The Tinsel Spiders

Conejito: A Folktale from Panama is a lively children's picture book that follows a small but clever rabbit on his school holiday adventure to visit his Auntie Monica. Along the way, the brave Conejito must use his quick wit to escape hungry predators like Mr. Fox, Mr. Tiger, and Mr. Lion.

People have been telling “fool stories” for as long as anyone can remember. After all, everyone has a noodlehead day now and then—a day when your brain seems to take a little vacation. As you’ll see in this collection, silly characters come in every shape and size. They might make ridiculous mistakes, mix things up, or leap before they look, but that’s what makes their adventures so much fun.

When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax.

This collection opens a window into the vibrant world of Mexican‑American traditions. Inside, readers will find lively proverbs, riddles, folktales, and songs; stories about heroes like Pancho Villa and spooky urban legends; and a look at everyday customs—from family shrines and farming rituals to charreadas, the exciting Mexican‑style rodeos. There are also children’s games, home remedies, favorite foods, crafts, clothing, and so much more.

A humorous Irish folktale-inspired read-aloud about Jamie O’Rourke, the laziest man in Ireland, who magically grows an enormous potato after meeting a leprechaun.

Have you ever played the game “Telephone,” where one person whispers a message and it travels around the circle until it comes back sounding completely different? Stories work the same way. As they’re passed from person to person—and from place to place—they stretch, twist, and grow into new versions. The stories in this book show just how powerful that “story grapevine” can be. Many of these tales have been traveling for hundreds of years. Some appear in different countries all over the world, each with its own special twist. All of them are fun to read aloud, and even more fun to tell in your own voice.

Latin America is a place shaped by many influences—Indigenous traditions, Spanish and European cultures, and the heritage of Africa. For more than thirty years, Pleasant DeSpain has traveled through this vibrant region, exploring its landscapes, meeting its people, and collecting its stories. In this collection, he shares his carefully crafted retellings of folktales, myths, and legends from countries across Latin America, including Guatemala, Haiti, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Chile.

Discover the charming Peruvian folktale The Stolen Smell, where a greedy baker tries to charge his neighbor a fee just for enjoying the scent of fresh bread.

In Anansí and Turtle Go to Dinner, the clever but selfish spider Anansí tries to trick his friend Turtle to avoid sharing a delicious meal. However, Turtle soon comes up with a smart plan of his own to teach the trickster a funny lesson about being a good host.

Set in the backwoods of North Carolina, a collection of charming tales features the clever Bruh...

In Anansí and the Tug O' War, the clever spider Anansí uses his quick wits to teach the giant Elephant and the massive Whale a lesson about respect. By challenging them both to a tug-of-war, he tricks the two large animals into pulling against each other while he watches the fun.

For a long, long time, Eastern Europe has been a place where many different peoples, languages, and traditions meet. Sometimes there were disagreements, and sometimes there was great cooperation—but through it all, people told stories. These folktales show just how diverse the region is, and each one shares a challenge that can be faced with clever thinking, bravery, and hope.