Book picks similar to
The Musicians of Bremen by Linda M. Jennings


picture-books
readalouds
classic-childrens
folktale

Baboushka and the Three Kings


Ruth Robbins - 1960
    The Russian folktale about an old woman's endless search for the Christ child.

How the Finch Got His Colors


Annemarie Riley Guertin - 2018
    . . . . . until Rainbow descended to bestow her colors on the creatures of the world. Each bird asked for a bright and beautiful color: green for Parrot, red for Cardinal, and yellow for Canary. But will there be any colors left for little Gouldian Finch? He soon learns the power of patience and the beauty of all creatures.Based on a Belgian folktale, this beautifully told and illustrated tale is a timeless treasure for every collection.

Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!: The Story of the Three Bears as Told by Baby Bear


Nancy Loewen - 2011
    This retelling of the classic story, told from Baby Bear's perspective, will convince you that Goldilocks and Baby Bear (whose real name is Sam) were actually besties! This fractured fairy tale provides a fresh perspective on a well-known tale.

Rabbit's Snow Dance


James Bruchac - 2012
    He knows a dance, using a traditional Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow--even in springtime! The other animals of the forest don't want early snow, but Rabbit doesn't listen to them. Instead, he sings and dances until more and more snow falls. But how much snow is too much, and will Rabbit know when to stop?This stylish and oh-so-funny story is a modern take on a traditional Native American fable from master storytellers Joseph and James Bruchac.

Clay Boy


Mirra Ginsburg - 1993
    Vibrant paintings invigorate this retelling of a Russian folktale.

The Story of Jumping Mouse


John Steptoe - 1984
    He faces many obstacles on his quest and sacrifices much to help others in need. But the mouse's compassion and faith in himself prove to be a source of great power...and bring him rewards even beyond his dreams.

The Last King of Angkor Wat


Graeme Base - 2014
    An ancient elephant suggests a race to the top of the hill to prove each creature’s speed, strength, and cunning. But along the way, their strengths and weaknesses are revealed. Will any of them be good enough to be king?Graeme Base’s luscious illustrations of the Cambodian temple complex Angkor Wat—one of the most beautiful ruins in existence and known to people all over the world—are combined with a search-and-find feature in this exciting new tale! A brief history of the temple is included. Praise for The Last King of Angkor Wat "This simple morality tale is lifted to loveliness by Base’s gorgeous digital illustrations, majestic and richly colored, filled with characteristic detail and intricately bordered. These pages beckon readers to return again and again to pore over the details." --Kirkus Reviews

Soap! Soap! Don't Forget the Soap!: An Appalachain Folktale


Tom Birdseye - 1993
    A forgetful boy gets himself into trouble.

The Gingerbread Man


Nancy Nolte - 1956
    The early painterly art style of Richard Scarry looks new and fresh again in this keepsake edition. His lively images will run off the pages and into the hearts of a new generation of children.

Hansel and Gretel


James Marshall - 1990
    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?

The Treasure


Uri Shulevitz - 1978
    Feeling a little foolish perhaps, but determined to see for himself if the dream is true, Isaac sets out on his long journey. What he finds makes a surprising and heart-warming ending to this retelling of a well-known folk tale. In a few words, Cadelcott Medal winner Uri Shulevitz draws a man who is innocent enough to have faith in a dream, and wise enough to understand the greatest reward of all.Isaac's solitary journey, his arrival at hte vast city, and his discovery there are all enriched by Mr. Shulevitz's beautifully detailed illustrations, which masterfully capture the spirit of the original tale while keeping it simple enough for the very youngest reader.The Treasure is a 1980 Caldecott Honor Book and a 1979 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

Two of Everything


Lily Toy Hong - 1993
    Haktak digs up a curious brass pot in his garden and decides to carry his coin purse in it. When Mrs. Haktak's hairpin slips into the pot, she reaches in and pulls out two coin purses and two hairpins--this is a magic pot!

The Matatu


Eric Walters - 2012
    But today, for his fifth birthday, he climbs aboard one with his grandfather. As the matatu pulls away from the market, the village dogs chase after them. When Kioko asks his grandfather why the dogs always bark and chase after matatus, his grandfather tells him an entertaining tale about a dog, a goat and a sheep. Set in East Africa, The Matatu is a colorful story filled with many unexpected turns and twists along the way.

Snowbear Whittington: An Appalachian Beauty and the Beast


William H. Hooks - 1994
    There Nell makes an amazing discovery: The bear is Snowbear Wittington, a handsome young man bound by a spell.

Always Room for One More


Sorche Nic Leodhas - 1965
    In his "wee house in the heather," where he lives with his family of twelve, he welcomes to his hearth every weary traveler who passes by on a stormy night. "There's always room for one more," says Lachie, and how his grateful guests say a wonderful "Thank you" provides a delightfully warm and tender ending to this hilarious tale of kindness.