Book picks similar to
The Enchanted Book: A Tale from Krakow by Janina Porazińska
picture-books
fiction
fairy-tales
poland
Squids Will be Squids: Fresh Morals, Beastly Fables
Jon Scieszka - 1998
A general moral offered by the book is, "If you are planning to write fables, don't forget to change people's names and avoid places with high cliffs".
Rabbit's Gift
George Shannon - 2007
Just in time, a turnip turns up, and a second one, too. Who in the woods wouldn't want to tuck away an extra turnip for the long winter? Not Rabbit. He chooses a different path--and starts a wave of generosity that spreads among all his forest friends. Admired picture-book team George Shannon and Laura Dronzek have created a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of friendship. Includes an author's note and a chart that translates the Chinese calligraphy in the book.
Hans My Hedgehog: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm
Kate Coombs - 2012
Born a hedgehog from the waist up, he knows what it's like to truly be an outcast. Even his amazing fiddle playing can't help him fit in. So Hans flees to the forest with his herd of loyal pigs and only his music to keep him company. But then a most unusual thing happens: When Hans crosses paths with two kings with two lovely daughters, his luck starts to change. Will this lonely soul find true love after all?This lively and lyrical retelling of the classic Grimm's tale, paired with lush, detailed illustrations, reminds us of the power of music, the importance of belonging, and the transformative effect of love.
The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes
Duncan Tonatiuh - 2016
Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations, and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths. In The Princess and the Warrior, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh retells one of Mexico’s cherished legends.
An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales
Theresa Breslin - 2012
Retelling each in its own individual style, she presents funny tales, moving tales and enchanting fairy tales. Soar with the goshawk, dive with selkies and battle with the stoorworm, as each story is brought to life with exquisite illustrations by Scottish fine artist Kate Leiper, which brim with otherworldly beauty.A wonderful gift, this is a truly stunning book to be treasured for a lifetime and will be enjoyed by parents and grandparents as well as children.Longlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2013.
Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China
Ai-Ling Louie - 1982
"Executed with chromatic splendor--a unique combination of brilliance and restraint".--The Horn Book. Full-color illustrations.
Duffy and the Devil
Harve Zemach - 1973
The Zemachs have interpreted the folk tale which the play dramatized, recognizable as a version of the widespread Rumpelstiltskin story. Its main themes are familiar, but the character and details of this picture book are entirely Cornish, as robust and distinctive as the higgledy-piggledy, cliff-hanging villages that dot England's southwestern coast from Penzance to Land's End.The language spoken by the Christmas players was a rich mixture of local English dialect and Old Cornish (similar to Welsh and Gaelic), and something of this flavor is preserved in Harve Zemach's retelling. Margot Zemach's pen-and-wash illustrations combine a refined sense of comedy with telling observation of character, felicitous drawing with decorative richness, to a degree that surpasses her own past accomplishments.Duffy and the Devil is a 1973 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1974 National Book Award Finalist for Children's Books, and the winner of the 1974 Caldecott Medal.
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship
Arthur Ransome - 1968
When the Czar proclaims that he will marry his daughter to the man who brings him a flying ship, the Fool of the World sets out to try his luck and meets some unusual companions on the way.
My Valley
Claude Ponti - 1998
Clever language and beautifully detailed maps of imaginary landscapes will delight children and adults alike. Ponti himself has said, "My stories are like fairytales, always situated in the marvelous, speaking to the interior life and emotions of children. That way each child can get what they want out of the images: the characters and dreams are their own."
Stone Soup
Ann McGovern - 1971
As the pot of water boils with the stone in it, he urges her to add more and more ingredients until the soup is a feast "fit for a king".
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
Paul Goble - 1978
A wild stallion becomes her friend and she decides to ride free with the herd even after she is found.
Clever Jack Takes the Cake
Candace Fleming - 2010
What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?Candace Fleming and G. Brian Karas, creators of the bestselling picture book Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, have teamed up again to bring us a modern fairy tale starring a determined boy and a story-loving princess with a good sense of humor. While girls will fall for a story featuring a princess’s birthday party, Jack’s adventures with trolls, bears, and gypsies make this the perfect read for young boys as well—and ideal for storytime.
John Henry
Julius Lester - 1994
It's a deadly contest of man-vs-machine written with such power that this African-American folk hero becomes as awesome as a force of nature, yet as familiar as an older brother. Pinkney's stunning art shows John Henry's energy bursting from nature. Full color.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Lauren Child - 2008
You have probably heard of her? If so, you will know these three things: She was small.She had lots of golden curls.And she had far too much curiosity for her own good. So when Goldilocks discovers an intriguing wooden cottage deep in the forest, she just can't resist peeking inside. Now why would there be one, two three of everything...?
Beauty and the Beast
Max Eilenberg - 2006
Though her patron is hideous, his disarming generosity slowly leads to a surprising connection. Accessibly and with great compassion, Max Eilenberg sheds fresh light on one of our most beloved fairy tales. Angela Barrett's enchanting illustrations illuminate both the sumptuous palace and the horrifying beast himself. The resulting tour de force reminds us that ultimately love conquers all.