Best Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, & Myths: Ages 4-8
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Puffin (March 1, 1996)
Summary v.1
This book takes about how the wolf belonging to the store of the three little pigs is not required to be big or bad. This wolf justifies the journey to the pigs’ houses because of requiring some sugar to be able to bake a cake for the birthday of his dear Granny. The book explains that the wolf was only minding his business, stating that his huffing and puffing was only because he had a really bad cold, which caused him to gigantically sneeze. He states that his eating the pig was only because he did not want the good meat to go waste. It finally shows how the pig talks about the whole story from the prison stating that he was just framed.
Summary v.2
This is a great book sprinkled with humor, about the narration of the perspective of the wolf. He tries to justify his actions when he devoured the three little pigs. He states why he proceeded to the pigs’ house with the sole purpose of borrowing sugar to bake for his granny, how his cold make him sneeze that brought down their house and how he had to eat them only to keep the perfectly good ham from going waste! As a final shot, the wolf feels he has been falsely tricked and thrown behind bars. The story is entertaining and witty.
Summary v.3
This book talks about how the infamous wolf went to the store of the three little pigs. The wolf stands up for himself as he tries to explain that he went over to get sugar. It was important for him to get the sugar he needed so he could bake a cake for his grandmother. In this book you will see that the wolf actually had a very bad cold that caused him to sneeze. He did not want to waste any good meat so that is why he ate the pigs. From a prison cell the wolf is able to explain how he was set up and framed.
The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt and Tim Jonke
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Chariot Victor
Publishing (July 1999)
Summary v.1
The book revolved around three trees situated on a mountain and dream of what they want to become when they grow up. One of them wants to become a treasure chest, while the other a signpost to almighty God and the third an ocean going boat. They story goes to show how their wishes turn to reality in a way they never thought. This book touches the heart of every child as they try to understand for the very first time the importance of Jesus Christ’s life and his sacrifice for humankind on the cross.
Summary v.2
This is a moving story of three sylvan trees, each wishing to be something different when they grow up. One wants to be a treasure chest, the second, wishes to be used to make a signpost for the Almighty and the third tree hopes to be shaped into a large ocean bound vessel. In a peculiar way, each of their wishes is granted. This is an endearing book where the young reader is introduced to Jesus Christ, our Savior who sacrificed His life and was crucified for man’s well being. The book is inlaid with colorful pictures that enhance its worth.
Summary v.3
The Tale of Three Trees is a wonderful book about the trees that live on a mountain and talk about what it will be like when they grow up. Their wishes of what they would like to be are very cute. One of the trees actually wishes to be a treasure chest. You will have to read the book to find out what the other two trees want to be. Dreams eventually turn into reality in this book because it comes true! It is a very charming story that you and your child are sure to love.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation by Lewis Carroll and Robert Sabuda
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover
Pop-Up: 12 pages
Publisher: Little Simon (October 1, 2003)
Summary v.1
Robert Sabuda brings the world of Alice to life by the amazing three-dimensional pictures that are detailed, incredibly imaginative and executed beautifully. Merging with these pictures is the story written by Lewis Carroll gives a fresh and new look to the story that offers details that add magic to the experience of reading. These events unfold themselves featuring a huge pop up and also a narrow booklet that shows the pages that has the text also giving the reader the ability to view the pop ups. The first of the scenes shows Alice along with her sister on the banks of a river and all the faces of the characters being camouflaged into the background trees. Considered too delicate this book is still used for displays and showing off.
Summary v.2
This is an all time favorite, richly illustrated with three dimensional pictures that bring alive the actual scenic setting of each episode of the book. The story of Alice along with her sister seated on the river bank is beautifully narrated and the reader begins to feel a close bond with the sisters. The magic spell that is cast as one proceeds with the book is truly amazing and all-encompassing. The thrill of meeting all the characters of the Wonderland is cleverly given a boost as the reader proceeds page after page. The enchanting story is full of witty humor and dialogues.
