Folk Stories

Pratchett tells a twisted version of the Pied Piper. Maurice the talking cat and his talking rat friends and piper boy are pulling their last piper scam, except the current town already has a scam going on. The rat catchers of the town are stealing and selling food to the river trade and blaming it on the rats. Rats are hated, poison and traps everywhere, though there are no rats to be found.

The mayor's daughter, always in search of an adventurous tale, befriends the newcomers and joins with them to expose the scam and reorganize human-rat relations.

The story takes place in Discworld, with only a few references-place names, magic, mention of wizards, werewolves, vampires, etc. It has the bizarre wit expected of the series.

I enjoyed the philosophical conversations, mostly with the rats, and the second look at human interaction with animals. There are a few hilarious moments, as is typical of Pratchett. It is amazing what he can do with a few lines. One of the funniest is a reference to Discworld which is less meaningful if you haven't read more of the series (the coach robbery).

I found the book in the YA section of the library. I do not know if it was written for YA or if it was catalogued as such because of the 2 young characters.

related-rats, cats, musicians, swindlers, human-animal relationships, humorous stories, Discworld
RL=YA-adult

Beast is the part of Beauty and the Beast the reader never hears. The explanation of why Beast is no longer human. Napoli draws on Charles Lamb's 1811 description of the Beast as a Persian prince to tell the tale.

In the context of our times, it was difficult at first to read the story. The beginning atmosphere is strongly different in texture. Also, not knowing of Charles Lamb's version, my initial reaction was that it was a racial slur to say the Beast was Persian (Given the long history of animosity, it may have been in 1811 as well). However, as I read, it became apparent that Napoli was portraying the Prince as a spiritual and reasonable person. Perhaps Napoli's description of the Persian culture will open up some minds. It is also enlightening to see more personally the Beast's struggle between his human and animal instincts.

related-fairy tales, Iran, Beauty and the Beast
RL=YA   **Publisher says age 12 and up.

This book shows the land we love in a more sacred and majestic way. The legends remind us of lessons that are important to us all.
RL=2nd-3rd

My sons love this catalogue of fourteen legendary places. Included are an incredibly detailed, fold-out illustration of each place and an introductory description of each place and time. Many of the places are known historically, but little is known of them. Some are only legend or fiction even.
RL=3rd-5th

Camelot is one of two excellent books that prompted me to explore the ever-expanding selection of King Arthur books. The other is Quest for a King by Catherine M. Andronik about the historic Arthur. Camelot remains one of my favorite of all the books.

Camelot is an exciting and varied collection of original short stories touching on King Arthur, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. They are not Arthur canon, but for me they are more alive, captivating, and inspiring than the more traditional writings (with the exception of Gerald Morris's series and Mary Stewart's Merlin series.

The stories range from Merlin shifting Arthur's soul into animals to the bringing of horses to England for the first time to a staged marvel gone horribly wrong to Mordred's struggle with his fate.

RL=6th-adult

Fire is the second of this elemental series; the first was Water. McKinley and Dickinson are a husband and wife team, both having received awards on their own, both excellent storytellers. McKinley's forte is in the retelling of folk tales (such as Beauty, The Outlaws of Sherwood, and Spindle's End, though she also received a Newbery for The Hero and the Crown and a Newbery Honor for The Blue Sword. Dickinson writes fantasy with a strong sense of the historical, tending towards ancient history. The Ropemaker and A Bone from a Dry Sea are books I've read of his (He has written close to fifty. As he is British, his books are harder to come by here.).

