In this collection of mostly nineteenth-century folk and fairy tales, Ethel Johnston Phelps's heroines successfully portray women as being spirited, courageous and smart. This type of heroine is not easily found in most collections; in most traditional folk and fairy tales we encounter women are portrayed as being good, obedient, submissive, and, of course, beautiful. These women—and girls—are resourceful; they take action to solve a problem and use cleverness or shrewd common sense to solve the dilemmas they face.The tales themselves are part of an oral tradition that document a generation according to the values of the time. Phelps has given these older tales a fresh, contemporary retelling for a new generation of readers, young and old. She shapes each story—adding or omitting details—to reflect her sense of a feminist folk or fairy tale. The twenty-one tales collected represent a wide variety of countries; approximately seventeen ethnic cultures from North America to Europe to Asia tell a story in which women play a leading or crucial role in the story.

    A man who lives at the edge of the woods discovers that he need not rely on the store for a supply of good things to eat.

    The little red hen finds none of her lazy friends willing to help her plant, harvest or grind wheat into flour or to prepare the dough or bake it, but all are eager to eat the bread she makes.

    These tales makes it quite clear that common sense is more precious than all the wealth of the world. So, choose your companions for their sagacity and make yourself rich beyond measure.

    This collection of stories shares the secrets of the giants, Spriggans, Knackers, and changelings who inhabited and ruled the moors, mountains, and seacoasts of Cornwall. Each shivery tale is preceeded by an introduction to Cornwall's wondrous inhabitants, and is followed by helpful tips on what to do should you encounter one of these unearthly creatures.

    Selections include: How Kwaku Ananse caught the Python / How Kwaku Ananse was punished for his Bad Manners / How the Rat and the Deer kept Faith with the Hunter / The Hunter and the Tortoise / The Left-handed King / Why the Leopard has Spots / How Kwaku Ananse became Bald / The Tortoise and the Hare / Why Nephews inherit Property in Ashanti / Kwaku Ananse and the Unknown Assignment / Abena and the Python / Why the Lizard stretches his Neck / The Bitter Pill / Why the Snake has no Legs / Why the Lion Roars / How Kwaku Ananse won a Kingdom with a Grain of Corn / Kwaku Ananse and the Donkey / Why the Crow chases the Hen / The Old Man and the Mouse / How Death came to Mankind / The Gift of Densu / Kwaku Ananse and the Kingdom of the Dead.