Summary v.3
Author Robert Sabuda does a wonderful job bringing this adaption to life. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is alive in this popup book. It is beautifully illustrated and you will notice all of the wonderful art work. The pictures merge with the amazing text that Lewis Carrol writes. The two go hand in hand to deliver a great reading experience for you and your child. The story unfolds before your eyes so you are amazed at what you are looking at all of the time. It is a great little book for you to keep in your child’s book collection. This is a delicate book that would be great for show and tell.
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Theodor Geisel - Dr. Seuss
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Library Binding: 72 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 12, 1961)
Summary v.1
This brilliant collection of stores revolves around the themes of values such as diversity, individuality value and that of confronting fears. The commentaries in the book are very subtle as compared to other books, it tries to convey the message that the most valuable of all is diversity, shows how important the message is. This book has all the opportunities of teaching in class and also in a family. The language in the text is flamboyant and fun which makes it a complete joy while reading. Since the stories talk about imaginary responsibilities and characteristics, it helps in inspiring wonderment amongst both the young and old.
Summary v.2
This is a repository of four short but educative stories. The author ingeniously plays around significant social concerns like diversity, individuality overpowering dread, racialism and gender to name a few. The restrained manner in which the commentary is made, is indeed insinuating. The values highlighted in this book are easy to impart to a class of students or within a family. The messages conveyed through the four stories are of extreme importance for the upward progress of society and this makes the book highly important for persons of every age bracket, proving to be a pleasure to read and reread.
Summary v.3
The Sneetches and Other Stories is a wonderful book that is filled with teaching your kid that it is okay to be an individual. If you are looking for a book that is uplifting and something to spread
positively to your child this is a great read. There are subtle commentaries in this book about virtues. Your child will get the point of the messages in this book after reading it. Not only does this book make a wonderful teaching tool, it can also be amazing during playtime. The language used in the book is very kid friendly and upbeat.
Beatrix Potter The Complete Tales by Beatrix Potter (Illustrated edition)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Warne (October 19, 2006)
Summary v.1
This beautiful edition brings to show how all of the 23 verses and tales of Beatrix potter merge together in just
one book. Every story is unabridged and complete with all the illustrations both in black –white and color included. The tales of potter are connected with real places, animals and people. Therefore, every story has a brief note in the introduction stating the history. Also as bonus to this book, the complete tales also includes four other stories of Potter that could be published during her lifetime. The characteristics portrayed in every story are full of love, life, and an absolute pleasure to read.
Summary v.2
This is an unabridged version of the most historic collection of twenty three poems and stories of Beatrice potter. It reinforces important social issues and is fit for the young and the old alike. Being an evergreen classic, it is read by people for its absolute beauty and rhythmic flow. The illustrations are unsurpassable with brilliant colors and vivid imagination. The moral conveyed by the book are perfect as bed-time stories when kids are relaxed and have their attention focused. It is a great read for children when they are over with picture books but have not reached chaptered book age.
Summary v.3
In this edition, there are 23 stories that are brought to life for you to enjoy. Beatrix Potter is an amazingly charming character that you will love. The illustrations in this book are memorable and drawn well. The tales of Beatrix Potter are connected to real places, people, and events. The book places historical markers throughout the book so you will know which story relates to that particular event. There is a bonus included with this set. An additional four stories are added in to make this a perfect set. The characters portrayed in this book are amazing and you will find them to be absolutely terrific.
The Empty Pot (An Owlet Book) by Demi
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 15, 1996)
Summary v.1
The message that is conveyed through this book to individuals of all religions, background or creed is timeless. This is a perfect story to narrate to children about the values behind telling nothing but the truth, however harsh it may be. In life, telling the truth may not win the individual a prize but standing up for the right is considered a great quality and is something that many individuals lack in this corrupt world. This story teaches the next generation to be honest and stand unbiased only for the truth. The moral message and illustrations including pictures are a delight for children to understand its importance.
Summary v.2
The underlying concept on which this eternal book is based is the importance of truth. The novel pays great attention to the minutest details and kids at once identify with the many children in the book. As they do this, they are automatically instilled with the positive values of life, especially honesty. They learn to always speak the truth without a thought to the consequences. In today’s world where corruption and cheating predominate, the book offers a wonderful way to wean kids in the right direction. The picturesque book proves to be an asset as youngsters visual senses are very sharp.