Spirits closely related to fire would be the phoenix, hellhounds, and dragons. It's no surprise the first story incorporates the phoenix. The connection of the phoenix and the lifespan of individuals is the crux, with a forest caretaker keeping the phoenix as a companion (it cannot be called a pet with its nobility). I love their relationship, the details of the phoenix's routines, and the old retainer's life. In the second story, a hellhound is adopted as a pet, but uniquely it is fighting evil in the area. The setting is a horse stable with a young girl responsible for caring for horses and giving riding classes. I enjoyed her character and that of the hellhound the most. The third story was not as appealing to me. It seemed to me to be how a tribal community might have reacted to dragons attracted to their fires. What I like about the story is that the main character wasn't so sure it was necessary or good to destroy the nest of dragons. That was different. What I didn't like was that he went ahead and played a major part in destroying them anyway. The Salamander Man has creatures less traditionally linked to fire. But the man himself becomes full of fire when the salamanders combine their power. This is an interesting story, with wizards mostly as the bad guys. Too much power for anyone to hold, so the salamanders need to go back to their origination. The last is a dragon and dragonrider story with a young fellow training unofficially to be a healing wizard. Wizards are the 3rd rung on the ladder of respect. Though the boy has great potential, he hides because of the lack of respect. The dragonrider academy provides an opportunity for him to attract attention and gain respect for the healing profession. This is the longest and best of the stories. I would like to see it expanded into a novel. It felt like the story could have been extended so much farther.

related-mythical animals, short stories, phoenix, hellhounds, dragons, dragonriders, horses
RL=7th-adult

This book is a different take on the King Arthur legend. Sort of an anti-Arthur tale. Arthur is the leader of a group of bandits carving out a new territory for themselves from those of others. He is still Uther's (also a leader of bandits) son, one of many. Myrddin (Merlin) sees Arthur as the greatest possibility for driving the Saxons out of the land and restoring a peaceful Britannia, as in the days of Roman rule. Myrddin hails from the eastern lands that the Saxons conquered. As a bard, he weaves and embellishes the legendary tales which give Arthur the opportunity to become a king in the minds of the people. He advises Arthur, uses tricks to secure a sense of wonder among followers and listeners, and also travels alone spreading the stories.

Gwynna is a local servant girl enlisted in one of Myrddin's scams. She is transformed into a boy to hide the secret and becomes Myrddin's servant and pupil. Morphed back again when she is too old to hide her bodily changes. In any case, her close connection with Myrddin gives her the knowledge of Arthur and his community that others lack. As she grows, she observes and influences events according to her conscience.

Gwenhwyfar, in this telling, is Arthur's wife of convenience. They have no real relationship. She is a descendant of the rulers of the area, lives separately for the most part, and is only called upon in hosting political guests. There is no Lancelot. Bedwyr (Sir Bedivere), who is Arthur's nephew, is the object of her love. Medrawt, Bedwyr's older brother, is nothing like Mordred, though he is the leader in the last battle against Arthur.

Cei, Arthur's half-brother, is also caught up in the tragedy, through no fault of his own. He is in on Myrddin's trickery from the beginning, and he rules Arthur's town for him in his absence. Some say he's a better ruler than Arthur.

There is also a rendition of the Holy Grail in the story, another trick, though not Myrddin's. Peredur (Perceval) is the one to use it, and he is one of three people transformed in the book.

The story is an interesting read, more realistic than most Arthur stories. Though the telling is negative towards Arthur and Myrddin is not wizardly, Gwynna (the character revealing the tale) truly loves and admires Myrrdin. She feels betrayed by Myrrdin's scheming in the end. In response to her saying none of it mattered in the end, Myrrdin explains his motivation. She believes that no one will remember the legend after the man dies. Curiously, she does quite a bit of deceiving herself, despite her anger regarding the Arthur deceptions. Maybe because she believes her motives are more justified.

I realized something as I read the story. It does seem strange that there is so much focus on this story in our culture. It isn't realistic, but the ideal brings us closer to what might be fair treatment of people. Goals such as equality, freedom, honesty, kindness, and fairness cannot be achieved 100% of the time, but striving towards them allows us to achieve a greater measure of them. A similar notion is involved in following figures such as Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, etc. They represent perfection, something we cannot attain. But honestly trying to should mean a better community for all. If we believe instead that life is just not fair, then there is a tendency to fall far short of fairness or any other virtue, because it gives us an excuse to do as we like instead. I believe that in every era there have been a few people who have pushed for higher ideals. Though we may cringe at some of the current behavior, the dreams of better treatment are alive. We may be sneered at for being elite, but the vision is still there. We will move that direction again one day.

