"What a sweet child," says a newcomer in town about Goldilocks. "That's what you think," a neighbor replies. For Goldilocks is one of those naughty little girls who does exactly as she pleases, even if that means sampling the three bears' porridge, breaking Baby Bear's chair, and sleeping in his bed. James Marshall's offbeat and inventive telling of this familiar tale will enchant readers, young and old."A delightfully irreverent retelling of an old favorite is illustrated with delicious humor and contemporary touches." —Booklist, starred review

When the exhausted winter wind throws a snowy tantrum, it finds comfort in the friendship of two young children in this lyrical retelling of a Yiddish folktale illustrated with stunning collage. Winter Wind worked hard all season long blowing away leaves, preparing trees for coats of snow and ice. Now, Wind is tired and needs a place to rest. But no one wants to shelter so cold and blustery a Wind--not the townspeople, not the country innkeeper, not even the gnarled tree who is worried about frozen roots. Finally, Wind does what any of us do when we are overtired: Wind has a tantrum. And it is only with the help of two small children brave enough to weather the storm that Wind finally finds the perfect place to sleep. Based on a Yiddish folktale, the gentle language of this seasonal story is coupled with intricate cut-paper collage dioramas tell this sweet tale about empathy and friendship. The visuals in this book are striking for their vibrancy, palette, and movement. A perfect read for a cold, blustery day, or at bedtime with your own sleepy loved ones. A Bank Street Best Book of the Year

Beloved author James Marshall--creator of George and Martha--puts a hilarious twist on a classic tale in his retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Abandoned in the woods, what will Hansel and Gretel - so innocent, so vulnerable, so deliciously plump - do when they come face-to-face with a dastardly, ugly, over-dressed witch?

When they are left in the woods by their parents, two children find their way home despite an encounter with a wicked witch. A retelling of the Grimm fairy tale set in Africa.

Hare is the fastest animal around and he knows it. In fact, he can't stop boasting about it. So Tortoise challenges him to a race to try and prove him wrong. There's just one problem. Tortoise is very, very slow. How will he ever win the race? A lively and humorous retelling of the well-know Aesop Fable. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, a collection of over 400 reading books, graded in eight levels and developed with reading experts. Combination of speech bubbles, clear reading font and full-colour illustrated scenes throughout to make for easy reading.

Alison Murray offers an enchanting retelling of a much-loved Aesop’s fable with a mischievous twist. Hare (Leapus swifticus) can barely stay still for a minute. He’s the fastest on the farm. Tortoise (Slow and steadicus) can stay still for a very long time. She has occasionally been mistaken for a rock. So when they decide to have a race, Hare is certain to win . . . isn’t he? Through the meadow, around the duck pond, and straight into the carrot field. Carrots? Oh, dear. Whether encountering the classic tale for the first time or tracing the racecourse map to relive it, children will be quick to realize Hare’s folly and eager to join the cheering for easygoing, persistent Tortoise. She may be slow, but watch her go!

A favorite nursery tale delightfully illustrated in strong line and color in Galdone's familiar and likable style." - Booklist Another popular retelling by Paul Galdone joins the Folk Tale Classics series! Convinced the sky is falling, Henny Penny and a band of gullible friends march off to tell the king, only to meet their end at the hands of a wily fox. With its tongue-twisting rhymes, rich illustrations, surprising ending, and beautiful gold foil cover accents, this funny read-aloud will make a great addition to any child's library of classics."

Young readers are sure to delight in Galdone's version of this classic story, and the lively illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it perfect for reading aloud with little ones. With a gorgeous cover in keeping with the rest of the Folk Tale Classics series, the story of Jack and his magic bean has never been more irresistible.

A favorite fairy tale brought vividly to life by Steven Kellogg's elaborate, classic artwork—perfect for a read-aloud pick! Join young Jack as he climbs a giant beanstalk to a magic castle in the clouds. Meet a hen that lays golden eggs and a harp that sings by itself. And don't forget the ogre... A classic fairy tale with rich and dynamic illustrations that will leave you chanting "Fee-fi-fo-fum!"

The story of Jack, who swaps his mother's cow for some "magic" beans which grow into a huge beanstalk. By climbing this oversized plant, Jack reaches the home of a terrifying giant. Will Jack be able to escape with the giant's gold, or will the giant grind Jack's bones to make his bread? Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, which includes over 250 titles across seven levels — all developed in conjunction with reading experts. Beautifully bound, with a ribbon marker. Makes a brilliant gift.

"In this reinvention of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, a little mermaid trades her voice for legs and makes a new friend on land, but must return to the sea to save her family"--

Hans Christian Andersen's entrancing tale of love, set between land and sea, is retold by renowned storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean and brought to life in magical silhouette artwork by illustrator Laura Barrett. When she falls in love with a prince, the little mermaid persuades a sea witch to replace her tail with legs so she can live on land. But the price demanded by the wicked sea witch is great: the mermaid's beautiful voice . . . With a sparkling foiled cover, this beautiful gift book is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf!