A Donsy of Gnomes
7 gentle gnome stories

Written and Illustrated by Siegline De Francesca

Softbound

$14.95

A Donsy of Gnomes is just one of the dearest books ever. The wee folk who live in it will become fast friends with all the young children who get to meet them. And, these charming natural/magical little people come bringing gifts ~ in the most delightful ways possible they teach wee lessons, happily and by example, in generosity, selflessness, resourcefulness, courage and friendship.

This is just a perfect little book for young children. Take your child on a charming and jaunty journey though the worlds of the gnomes. It's just the thing for sweet dreams at night or a pause in teh midst of a busy day. I predict that this will be one of hte books that will remain alive in your children's hearts long after they have grown and have children of their own.

A joy to be shared with children ages 3 and up!

The Little Troll

Thomas Berger and Ronald Heuninck

Hardbound, large format

$17.95

“Deep in the forest among fir trees and lakes, there lived a troll and his friends. Short and squat with matted hair and small red-rimmed eyes, the little troll was very ugly to look at ...”

Ages 4 and older.

Warm and inspirational, this story shows how helping others will bring out the best in one’s self.... The illustrations alone are captivating, and the author’s writing flows beautifully. The story line has an ‘ugly’ little troll wishing he were human, as he admires their upright walk, clear eyes, and fine voices. In contrast, the other trolls hiss and howl and hate anything sunny, light and good, and they speak roughly and coarsely. Wishing to better himself, the little troll heeds advice he overhears at a cottage window as a father tells his son, ‘If you want to be a real man, you must learn to think of others more than yourself. If you don't help and serve others, you’re nothing better than a troll.’ The little troll follows this new path in spite of jeers and roughness endured from the other trolls. Woven into the story is the importance of community (and church, but in a light, non-denominational way). I rarely can read the story clear through without getting a little teary-eyed at the fine ending.

—A reader from Petersburg, AK

The Hut in the Forest

A Grimm's Fairy Tale

Illustrated by Bettina Stietencron

Hardbound

$17.95

Beautiful, atmospheric illustrations bring this classic Grimm’s fairytale to life. A woodcutter’s daughter encounters a small house in the woods, along with an old man, a hen, a rooster, and a spotted cow. She makes dinner for the man but not for the animals — and she doesn’t return home. The next sister follows, with the same fate. Finally, the youngest sister discovers the hut, but this time everything is different!

This is a classic fairytale from the Brothers Grimm about selflessness and looking after everyone equally.

(Ages 5–8)

Hansel and Gretel

Jacob an Wilhelm Grimm

Illustrated by Anastasiya Archipova

Hardbound

$17.95

This is one of my favorite fairy tales because it is so very beautiful and so very rich in the wisdom of the human heart. This version wondrously tells every single part of the story, including the ride home on the duck's back, which for some reason is often omitted. The fact that it is illustrated by Anastasiya Archipova adds another element of truth and beauty for our children and ourselves to find. A book for all generations.

Little Red Riding-Hood

A Grimm's fairy tale

Illustrated by Marjan van Zeyl

Hardbound

$17.95

This is the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of a little girl who goes through the woods to deliver food to her grandmother.

I love this book because Marjan van Zeyl’s luminous illustrations are soft and glowing, just right for our children.

(Ages 5-8)

Briar Rose

Illustrated by Caroline Mason

Softbound

$11.95

This favorite Grimm's fairy tale is beautifully retold with soft, luminous, radiant watercolor illustrations. Just right for young children.

Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Favourite Grimm's Tales

Illustrated by
Anastasiya Archipova

Hardbound, Large Format

$25.00

If you can have only one collection of fairy tales, this is the one to get. A practically perfect selection of the best-loved of the Grimm's collected tales, retold with a simplicity worthy of their depth, and illustrated with a beauty and innocence that will invite a child's heart of roam these worlds, Favourite Grimm's Tales is one of the best books to appear this season. This is truly the "stuff that dreams are made of."