related-King Arthur, Merlin, bards, Great Britain, legends
RL=YA-adult

This is an excellent tale of the developmental years of Mordred, King Arthur's son who is fated to kill him. Imagine being raised with the prophecy that you would kill your father hanging over your head. How do you think such a prophecy would affect your behavior? Mordred desperately wants his father's love-the one thing he is not offered. He struggles against his fate throughout the story. It is refreshing to see Mordred depicted as a real person instead of the standard evil caricature.
related-King Arthur, Camelot, fathers and sons, knighthood
RL=6th-8th

I've seen this poem by Lindbergh a few times at our local library, mostly years ago. The illustrations always beckon me. The quilted old-timey feeling. The textures and details are alluring. Even more tiny details await perusal on the borders of the pages.

The poem is an awe-inspiring way to introduce young ones to the legend and legacy of Johnny Appleseed. Here in Maine, all things apple are popular. No wonder, with the old trees that grow along our roadsides and even hide within the forests where old homesteads have disappeared. This poem is a tribute to the pioneers and an incredible man who helped them to survive their difficult lives. It is amazing to know that he did much of what was claimed. The apple trees in Maine evoke a sense of history and a tie to those times. This poem is dripping with that sense. It is also in recognition of the apple itself with reminders of the glorious plant, the beauty of it and its bounty. A reminder also that all it takes is a little tending of the earth to achieve such bounty.

related-Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman, apple growers, tree growers, frontier and pioneer life, husbandry, stories in rhyme
RL=1st-2nd, read aloud to toddler-1st

Ashe discusses the legend of Arthur and its history and evidence of Arthur in history. He uses Malory as the basis for the legend and refers to Geoffrey of Monmouth, Nennius, and Welsh and British legend and rumor to establish a believable reference point for Arthur in British history. He also mentions a few archaeological findings to strengthen the conclusions.

The evidence that has been discovered regarding a true King Arthur is fascinating. The use of the legend through history is also intriguing-particularly King Henry VII's claim that he fulfilled the prophecy of Arthur's return. From reading of the history of Arthur, I have a much clearer understanding of British history. If what Ashe says is true, then that would make Henry VII the 1st truly British King of all England. The real Arthur was not, and between him and Henry VII are Saxons and Normans. No wonder the Tudors were popular.

There is also some discussion of the rebirth of the legend in the 20th century to present in which there are many variations. Some of this is due to discoveries and revelations about the 6th century Arthur. Some of it is due to more widespread knowledge of Welsh and British legend, and some has to do with more creative license on the part of the writers. For whatever reason there is much more available on the subject, and Ashe lists works I hadn't heard of.
RL=6th-adult

This is one of the King Arthur tales told less often. I find the introduction of Gareth's character fascinating. On arriving in Camelot, he doesn't tell his name and accepts a job in the kitchen, because he wants to be credited for his accomplishments not for being Arthur's nephew. The story is expanded upon in Gerald Morris's The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf. I enjoy Trina Schart Hyman's almost full-page illustrations. The story is accessible to young readers, but the ending will appeal more to girls because of the chivalry theme.
related-King Arthur, Gareth, the Red Knight, Beaumain, Linette and Linesse, knights, champions, quests, chivalry
RL=2nd-3rd, read aloud

This is the book I most recommend for an introduction to traditional King Arthur (for older readers-Howard Pyle). The illustrations are dramatic and captivating. The language flows well, so it is good for reading aloud or for young readers.

related-King Arthur, Merlin, Arthurian romances, folklore of England, knights, knighthood, Lancelot, Guinevere, Holy Grail, sword in the stone, Tintagel
RL=3rd-6th

In the first book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, Riordan tells a tale of Greek mythological characters roaming the modern U.S.-starting in New York City and traveling to Los Angeles. Imagine your ADHD being the result of your demigod status, unbeknownst to you! One crazy event after another happens as Percy meets more characters-especially once he learns who he is and accepts his quest. The characters and other mythological connections are well done and my favorite part of the story. The confrontations occur a little too often, but there are plenty of creative tidbits to keep readers hooked.

