revision of this wonderful Grimms' tale reinforces themes that are just as significant today, if not more so, than in the past: kindness to animals and nature, the brutality of tyranny and sexism, and the affection between people of different races and classes. Lovingly illustrated, this is a story that will touch the hearts of all readers." - Jack Zipes, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota"Nadler updates a lesser-known Grimm’s tale with diverse characters, compassion for animals, and a feminist hero. Randall, a young servant, loves canny Princess Tilda, but her father, King Arnold, is a neurotic tyrant. Sent by Arnold to spy on a neighboring kingdom, Randall discovers that King Boris dines on white snake; after Randall tries some, he finds that he can understand the language of animals, allowing him, en route home, to assist and save many. And when Tilda persuades Arnold to invite suitors to compete for her hand, the creatures offer Randall help in return. Nadler’s crisp, neatly laid-out panel artwork is easy to follow, with moments of video-game-like adventure, and bites of magic food produce a hilariously trippy effect as pulsing rainbow halos appear around the eaters’ heads. In an afterword, comic artist Paul Karasik offers context for the modernized components, in particular “girl power,” and makes a case for the free retelling of traditional stories—a sign of more to come, perhaps. Ages 8–up. (May)" - Publishers Weekly"Nadler makes this tale fresh, multiethnic, and accessible to younger children. His shrewdest update is the transformation of Princess Tilda from a prize-to-be-won supporting character into an adept and capable ruler who directly challenges her father's outdated belief that a woman is incapable of wielding power well." - Kirkus Reviews"Ben Nadler retells one of my favorite fairy tales … turning it into a fast-paced and irreverent graphic novel. The result is funny, engaging and an absolute delight. " -- Kelly Barnhill, New York Times Book Review“The White Snake, even with Nadler's smart (and funny) tweaks, this old tale, first collected by the Brothers Grimm in their first edition of the German folk and fairy tales in 1812, stays strange - and delightful!” — BOOKS4YOURKIDS“Nadler has reinterpreted the Grimms’ fairy tale for 2019, playing with gender roles and cultural representation in the process … this presentation will certainly better resonate with young readers today … You’ll almost certainly come away smiling from ear to ear.” — Jamie Greene, The Roarbots"Creator Ben Nadler has turned this timeless tale into a modern version that will resonate and delight today’s young readers." - Good Comics for Kids, School Library Journal"This lesser-known Grimms' tale gets a contemporary facelift with a diverse cast, feminist heroes, and emphasis on the natural world. The brightly colored panels are simply drawn but feature hidden surprises and humorous details. Endearing characters and plenty of adventure make this a highly appealing adaptation. Includes an overview of fairy tales and an analysis of this iteration and the original tale." - Booklist2020 Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List!

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