Book picks similar to
The Crane Maiden by Miyoko Matsutani
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The Selkie Girl
Susan Cooper - 1986
A retelling of the Celtic legend in which a crofter falls in love with a beautiful seal girl and forces her to live on land and be his bride.
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 Girl of the Wish Garden
Uma Krishnaswami - 2013
Because she is so tiny, adventure and mishap easily befall her — a giant frog leaves her stranded on a lily pad, she is freed by curious fish, then pestered by crazy bugs. Lina lives by herself in the depths of a forest until the cold of winter approaches and she begins to feel lonely. She encounters a mouse, who is happy to have someone to dust and sweep for him, but one day in the back room of his house Lina comes across the body of a swallow. The mouse is convinced the bird is dead but Lina, thinking she sees a wing tremble, brings it food and water. Amazingly, the swallow revives and the two of them fly together to the garden of wishes…Iranian-born illustrator Nasrin Khosravi won the Grand Prize at the Noma Concours in Japan (2000) and was selected as best illustrator at the Tehran International Biennial of Illustration (1999) when these paintings were first published in a Farsi version of Andersen’s tale. They now grace this new Thumbelina story, giving young readers in North America an opportunity to delight in her work. Uma Krishnaswami’s text perfectly captures the spirit of the luminous illustrations, creating a book that is beautiful, magical and mysterious.
Paddington Bear
Michael Bond - 1972
Carrying a battered suitcase containing several jars of marmalade, and wearing a tag around his neck that read Please Look after This Bear, he stowed away on a ship and landed in Londons Paddington Station. As luck would have it, the Brown family found him, named him Paddington, and welcomed him to their home and into the hearts of millions of readers.Since 1958, Paddington Bear has charmed readers worldwide with his humorous misadventures. In celebration of Paddingtons 40th birthday, Michael Bonds original story of Paddington Bear has been beautifully reillustrated by artist R.W. Alley.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Dr. Seuss - 1990
Seuss. In his inimitable, humorous verse and pictures, he addresses the Great Balancing Act (life itself, and the ups and downs it presents) while encouraging us to find the success that lies within us.
And will you succeed?Yes! You will indeed!(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
A modern classic, Oh, the Places You'll Go! was first published one year before Dr. Seuss's death at the age of eighty-seven. In a mere fifty-six pages, Dr, Seuss managed to impart a lifetime of wisdom. It is the perfect send-off for children starting out in the maze of life, be they nursery school grads or newly-minted PhD's. Everyone will find it inspired good fun.
Crow Boy
Taro Yashima - 1955
Pictures and text of moving and harmonious simplicity". - Saturday Review.
Guess How Much I Love You
Sam McBratney - 1988
Little Nutbrown Hare shows his daddy how much he loves him: as wide as he can reach and as far as he can hop. But Big Nutbrown Hare, who can reach farther and hop higher, loves him back just as much. Well then Little Nutbrown Hare loves him right up to the moon, but that's just halfway to Big Nutbrown Hare's love for him.
The Magic Pot
Patricia Coombs - 1977
A demon in the guise of a magic pot outwits a greedy rich man and brings wealth and happiness to a poor old fellow and his wife.
Norman, Speak!
Caroline Adderson - 2014
But, upon bringing him home, the family quickly learns that Norman won’t respond to commands. He doesn’t even know his own name.During a chance encounter with another dog owner in the park, the family is very surprised to learn the reason for Norman’s confusion; he “speaks” Chinese instead of English! And so the family enrolls in a language class, determined to understand their uniquely loveable pet.The humorous text, from award-winning author Caroline Adderson, and Qin Leng’s delightful illustrations combine to create a picture book that will be enjoyed by readers (and dogs) no matter what language they speak.
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.
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".
Why The Sky Is Far Away: A Nigerian Folktale
Mary-Joan Gerson - 1974
The sky was once so close to the Earth that people cut parts of it to eat, but their waste and greed caused the sky to move far away.
Tom Thumb
Eric Carle - 2011
These tales capture the interest and imagination of children and adults alike, showing that while we might wish and wander, we should be grateful for what we have and where we are in life.Beautifully reissued, this new book has all the enchantment of Eric Carle's art, plus the compelling storytelling and morals of Grimms' tales.
How Rocket Learned to Read
Tad Hills - 2010
Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own!With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten classrooms and story hour or as a gift for that beginning reader. Fresh, charming art by Tad Hills, the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of Duck & Goose, will make this a favorite.And don't miss the instant #1 New York Times Bestseller, Rocket Writes a Story.