Percy's quest arises due to the fact that someone has stolen Zeus's master lightning bolt. He accuses Poseidon and gives him until the summer solstice to return it or prepare for World War III. Percy (short for Perseus) is appointed the task of reclaiming it. His advisers believe Hades is the culprit, so he must travel to the Underworld. Unfortunately, Zeus is not the only god missing an object of power, and matters become complicated.

Interestingly, the book reminds me of another story related to mythical stolen property, Thor's Wedding by Bruce Coville. Coville's story closely follows a Norse poem, Thrymskvitha. Riordan's does not.

All three of my sons (ages 9-16) read the book and immediately read the second book. They loved them.
related-Greek gods & mythology, monsters, family relationships
RL=4th & up

T.A. Barron always writes with a consciousness of nature and spirituality. His stories are passionate and alive. The pace is slower than what is currently popular because there is meaning in every part of the story. The language of The Lost Years of Merlin is not difficult or even challenging, but the description requires some lingering and rumination to appreciate the story.

In this series, Merlin's childhood is only loosely linked to the Merlin that the world recognizes, but I can see glimpses of the Merlin that Emrys will become. My oldest was disappointed because the story didn't seem to be truly Merlin to him. Barron points out that there is no established canon for Merlin's childhood. Merlin is different in these stories. He is the young Merlin, before he has learned wisdom. He may have the soul of a wizard, but certainly also the arrogance of one, and not balanced or kept in check by the self-restraint and wisdom necessary to be a great wizard.
related-wizards, magic, childhood and education of Merlin, identity, amnesia, second sight, friends, King Arthur, prophecy, human relationship to nature and animals
RL=6th-YA

With a sudden jolt, he realized that he could not remember anything. Where he had come from. His mother. His father. His name. His own name.

Cast from the sea onto the rocks of Wales is a boy with no knowledge of who he is or from where he comes. He soon notices a woman who says she is his mother, and they settle in a nearby village, although never truly a part of it. After a few years a momentous and life-wrenching experience propels the boy to journey in search of his past and identity. The task he must undertake on the legendary Isle of Fincayra, the bridge between the Earth and the Otherworld, sets him on a path to become Merlin, the greatest of all wizards.

This is my favorite of the series so far. I've read all but the last book. There is wisdom in each of the seven tasks he must achieve. A large step forward in Merlin's maturing process.

A group of characters combine through their separate actions to lessen Merlin's ability to defeat Valderag, the dragon. Because of an old prophecy about the confrontation, he spends most of the time looking for the Galator which he believes will give him the power he needs. The Galator has been stolen from Domnu (its last possessor), so he travels to a volcanic cave to visit a seer (not unlike Greek mythology) to find its location.

Merlin meets 2 deer people-who change back and forth between deer and people. His relationship with this brother and sister extends the series' concept of interconnectedness and helps to prepare him for his confrontation with the dragon (and confrontations in later books)-as does his relationships with Cairpré and Rhia.

The relationship with Hallia and Eremon (the deer people) and the conclusion are the strongest parts of the book. Barron does a good job of showing the reader (and Merlin) the viewpoint of the animals which impacts how he deals with other creatures in hostile situations.

The whole book seems to me to be leading up to Merlin meeting his older self (which is the best part of the book). Other than this there is less purpose to the story than the other books. Many of the happenings are accidental. There are some good moments besides, like Merlin freeing the marsh ghouls and their helping him in return (a connection to The Fires of Merlin).

One thing interesting is that Nimue in Barron's series is totally hateful and power-hungry. Normally, I don't see Nimue in this way-although there are variations in her behavior from story to story.

The setting for Merlin's older self doesn't quite fit canon either. Merlin was not imprisoned in the crystal cave as Arthur's tutor. However, it lends interesting details to Barron's story.

