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Though she promises she won’t interrupt, a little red chicken inserts herself into the fairy tales her father reads to save the fairy tale characters from familiar bad endings. When her father tires of the interruptions, she shares an original story in which the dad is put to bed. Cartoon illustrations depict the likeable characters and humorous actions.

A comic hen wants only to make jokes but is misunderstood by the farmer and so she strikes out on her own. Before long she meets other humor-loving but underappreciated animals: a dog, a cat, and a cow. Like the familiar Bremen Town musicians, this quartet foils a group of robbers and opens their own comedy club. Bad puns and silly jokes are sure to cause groans and laughter in this silly parody.

In his foreword to this rich compilation, Nelson Mandela writes, “This collection offers a handful of beloved stories, morsels rich with the gritty essence of Africa, but in many instances universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical.” Colorful vignettes add an extra dimension to the creation myths, trickster tales, and magical stories that Mandela has chosen.

Thulani enjoys sitting in the sun, and he is tired of milking his cow. When he sells his cow to buy a goat, however, his problems are just beginning. What will it take for his luck change? Illustrations are done in a folkart style and filled with little details of South African rural life.

Animals and people wise and foolish are presented in these tales retold. Their origins, from a range of Spanish-speaking countries including Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Spain, are retold and handsomely illustrated — just right for reading aloud.

Everyone knows that there are two sides to every story. Read a cleverly illustrated poem one way for one side; read the same poem in reverse and learn the other. Well known fairy tales are presented through reversible poems sure to intrigue sophisticated readers of all ages. Each book comes with a CD, so pop it in and follow along!

Turtle and Tiger became friends only after they argued and fought over who saw one Spring flower first. When they both wind up in a field of flowers, they realize how silly they have been and together they return to their pond. This original tale is told in a storyteller’s cadence complemented by rich, textured illustrations.

Have you ever wondered why the leopard has spots or why a spider has a big butt? This collection of six stories uses African folklore and storytelling techniques to explain natural phenomena.

Polo’s adventure begins as his others do: leaving home for an imaginative journey. Here, the small dog sails away in his boat but gets frozen in ice. He gets help from a new friend whose fiery breath allows them to sail off together. Words are not needed in this enjoyable tale.

The traditional tale has been retold and newly presented to create a theater within the covers of a book. Scenes unfold and become 3-dimensional with text hidden under “curtains” — flaps that unfold.

The well-known fable about how the smallest creature — a mouse — saves the majestic lion is a tale of kindness returned. Here it is effectively recast as a wordless story in a new setting. Stunning illustrations are expressive and emotive, evoking Africa’s Serengeti while retaining the tale’s power. (2010 Caldecott Medal Winner)

This re-telling of the familiar fairy tale is set in the Wild West and features a spunky heroine who partners with Jack (of the Beanstalk) to fight injustice.

This lush collection of twelve traditional Latin American tales brings the history and culture of thirteen countries into a vivid new perspective. Readers will have a unique glimpse of the early indigenous cultures, and of the literature that later blossomed with the blending of the Spanish and Native cultures.

A plump little boy is caught by a hungry, garbage eating ghost but tricks him to get away. Humor abounds in this original tale steeped in Chinese lore and set in Beijing. Told and illustrated in a lively way, this tale will tickle the funny bone as well as taste buds.

Wolf makes peace with Red Riding Hood and soon the repentant wolf becomes vegetarian and becomes popular. A jealous Red re-introduces the wolf to carnivore delights and regains her status as the forest’s nicest resident. Pop-ups and pull outs and sophisticated humor make distinguish this very funny book.

As Foo, a frog, grows larger, so does his conviction that he is the biggest animal in the world. Of course, when Foo deflates, his friends assure him he’s still a fine size for a frog. Onomatopoeia and jaunty illustrations distinguish this retelling.

Thea, a student in Topeka, Kansas, observes the growth of the three unusual beans she plants for her science project. A series of letters to various experts chronicles the unusual vegetation that develops — though readers will see the giant beanstalk for the tale it is.

What happens when the well known three pigs try to plan a party? Readers will find out as they read a series of very funny illustrated letters between characters right off the pages of familiar tales.

Join a chubby cheeked mail carrier as he delivers letters to well known characters from recognized tales — such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears — then turn the page and read each humorous note.

John is a truly gentle giant who sets out to make his way in the world. He finds a job with a royal family (providing climate control among other duties). John and his old friends find the true meaning of friendship when near disaster strikes.

Have you ever wondered where the sand found in sleepy eyes comes from? It’s explained in this appealing, old-fashioned feeling story of a tiny man named Tor who realizes that the sand from a found dragon’s scale makes everyone sleepy.

Anansi is a trickster so when he invites Turtle to a party it is, of course, a scam. But turnabout is fair play, and so Anansi gets his comeuppance. Humor abounds in the energetic, droll illustrations and contemporary retelling of this traditional tale.

Children around the world make wishes. Information about what makes a wish come true follows a short poem. Each tradition is placed on a double-page spread accompanied by jewel-toned illustrations.