Book picks similar to
Jabutí the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon by Gerald McDermott
picture-books
children-s-books
childrens
picture-book
The Gingerbread Man
Karen Lee Schmidt - 1980
The gingerbread man outruns everybody, until he meets the quick-witted fox.
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.
The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece
Anthony L. Manna - 2011
Her stepmother was so hateful that she counted every drop of water the orphan drank! But with the help of Nature's blessings, the orphan was showered with gifts: brilliance from the Sun, beauty from the Moon, gracefulness from the Dawn—and even a tiny pair of blue shoes from the Sea. When the prince comes to visit their village, he only has eyes for the mysterious beauty. Children will love this fanciful folk retelling of the Cinderella story, accompanied by luminous watercolor illustrations by Giselle Potter.
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
Eugene Trivizas - 1993
But the little wolves' increasingly sturdy dwellings are no match for the persistent porker, who has more up his sleeve than huffing and puffing. It takes a chance encounter with a flamingo pushing a wheelbarrow full of flowers to provide a surprising and satisfying solution to the little wolves' housing crisis. Eugene Trivizas's hilarious text and Helen Oxenbury's enchanting watercolors have made this delightfully skewed version of the traditional tale a contemporary classic.
Mustache!
Mac Barnett - 2011
His kingdom is in ruins, and when his subjects appeal for help, he only builds more tributes to his handsome face. His subjects are finally ready to stand up for themselves, and they have just the plan to get out of this hairy situation. A mustache....because sometimes good looks alone just aren't enough.
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
Simms Taback - 1977
But what did he make it into after that? And after that?As children turn the pages of this book, they can use the die-cut holes to guess what Joseph will be making next from his amazing overcoat, while they laugh at the bold, cheerful artwork and learn that you can always make something, even out of nothing.
Tops & Bottoms
Janet Stevens - 1995
With roots in American slave tales, Tops & Bottoms celebrates the trickster tradition of using one’s wits to overcome hardship. “As usual, Stevens’ animal characters, bold and colorful, are delightful. . . . It’s all wonderful fun, and the book opens, fittingly, from top to bottom instead of from side to side, making it perfect for story-time sharing.”--BooklistThis title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 2-3, Stories)
Hare and Tortoise
Alison Murray - 2016
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!
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jon Scieszka - 1989
You thought you knew the story of the “The Three Little Pigs”… You thought wrong. In this hysterical and clever fracture fairy tale picture book that twists point of view and perspective, young readers will finally hear the other side of the story of “The Three Little Pigs.”
Edward the Emu
Sheena Knowles - 1990
Over 100 5-star reviewers agree: "A wonderful book with a wonderful message: be yourself!""If you buy one book for sheer fun, there's no question it should be this one." —San Diego Union TribuneTired of his life as an emu, Edward decides to try being something else for a change. He tries swimming with the seals, he spends a day lounging with the lions, and even slithers with the snakes. But Edward soon discovers that being an emu may be the best thing after all.This picture book is an excellent choice to share in the classroom or at home—both adults and kids will laugh at and sympathize with Edward the Emu.
The Turkey Girl: A Zuni Cinderella Story
Penny Pollock - 1996
In this Native American variant of a familiar story, some turkeys make a gown of feathers for the poor girl who tends them so that she can participate in a sacred dance, but they desert her when she fails to return as promised.
The Boy in the Garden
Allen Say - 2010
One winter day he found a crane struggling in a snare and set it free.When Jiro looks out the window into Mr. Ozu’s garden, he sees a crane and remembersthat story. Much like the crane, the legend comes to life—and, suddenly, Jiro finds himself in a world woven between dream and reality.Which is which?Allen Say creates a tale about many thingsat once: the power of story, the allure of the imagined, and the gossamer line between truth and fantasy. For who among us hasn’t imagined ourselves in our own favorite fairy tale?
Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes
Margie Palatini - 2009
He's nothing if not crafty, and in this humorous new spin on the well-known fable, fox's scheme is taken to new heights.
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing
Judi Barrett - 1970
...because a snake would lose it, a billy goat would eat it for lunch, and it would always be wet on a walrus! This well-loved book by Judi and Ron Barrett shows the very youngest why animals' clothing is perfect...just as it is.
Fiona's Luck
Teresa Bateman - 2007
"Children will delight in the cunning way that Fiona triumphs over the leprechaun king, as well as in the rhythmic language of this well-told tale." - Kirkus Reviews