I need to go back and check The Seven Songs of Merlin. After reading The Mirror of Merlin, I wonder if Nimue's behavior in the bakery was only about jealousy and lust for power, or is it possible she had some contact with her older self? Did she want the sword specifically or only objects of power? Was she trying to stop Merlin through taking away the younger Merlin's power as she tries to do in this book? My feeling is that Nimue had some knowledge in The Seven Songs of Merlin that Merlin didn't have.Perhaps knowledge of the future?

I enjoyed Rhia's attempts at flight-both the swinging through the trees and the Icarus/Dedalus imitation. Her character is full of surprises and, as said about Rhia and Merlin, "full of madness." I appreciate also that this leads up to the recovery of lost wings and the history of the Forgotten Island. Shim's part in the story (though small) also adds to it. I wasn't impressed by the winged-human idea, but the story of the Forgotten Island is fittiing, and the formation of Avalon lends credibility to Merlin's choice to confront his destiny instead of staying on Fincayra.

The reintroduction of an old enemy and Merlin's sympathy and mercy are one more step towards his ultimate destiny. In the last 3 books, Merlin matures greatly and gains both wisdom and the respect of others. Though he hasn't recognized his own worth, others are starting to consider him a wizard and to see the possibility of his greatness in the future-including the immortal Dagda.
related-Merlin, wizards, forgiveness, unity, community, destiny, Avalon

This is the best picture book I've seen of the King Arthur stories. It is the only one I've seen in which the illustrations and text are equally good. Maybe the text is better than most because it is approached in a different way.

King Arthur is younger than he is normally portrayed. As a boy king he is woken by dreams of pulling the sword from the stone. To calm and reassure him Merlin tells him the story of Vortigern's fortress and the battle of the dragons. When he hears Uther's name, Arthur questions whether Uther may have had a son who will try to claim the throne, and Merlin tells him that he is Uther's son and the rightful king.

related-King Arthur, Merlin, dragons, boys, mentors
RL=3rd-4th, read aloud

This book is above picture book level but accessible to readers who aren't ready for the length of others such as Robin Lister and Howard Pyle. Some of the details are different from what I originally read but not too far off from other versions. It is a little brief and abrupt, but the pictures are attractive with illuminated borders. Some of the language is difficult for the age it is targeted, so it may have been meant for reading aloud.

related-Merlin, King Arthur, Arthurian romances, Folklore-England, knights, Sir Thomas Malory
RL=3rd-4th, read aloud

The Mitten is one of my all-time favorite children's books. The pictures are incredibly detailed and gorgeous. It is another of those excellent books that can be told totally through the illustrations. The borders of the pictures have sneak-peaks at what's still to come.

The story itself (a Ukrainian folktale) is irresistible. A boy asks his grandmother for white mittens. She warns him he'll lose them in the snow but makes them for him anyway. He does drop one in the snow almost immediately. Through the day the lovingly knitted mitten becomes a warm place to sleep for many animals. A bear's sneeze blows it up where Nicki finds it again on his way home.

The book did not receive a Caldecott Medal, but I think it is better than some of the books that have.
related-mittens, Ukraine-folklore, textiles, homemade crafts, family, habitats, sharing
RL=1st-2nd, read aloud to toddler-K

Percy's quest arises due to the fact that someone has stolen Zeus's master lightning bolt. He accuses Poseidon and gives him until the summer solstice to return it or prepare for World War III. Percy (short for Perseus) is appointed the task of reclaiming it. His advisers believe Hades is the culprit, so he must travel to the Underworld. Unfortunately, Zeus is not the only god missing an object of power, and matters become complicated.

Interestingly, the book reminds me of another story related to Zeus's stolen property, Thor's Wedding by Bruce Coville. Coville's story closely follows a Norse poem, Thrymskvitha. Riordan's does not.

