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Monsters are found around the world, in book and in folktales. They are scary or silly, well-known or unfamiliar. With a red cellophane lens, find hidden critters on the large pages. Meet monsters that come from caves and mountains, to those that come in the night. There are even monster parts and pieces presented that can be used to inspire new creations.

With help from Rapunzel (and her trusty braids), a pixie from Jack’s past, and a man with inventions from the future, they just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of good people. This graphic novel is a follow-up to Rapunzel’s Revenge.

A funny, comics-format collection of four original fairy tales, that reinvent recognizable stories. A genie just wants a chance to grant a wish to the frog who accidentally let him out of his lamp―meanwhile, the frog just wants to be left alone. A witch is tormented by the cheerful (and awful) singing of a persistent bard, but when she finally snaps and turns him into a rock, he just keeps on singing―somehow the power of terrible music overcomes all magic. A wizard wants a pet. An ogre just wants to make beautiful art.

An eerie tale of magic and friendship. When Jack is sent to Hazelwood, Iowa, to live with his strange aunt and uncle, he expects a summer of boredom. Little does he know that the people of Hazelwood have been waiting for him for quite a long time.

Princess Violet is plain, reckless, and possibly too clever for her own good. Particularly when it comes to telling stories. One day she and her best friend, Demetrius, stumble upon a hidden room and find a peculiar book. A forbidden book. A different kind of fairy tale, about the power of stories, our belief in them, and how one enchanted tale changed the course of an entire kingdom.

Little Red is one tough cookie. When a menacing wolf blocks the path to her grandmother’s house, she looks him in the eye, answers his questions, and continues on her journey. The wolf “might have scared some little girls. But not this little girl.” This phrase is repeated throughout the story. Woollvin’s street-smart character cannot be fooled by the wolf, even when he dresses up as her grandma. 

Alberto lives in a remote town called Allora. After his family is gone, Alberto is lonely until he rescues a desperate boy. They share a folktale and see it come true in this evocative store with elements of magic realism.

The people of Woo cannot get to market easily as the bridge has been taken over by a dragon named Frightful. When twins Wei and Mei are born, a wise aunt knows that it will take both girls to confront the dragon. Highly detailed illustrations and fast-paced storytelling evokes eastern art, sure to enthrall adventure and dragon aficionados.

One sunny afternoon, Wolf decides to make an apple cake. But when he goes out to collect all of the ingredients it becomes more difficult than expected. Along the way he meets other fairy tale characters with whom he shares the final product! A recipe for Aunt Rosie’s apple cake concludes this comic take on traditional tales.

Meet Hansel and Gretel again! This, however, is not the typical telling. Here Willow the witch is a kindly good witch who finally has had enough of a rude duo. Strong lines, limited color, and understated text turn the traditional tale into a fresh, funny, and satisfying story. Readers may also enjoy Woollvin’s recasting of Rapunzel (opens in a new window) and Little Red. (opens in a new window)

El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree. The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too. Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, with bilingual text and vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

Kissimmee Pete, the cracker cow hunter, is back for another wild adventure. After rounding up a herd of cattle to send to Cuba, Pete and his trusty dog Mud load the herd onto a steamship and watch the ship leave the dock. But only seconds later, there’s trouble in store for Pete. A hurricane has blown in, and it’s up to the larger than-life cow hunter to save his cattle and stop the storm before it’s too late.

Mark Twain’s partial tale told to his own children has been carefully completed by Philip Stead and is interpreted for modern listeners.

Magic has turned Eliza’s 11 brothers into swans and only she can rescue them. Brilliantly illustrated and engagingly retold, the now-classic Hans Christian Andersen enchanted tale of love and loyalty is presented anew.

Meet the dragon slayer, a girl and a mouse, and a boy who talks to ants. Three traditional tales, each revealing a particular truth, are recast here in comic book format. An introduction and the concluding background note provides a glimpse into the cultures from which the tales come.

John’s mother thought cooking was more important than beauty in this gently humorous riff on a traditional tale. Here, John finds perfection in a batch of perfectly prepared black-eyed peas. A tasty looking recipe concludes this colorfully illustrated tale told with a distinctively Southern flavor.

Slyly humorous and boldly illustrated, the girl with the long locks is no match for the witch and not only befriends forest critters; Rapunzel puts fear in the hearts of all witches! This slightly fractured fairy tale is sure to delight young readers. 

Spooky, traditional tales retold are presented again with new and mysterious illustrations (reminiscent of Edward Gorey). These stories, drawn from folklore, successfully create a deliciously eerie feeling while remaining perfectly safe. Sources for the tales are included in an afterward by the reteller. 

This collection of 15 stories and legends from Vietnam retold by Zen master poet and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh emphasize themes of cooperation and reconciliation, while providing a rich introduction to the mythical elements of Vietnamese culture. Imaginary characters weave through the lives of actual persons and events, blending fiction and nonfiction, magic and fantasy. 

Van, a young Vietnamese boy, is given a brass-tipped teak walking stick made by his uncle (a monk), who says that now the Buddha “will watch over you no matter where you go, and bring you safely home.” Van carries the stick with him always, even when he and his family flee their war-torn country and cross the ocean. On long walks years later, he tells his granddaughter stories of his homeland. She travels to Vietnam and leaves the stick as an offering at the foot of a Buddha.

These 15 stories reflect the traditions, myths, and history of Vietnam, with trees and flowers frequently serving symbolic purposes. Works such a The Story of Tam and Cam, an adaptation of Cinderella, will be familiar to readers, while a story about why the sea is salty will be new to many. [Publishers Weekly review]

A little old lady complains to a wise old man that her house is “a squash and a squeeze.” She follows his advice is to bring her hen, pig, goat, and cow into her cozy abode with chaotic results. When the animals leave, however, the house becomes incredibly spacious! Humor abounds in rhyme and comic illustrations in this fresh take on an old tale.

Oscar knows he’s different. He can’t remember where he comes from, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of magical herbs and their uses, and he just does not understand human interaction. As the apprentice to Caleb, the last magician in the magic-steeped Barrow, Oscar’s job is to collect the herbs, prepare the charms and tinctures, do his chores, and avoid trouble. That changes when a mysterious destructive force arrives and it is up to Oscar and his friend Callie to protect the Barrow and its inhabitants.

Three goat brothers attempt to get to a grassy hillside by crossing a bridge under which lives a fierce troll. The traditional tale has been given an innovative new look and also a fresh, surprising, and very satisfying ending.