THE ORCHARD BOOK OF FIRST GREEK MYTHS

Illustrated by Jan Lewis

[Orchard Books, 2003]

 

A collection of ten stories from Ancient Greece aimed at the younger reader.  Includes the story of Midas; Arion and the Dolphin; Arachne the Spider-Woman; Theseus and the Minotaur; Pandora's Box; Jason and the Golden Fleece; Icarus, the Boy who could Fly; Perseus and the Monsterous Medusa; Pegasus the Flying Horse and Odysseus and the Wooden Horse.

 

The collection is also avalible as ten seperate books with differentiated text in the Colour Crunchies Series.

 

Also available in Italy, Greece, Brazil, Korea and the US.

 

National Literacy Association, 2003
Remarkable retellings of these old stories using vivid, glorious language.

 

Buy from or

 

THE ORHARD BOOK OF GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES

Illustrated by Emma Chichester-Clark

[Orchard Books, 2011]

 

Ten of Grimms' popular tales retold for today's young readers.  Includes The Sleeping Beauty; Hansel And Gretel; Snow White and Rose Red; Rapunzel; Snow White; The Six Swans; The Frog Prince; Rumplestiltskin and The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

 

Books for Keeps, Autumn 2003
Retold with energy and with humorous and richly coloured illustrations...a very memorable introduction to Grimm for the very young reader.

 

Julie Cummins in BOOKLIST

Children will enjoy the artwork, lit by whimsical details, and Pirotta's down-to-earth language will read well aloud.

 

Also available in the US, Spain and Italy.

The American title is THE MACELDERRY BOOK OF GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES.

Eight of the stories are also published as early readers, with simpler language and different artwork.

 

Buy from or

TRADITIONAL STORIES FROM THE AMAZON

Illusrated by Becky Gyrespreedt

[UK - Hodder, 1998]

[US - Rainsteck-Vaughan 1999]

 

These stories have been told by the people of the Amazon for hundreds of years: from the tale of the battle between the King of the Vultures and the Sun God, to Bufeo Colorado, the King of the Pink Dolphins, and his attempts to trick girls into being his wife.

 

This book was originally published as Stories from the Amazon by Wayland, in both hardback and paperback.  The first edition with the new title was issued in 2002, and there have been six reprints to date.

 

Buy from amazon.co.uk or amazon.com

JOY TO THE WORLD

Christmas stories from around the globe

Illustrated by Sheila Moxley

[Frances Lincoln, 1998]

 

A collection of six folk tales that celebrate Christmas around the world.  Includes stories from Ghana, Syria, Russia, Malta and Mexico.

 

Marcie Bovetz in AMAZON REVIEW

Joy to the World is a festive global tour, and a refreshing change of pace from the usual holiday fare. 

 

Also available in the US and Denmark.

 

Buy from or

THE GIANT BOOK OF GIANTS

Illustrated by Mark Robertson

[UK, Egmont, October 2011]

[US, Stirling, August 2011]

 

Aimed at younger readers, this series includes six giant stories from around the world.  They are Jack And The Beantsalk [UK]; Coyote and the Giant [Native American]; Momotaro, the Peach Boy [Japan]; Finn and the Buggane [Ireland]; The Curious Giantess [Scandinavia] and Sinbad's Third Voyage [Arabic].

 

The book is also avaliable in Polish, Slovak, Croatian, Spanish, French and Italian. All versions include a giant 3D poster with moveable parts.

 

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TALES

Illustrated by Richard Johnson

[Kingfisher 2007]

 

This story collection whizzes the reader around the world, exploring 6 different continents through retellings of traditional tales. Featuring weird and wonderful plots, amazing characters and exotic locations, these stories will encourage children to learn about different cultures.

 

Also availabe in the US, Estonia, Poland, Rumania, South Africa, Spain and Portugal, Brazil, Thailand and Lebanon.  The Thai version is in two volumes. A special edition with just the 14 African stories will be released in Brazil in 2013. 

 

Buy from or

AESOP'S FABLES

Illustrated by Richard Johnson

[Kingfisher, 2006]

 

Eight of Aesop's most popular fables retold for today's readers with stunning illustrations by Richard Johnson.  The narrator of the book is Aesop himself and the introduction to each story gives an insight into the life of ordinary people in Ancient Greece.

 

Children's Literature

An engaging introduction to these timeless tales.

 

Also avalaible in Thailand, Spain, France, Greece, Estonia, South Africa and the US.

 

Buy from or