All three of my sons (ages 9-16) read the book and immediately read the second book. They loved them.
related-Greek gods & mythology, monsters, family relationships, high interest/low reading level
RL=4th & up

There is more discussion of the prophecy no one wants to reveal to Percy, and the overall plot unfolds a little more. The book is as quickly paced as the first. It may not make as much of an impression as the first, perhaps because the concept was new with the first. There is an intriguing, surprise ending and some funny references to historical figures.
related-Greek mythology, gods, monsters, cyclopses, Golden Fleece, family relationships, relatives, high interest
RL=4th & up

This is possibly the most complex of the series so far with many twists in the plot-including an ending I did not guess. The mythological references come fast and furious. The gods play a bigger role in the quest itself since the consequences are increasing. I still may have liked the first book best overall; I think because it was a fresh idea. There are some memorable moments in this one, and it may be more developed psychologically. It is a great series for the age range it is written. Enjoyable for older kids also, but advanced readers may not be interested.
related-Greek mythology, monsters, gods & goddesses, manticore, friendship, family relationships, prophecy, high interest
RL=4th & up

This is the first source I read regarding the documentation of a real Arthur in British history-although from the 6th century A.D. not medieval times and as a general instead of King of all England. Conflicting information is presented, so obviously some of the facts are only claims. It is intriguing to see the possible connections between local legends, British/Welsh history, and the King Arthur stories. The author sites Geoffrey Ashe and Leslie Alcock as the foremost authorities on Arthur.

related-King Arthur, history of Arthurian romances, British antiquities, Anglo-Saxons, Celts, kings & rulers
RL=6th-YA

Maddy is the misfit in her family and town. She has a "ruinmark" which immediately causes suspicion and has some abilities she keeps secret due to puritanical views in her world. The ruinmarks are a sign of relationship to the Norse gods which were rooted out by the Order after the battle for control (Ragnorak). Maddy was befriended many years ago by an old, one-eyed traveler (her only friend). One-eye has helped her prepare for upcoming events. He is searching for an item (oracle) which he believes is buried in a local hill. He enlists Maddy's aid in retrieving it, because he knows Loki (his brother and enemy) is guarding it and wouldn't expect a young girl. The subsequent events lead to a new battle between the old gods and the Order.

I have been eyeing the book for a while. I love the title. My oldest son highly recommended it. He especially enjoyed the Norse connections and rune castings. Norse mythology is a fairly new subject for American literature. Some other related books are American Gods by Neil Gaiman (adult), Thor's Wedding (3rd-5th) by Bruce Coville, and The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer.

It took half the book for me to be hooked, but the second half is very good. Maddy's character is strong and interesting, and Loki and One-eye also add interest. The workings of the Order resemble medieval Christianity which is a part of what got me hooked. Plus, there is a twist in the planning behind the forthcoming battle and struggle for ultimate control.
related-Norse mythology, Norse gods, medieval world, magic, runes, Loki, Odin
RL=6th & up

Join Robinhood and the outlaws of Sherwood Forest in these eight original tales-including two different stories of Maid Marion, one narrative by Friar Tuck, an attempt to capture Robinhood by a young boy, and an account of an internet Robinhood versus a modern Sheriff of Nottingham.

As always Yolen's collection brings the legendary characters to life and adds new significance when viewed from fresh angles.
*Look for Camelot also-Jane Yolen's collection of King Arthur stories.
RL=4th-8th

The book will be more enjoyable for elementary readers than most Arthur stories.
related-Gawain, knights and knighthood, magic, England, chivalry, fairy and folk tales, King Arthur
RL=4th-8th

Lancelot has newly come to Camelot and has stolen Guinevere's favor. In Gawain's absence, Lancelot has also replaced Gawain in the court's esteem as the greatest knight of the kingdom.

Morris shows Gawain as the true heroic knight with some slight flaws. Lancelot may be a great sportsman, but he doesn't have the honor or wisdom of Gawain. Wisdom that Gawain has achieved through hard lessons.

The challenge of the Green Knight is borrowed from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a 14th century poem which was influenced by even earlier tales. The tournament at the end is symbolic of Gawain's replacement by Lancelot in later tellings. Time passes, and the young generation has its new heroes. Also the new story replaces the old-although the old is not necessarily forgotten by all.
related-Sir Gawain, knights and knighthood, England, magic, honor, love, loyalty
RL=6th-YA

In the story, Dinadan's father knights him against his will. Dinadan travels to Camelot where he befriends knights of the Round Table. He goes questing with others, but his foremost desire is to write and perform ballads. He prefers not to fight (like Gaheris) knowing that he is no good at it.