Favourite Tales from Hans Christian Anderson

Illustrated by Anastasiya Archipova

Hardbound, Bound Ribbon Bookmark, Large Format

$30.00

Anastasiya Archipova's incomparable illustrations bring to life the wonder and mystery of these well-known and well-loved stories from Hans Christian Anderson. The stories chosen for this collection are also some of my personal favourites from my own childhood - stories that I think every child who hears them will carry in their hearts for life. I can't recommend this beautiful book highly enough.

Included are:

• The Swineherd
• The Princess and the Pea
• The Snow Queen
• The Emperor's New Suit
• The Brave Tin Soldier
• The Little Match-Seller
• The Little Mermaid
• The Fir Tree

Sleeping Beauty

A Grimm's Fairy Tale

Illustrated by Martina Müller

Hardbound, large format

$16.95

One of the most beloved fairy tales, told in many ways throughout the world, this beautifully illustrated edition does justice to the vision of this story with its great themes of innocence, destiny, protection and redemption. A worthy offering and a gift to any child.

Fairy Tales

Margaret Peckham

Stapled booklet

$5.50

In this little booklet are six fairy tales, created by a master Waldorf teacher for her first graders. Each is a story that is "just right" and most worthy of warm regard with which this collection is held in Waldorf circles. A lovely way to guide a child toward new adventures in learning.

Contents:

• The Little Prince and the Sun (First Day Story)
• The Little Prince at School (Second Week)
• The Proud Prince
• The Secret and Magic Name of the King
• The Queen Who Lost Things
• The Little Boy and the Four Elements (Number Story)

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Collected & Retold by Nelson Mandela

Illustrated by specially commissioned paintings by African artists.

Hardbound, dust jacketed
Oversize Format

$24.95

It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela's Favorite Folktales is a cause for celebration, a landmark work that gathers in one volume many of Africa's most cherished folktales. Mandela has selected these 32 tales with the specific hope that Africa's oldest stories, as well as a few new ones, be perpetuated by future generations and be appreciated by children thoughout the world.

In these beloved tales, rich with the essence of Africa, we meet, among others, a Kenyan lion named Simba, a snake with seven heads, and a trickster from Zulu folklore; we hear voices of the scheming hyena and learn from a Khoi fable how animals acquired their tails and horns. There are several creations myths that take us to the beginnings of all things and people.

As good as the tales are the lavish and beautiful illustrations - they offer a rich backdrop to this treasure chest of stories.

This is a wonderful addition to the world of folklore and a gift to families and children. Enjoy, enjoy!

Liputto
Stories of Gnomes and Trolls

Jakob Streit

Illustrated by Susanne A. Mitchell

Softbound

$16.00

From the northern realms of the Old World come these delightful stories of gnomes and trolls, told in Jakob Steit's characteristically heartwarming way. Children and adults will be captivated by the wee folk in all these tales - and by their courage and goodness. Especially wonderful in first grade - but cherished by all ages.

The Troll of Tree Hill

Judy Large

Illustrated by Thomas Nelson

Softbound, large format

$18.95

Judy Large's Troll of Tree Hill is a great addition to the world of children's literature. Taking up an unusual theme - that of a Troll who doesn't like humans (many don't, we learn) yet finds his homeland "invaded" - Large does something that children's books used to do more often: she tells a long story. This richly illustrated story (Thomas Nelson's black and white half-tones both beautiful and abundant) is one that will captivate children and parents for days and days, keeping everyone waiting to discover what the troll will do next, how will the people respond. All the while, you'll find your heart opening to this little grumpy fellow. My prediction is that this is a storybook you'll often pull off the shelf to tell "one more time." A true gift for children ages 8 to 108 (or more).

Swedish Folk Tales

Illustrated by John Bauer

Hardbound, large format, richly illustrated with amazing paintings

$30.00

from "Leap Elk and Little Princess Cottongrass"

This dazzling collection of twenty-nine illustrated stories, retold by some of the greatest Swedish writers, includes:

• “When Mother Troll Took in the King’s Washing” by Elsa Beskow
• “The Magician’s Cape” by Anna Wahlenberg
• “Leap the Elk and the Little Princess Cottongrass” by Helge Kjellin
• “The Four Big Trolls and Little PetHer Pastureman” by Cyrus Granér
• “The Trolls and the Youngest Tomte” by Alfred Smedberg
• “The Ring” by Helena Nyblom
• “The Seven Wishes” by Alfred Smedberg
• “Stalo and Kauras” by P. A. Lindholm
• “The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds” by Harald Ostenson
• “The Boy and the Trolls, or the Adventure” by Walter Stenström
• “The Crofters and the Gnomes” by Anna Wahlenberg
• “The Golden Key” by W. E. Björk
• “The Giant Who Slept for Ten Thousand Years” by Einar Rosenborg
• ... and many more!

