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In Native cultures, the night is a crucial part of the Great Circle and balance in the universe. In the tradition of the best-selling Keepers of the Earth and Keepers of the Animals, this collection offers unique ideas about understanding the natural world by looking at it through a nocturnal lens. Resources and activities include legends and myths, puppet shows, stargazing guides, campfire topics, and traditional dances.

A long time ago, fire belonged only to the animals in the land above, not to those on the earth below. Curlew, keeper of the sky world, guarded fire and kept it from the earth. Coyote, however, devised a clever plan to steal fire, aided by Grizzly Bear, Wren, Snake, Frog, Eagle, and Beaver. Beaver Steals Fire is an ancient and powerful tale springing from the hearts and experiences of the Salish people of Montana.

Sophisticated listeners will appreciate the dramatic readings of Greek myths.

A cat befriends a monk and brings good fortune to his rundown temple in this handsomely illustrated retelling narrated by Tama, the feline hero.

The western U.S. was indeed wild in the 19th century. Brief sketches of strong, brave but little known women who were part of it are glimpsed in fascinating book

Vivid retellings and luminous illustrations reinvigorate Greek myths.

An important credo of Native life states that you can learn while you play and play while you learn. Readers can pore over intriguing stories and play these fun-filled games as they learn how global thought and beliefs can transcend their own lives. Sample themes, stories, and games include the Ball Players in the Sky (Passamaquoddy); Gluskabe Brings the Summer (Abenaki); and Nanabush and the Ducks (Anishinabe).

According to Santa Ana Pueblo legend, the animals’ spirit Leader created the sun, moon, and stars by using woven yucca mats and hot coals. He selected certain animals to climb from their homes in the Third World up to the Fourth World, but Coyote was forbidden to accompany them because he was always causing trouble and stealing food from the others. Regardless of what he was told, Coyote refused to stay in the Third World. Coyote’s punishment is a lesson in what happens to animals, or people, when they refuse to obey instructions.

While exploring the land around their village, Sister Girl and Young Wolf stray too far. After narrowly escaping a roaring prairie fire, the siblings find themselves lost and frightened in the dark, open land until the Star People, ‘the spirits of the Old Ones who once walked on the earth,’ offer comfort and guidance home. In clear, captivating language, Nelson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, tells a stirring, original story based on Lakota legend. The swirling images of the celestial dance beautifully reflect the story’s celebration and awe of the natural world. — Booklist

A dog saved the people of Nome, Alaska in 1925 when a sled team was the only way to fetch essential diphtheria serum during a blizzard. Balto led that team, but his story continues in this engagingly told and illustrated book when the brave canine is in turn helped by America’s children.

Ida Lewis grew up on the sea as she and her parents kept the Lime Rock Lighthouse in Rhode Island. The story of how Ida saved numerous seafarers in the period before modern technology is revealed in dramatic illustration and readable text — ideal for sharing aloud.

Author/illustrator and self-taught naturalist Jim Arnosky introduces mysteries that surround unknown animals: “cryptozoology.” Dramatic illustrations combine with an informative, engaging text to present a range of land and water creatures, starting with ocean giants, sharks, and squids.

Young Zeus — the Greek god who grew up to rule on Mount Olympus — is introduced with contemporary language and lighthearted illustrations. The large format effectively supports the myth’s grand proportions.

Angelica Longrider, the “wildest wildcat in Tennessee” and larger than life (first introduced in Swamp Angel) moves to the open spaces of Montana where she finds a fine, feisty steed to be her sidekick. This original tall tale is folksy in its telling and exaggerated paintings, and sure to please.

Realistic illustrations and a straightforward retelling of one episode of the legendary Robin Hood’s triumph in an archery contest provides a satisfying, accessible introduction to the heroic outlaw and his band of Merry Men.

This offbeat and slightly irreverent original story invents a tale about the creation of the universe; it was made in the kitchen of Mr. & Mrs. God. Older readers will enjoy the humor of the verbal sparring between the duo and in the homespun look of the light-handed illustrations.

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.

Elegant illustrations decorate this free verse retelling of the young woman whose curiosity about the contents of a forbidden jar brought trouble into the world. A large format and limited text make this sophisticated telling more accessible.

When Max invades his sister’s private space, Ruby tells him the story of what happened long ago to another too-curious character named Pandora. Wells’ retelling and humorous illustrations make the ancient Greek myth a timely tale for contemporary readers.

In this installment of friends known as the Time Warp Trio, Joe, Fred, and Sam meet key figures from ancient Greek mythology when they’re transported back to Mount Olympus. It all started during a school play about ancient Greece…

Brief retellings of Greek myths and a brief introduction to the gods and goddesses are presented in this thin, attractive volume. Though not as comprehensive as the d’Aulaires book, this is a useful beginning point.

This richly illustrated, clearly presented look at Greek mythology begins with the first children of Mother Earth, the Titans, to the end of the Greek gods and goddesses’ reign. Similarly, this husband/wife duo introduces younger readers to the mythology of the north in D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths.

Just like the golden touch of King Midas of the old Greek myth, young John Midas’ greed about candy turns sweet into bitter when he magically gains the ability to turn everything he touches into chocolate. This very funny take on an old tale is a classic in its own right and makes clear the Midas moral.

The essence of Homer’s Iliad is captured by Sutcliff’s rich language combined with dramatic watercolor illustrations. The same team also presents Homer’s other well known epic tale in The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey. These retellings present the entire stories that involve the gods and goddesses and their impact on humans. They are fast-paced, sometimes grisly tales that together make fine stories for more sophisticated readers.