In his travels, Dinadan meets a Moorish knight, Palomides, who has come to England to learn what it is to be a great knight. After journeying together Palomides decides it isn't necessary to meet King Arthur and his knights. He has already met the closest to ideal that he can possibly find-Dinadan.
related-Iseult, Isolde, Tristan, Tristram, knights and knighthood, minstrels, troubadours
RL=6th-YA

In the basic story, Kai and Guinevere are abducted as the catalyst of a revolt against King Arthur instigated by Morgause. The intention is to accuse Kai and Guinevere of disloyalty, like Lancelot and Guinevere, kill them both, and weaken Arthur's rule over all of England. Lancelot and Gawain go to the rescue separately, and there is a trial by combat with Sir Meliagant, who imprisoned Kai and Guinevere, to resolve the situation. In Morris's tale there is a witness to the kidnapping (Sarah) who alerts King Arthur, which starts the rescue. As the kidnapping knight is also responsible for her mother and foster father's death, it becomes Sarah's quest as well.

The story shows Lancelot as a worthy knight again despite his past errors. One odd thing is that Morgan le Fay is shown contradictory to how others have depicted her. She and Morgause remain mysteries to me. Perhaps, that is how it should be.
related-King Arthur, Knights of the Round Table, knights and knighthood, treatment of Jews, Lancelot, England, magic, fairies, Chrétien de Troyes's Le Chevalier de la Charette (The Knight of the Cart)
RL=6th-YA

In Stardust Tristran Thorn, half faerie and raised by father and stepmother, foolishly vows to retrieve a fallen star for love. He travels the lands of the faerie on his quest for the star. Events are complicated by the sons of Stormhold's competition to gain something from the star in order to receive rule of their kingdom and a witch's desire to own the star's heart. Tristran's purpose is to prove himself worthy of the most beautiful girl of Wall (his town). He does so on his quest, but also learns more about love and life on his journeys.

The story is a rather different faerie tale. Though I'm not partial to faerie tales, I did like some aspects of the story. Yvaine, the fallen star's character, and her persistence in sabotaging Tristran's quest. The Lilim, 3 witch women with great power. The eldest transforms herself and sets off to claim Yvaine's heart. Lady Ulna, the long missing daughter of the king of Stormhold, who is held as a slave to Madame Semele, a less powerful witch. Lady Ulna is kept as a multi-colored bird when her services are not needed. The interactions between the characters with their separate goals, unknown to each other.

The writing style of this book is different from Neil Gaiman's other books. Having read American Gods, I was less impressed. The writing is not as elegant. But it is enjoyable in its own way.

related-exploration of love, freedom, faerie stories
RL=YA-adult

Stone Soup is a lesson in sharing based on a European folktale. Three visitors trick nontrusting townspeople into contributing food from their own supplies to make a soup the visitors start from stones.

Muth's version is set in a mountainous area of China. The three visitors are Buddhist monks, with the names of Zen deities, focusing on what makes people happy. There is elegance and humor in Muth's paintings and storytelling.

I have liked the folktale since reading Marcia Brown's version for a college class. It is set in France with the visitors being soldiers returning from a war, which I didn't want to read to my innocent child. I also felt uncomfortable about the explanation of the townspeople. There is a strength to the story, though the text is much simpler than Muth's version. Need to look at pictures to compare. I was impressed by Brown's story originally, but I think Muth has made a great story even better by instilling humor and grace into it. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading Marcia Brown's book. Read them both and compare for yourself.

related-sharing, community vs mistrust, happiness, generosity
RL=1st-3rd, read aloud to toddler & up