John Bauer’s original and evocative illustrations bring these classic Swedish folk tales to life. His art seems to me to be a combination of earthly idealism and a fascintating evocation of spiritual reality (or perhaps "elemental reality"). It is no wonder that he is so beloved in Sweden. This collection, paired with his paintings, makes this a book to treasure for generations.

Because of the complexity of some of the themes, as well as the rather robust encounters of humans and elemental beings, I personally recommend this collection for children ages 9 and older, though some of the stories are appropriate for younger children.

The Enchanted Kingdom

Guido Visconti

Illustrated by Maria Battaglia

Hardbound

$14.95

This is a delightful and beautifully illustrated story of the magic of a child's imagination brought to life through art. The story begins in a sun-scorched kingdom where there are no trees, no birds, and no flowers. One day a merchant arrives, bringing a precious tapestry with birds and trees woven of gold and silver. "In my country," the merchant says, "we have so many trees, bright with leaves and flowers and fruit. Birds sing in their branches. Children play in their shade." The king's daughter is inspired by the tapestry birds, and since there are no birds anywhere in the kingdom, she sets out to find an artist who will paint birds for her. As the child and the wise old painter work together, their pictures come to life, filling the once desert kingdom with sweet birdsong and plants and flowers of every color and kind. This is an excellent story for children 5-7. You'll like it, too!

The Valley of Mist

Arcadio Lobato

$16.95

In a distant country there is a deep valley always covered in mist. The people there have never seen the Sun; they believe their elders, who tell them that nothing exists beyond their valley. Then, one day Stefan's grandfather tells him of a sunlit world on the other side of the mountain. This story tells of the young boy's journey to find that world. A lovely tale of the wondrous light we can all find if we believe enough to keep looking. Ages 4-8.

The Woman Who Outshone the Sun
La mujer que brillaba aún más que el sol

A duel language book
From a poem by Alejandro Cruz Martinez

$7.95

The Woman Who Outshone the Sun is a Mexican legend of Lucia Zenteno, a beautiful woman who arrives in a mountain village with an iguana at her side and hair so glorious it outshines the sun. How the villagers react to her extraordinary presence - and how she responds to them - form this story, beautifully retold in both English and Spanish. For reading to children in their mother tongue, ages 4-5 and up. For children to practice English or Spanish as a second language, at the end of the first year of instruction to the middle of the second year.

The Story of Colors
La Historia de los Colores
a folktale in both English and Spanish from the jungles of Chiapas

Subcomandante Marcos

Illustrated by
Comitila Domínguiz

$8.95
Softbound

Once upon a time, of course, the world was black and white with gray in between. Black and white and gray? This understandably bored and angered the gods, so they went looking for other colors to brighten the world for the people. How the gods found all the colors in the world is told in melodic Spanish and warm English, accompanied by gloriously vivid paintings. This story is a great find and will be loved by children ages 3 and up. The Spanish is complex enough to engage upper grades English speakers in a translation journey of epic proportions - some will love the challenge. For Spanish speakers, the English is at a mid-grades reading level.

A note here: I thought for a long time before including this wonderful folktale in our book shop. Not because of the folktale - it well deserves any honors we can think to heap upon it - but because it is told by the leader of the Zapatista revolutionary movement and published by the movement's supporters who make it clear on the dust jacket that they consider this civil war to be a manifestation of great goodness. I am not of the opinion that any violent revolution has ever moved the world forward very far. You may or may not think differently. Should you share my view, I would suggest simply removing the dust jacket and delighting in a very well-told version of one of the worlds best folktales.