For many generations now Howard Pyle's Arthur has been one of the standards for learning of the Knights of the Round Table. T.H. White is another. Both have brief tellings of each event, but Pyle's flows better, and White's also varies more from the accepted tradition. White uses more medieval sounding language, so some might prefer the romance of it.
Sequels are:
The Story of the Champions of the Round Table (1905)
The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions (1907)
The Story of the Grail and the Passing of King Arthur (1910)
related-King Arthur, Merlin, Queen Guinevere, knights & knighthood
RL=6th-YA

This is a faithful, traditional retelling of the King Arthur stories. The main difference between this and the older standards is that the language is more modern. It compares well with Howard Pyle, just a different style.
Sequels are:
The Light Beyond the Forest (1979)
and The Road to Camlann (1981)

related-King Arthur, Queen Guenever, Sir Lancelot, knights and knighthood, Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, Tristan & Iseult, Merlin
RL=YA-adult

In this retelling of The Sword in the Stone, Jane Yolen brings the old characters to life and makes them real. She adds new twists to the story with her usual flair. Her version focuses mainly on the weak position that Arthur is in as High King of a country normally split into factions fighting against each other. It is a good story for someone who has not already been enchanted by the Arthur stories, and those who already love the stories will enjoy Yolen's additions.
related-King Arthur, knighthood, trickery, magic
RL=5th-8th

Quirky retelling of a norse myth. Interesting & humorous!

A giant manages to steal Thor's hammer. The story revolves around the lengths Thor(and his goat boy) must go to retrieve it. The story was taken from an ancient Norse poem called the Thrymskvitha.
RL=3rd-5th

This is a retelling of a tale read to me over and over as a child, The Three Billy Goats Gruff. There is the addition of sharing the fare, plus extra folk characters and the opportunity to count the coins. No scary eating of the goats, just desserts for the troll, and the travelers didn't cheat the troll. I don't know what appealed to me as a child, but I like this version better. The emphasis is on silliness and inferences instead of scariness.

Probably the best part is the great pictures. Dramatic poses and emotional faces and a bright sharpness steal the show for an experience that would have been excellent even without the fractured fairy tale story.

related-The Three Billy Goats Gruff, folk tale retellings, characters in literature, humorous stories, sharing
RL=1st-3rd, mostly read aloud toddler-1st

Walter de la Mare's version of The Turnip, originally a folktale by the Brothers Grimm, is smooth and forceful. It is a beloved tale told again and again, perhaps none more clearly than this.

Two brothers with separate lives-one a hardworking farmer, the other a miser-approach the king. The farmer gives the king his wondrous turnip and is given favor in return. The miser trades his wealth for a jewel to give to the king. His reputation proceeds him, and he is given a slice of his brother's turnip. The comparison of the brothers reflects the difference in character and also the wealth in life that is not about money and stuff. This is, again, a very didactic tale made enjoyable through the depth of the story and magnificent pictures.

The richness and exaggeration of the illustrations are perfect. The borders are brilliant. Several of the pictures are fantastic on their own and would make great story starters, but they also work well to emphasize the story.

related-fairy tales, folklore-Germany, Brothers Grimm, generosity and greed, kings, brothers
RL=2nd-3rd, mostly read aloud to pre-K and up

Every aspect of King Arthur and his kingdom is described here: the knights and knighthood, the enchanters and enchantresses, the ladies of the court, manners and life in the Medieval world, the places associated with Arthur's life, writers and troubadours, popular stories, the differences between the romances and real Arthur, and fantastic beasts and magical happenings. The thorough discussion along with the attractive paintings are a delight for those wanting to know King Arthur's world.

related-Merlin, Uther, Excaliber, Lady of the Lake, sword in the stone, Knights of the Round Table, Avalon, Glastonbury, the Holy Grail
RL=4th-6th

This is a good introduction to King Arthur for young kids. It follows the traditional tellings-although skipping over the behavior of Uther regarding Igraine (Igerna) and the pact with Merlin to give Arthur away and ending with the gift of Excaliber. The pictures are appealing in a bright and luminous way. It works well either as a read aloud for pre-K or a beginning reader (up to 4th grade).

related-King Arthur, Merlin, sword in the stone, England
RL=2nd-4th