Summary v.3
In this book there is a powerful message that is important to everyone regardless of their religion. There is a powerful statement to kids to always seek and tell the truth no matter how hurtful it may be. In our world it is easy to see the outcomes of what happens when people continue to lie. Our world would not be as corrupt as it is had everyone just decided to be honest. This book tries to reach younger children and let them know that it is not okay to lie. The illustrations in this book go very well with the story’s message.
The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Warne (October 14, 2002)
Summary v.1
This book is considered to be the best collections of the artwork, which is perfect for a gift to any girl who is special in your life. Fairies and the author Cicely Mary barker are synonymous. The complete book of flower fairies has proved to be a favorite amongst many readers since it is inclusive and has many paintings that have been displayed beautifully as an enlarger version that shows the most amazing and minute details at a degree that is satisfying. The interior of this book also has the poems and illustrations all from the eight original books of Barker, and a selection of the rhymes that keeps every girl hooked on.
Summary v.2
This book is a source of pure pleasure for young girls. The author, Mary Barker is famous for her fairy tales and does a remarkable job of bringing the world of fantasy to reality. The magical collection of rhymes and fables, thrill the hearts of young and aspiring to be young adults. The delicate style with which the author describes the flowers and the fairies associated with them is extremely lovely. A visionary and literary delight, the series of books is artistic merger of all that is sweet and enchanting in its narration. It leaves behind a tremendous impact on its readers.
Summary v.3
If you are in search of a fantastic gift set for a little girl this is the book! It is filled with amazing artwork that she will love. If she likes anything with a fantasy element you will make her happy with The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies. This is a terrific book because it is filled with some of the finest fairy drawings you have ever laid eyes upon. It is filled with a large range of ideas and imagery. Cicely Mary Barker does a great job of keeping the fairy magic alive. The inner fairy within you will come out as you read this.
Cinderella: A Pop-Up Fairy Tale by Matthew Reinhart
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover
Pop-Up: 12 pages
Publisher: Little Simon (October 25, 2005)
Summary v.1
The author has given a completely new dimension to the very famous story of Cinderella that we might have never seen before. He treats the readers with pages of beautiful pop ups that are animated. Every pop up of this book has to been seen to be able to appreciate its content and animation. Every page brings about the magic that helped Cinderella find her prince. This book is perfect to gift as well as for all those little princesses as a bedtime novel that they can enjoy hearing and watching.
Summary v.2
This is a perfect reincarnation of the legendry story of Cinderella, brought forth by Mathew Reinhart with so much to devour and see. The perennial charm that Cinderella radiates till date is reiterated with greatest aplomb which is unique to the author. The book of visual treat is due to its pop-up magical pictures by Robert Sabuda. The climax where the heroine meets her Prince Charming is dexterously reached at with the intricately woven words and illustrations worth a lot of admiration. The reader is transported to lands of fantasy and of fairies, getting lost in the novel’s captivating halo.
Summary v.3
Mathew Reinhart has a terrific popup book about Cinderella. The classic tale comes to life when each page is turned. If you have a little princess at home, she will appreciate this charming tale that has been told for many years. Seeing the wonderful work will make your child happy and they will want to see the popup over and over again. It is heartwarming and filled with lovely text alongside the artwork. This is a quick and entertaining read that would be perfect for playtime. For the perfect princess book, read Cinderella A Pop-Up Fairy Tale and enjoy the praises.
Golden Books Treasury of Elves and Fairies by Jane Werner Watson and Garth Williams
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Golden Books (December 21, 1998)
Summary v.1
A favorite storybook that has lasted out fifty years amongst many individuals. "The Golden Books Treasury of Elves & Fairies" shows a collection of all the timeless stories and poems that covers everything from leprechauns and brownies to witches and mermaids accompanied by lovely illustrations that is indeed a treat to the eye. The illustrations help children understand every story compiled well, it is a perfect bedtime story book for all children with its images and color pictures making it a complete joy. The stories and poems are pensive, moving, fun and exciting. This is a book that grownups will not mind reading and children will not mind listening over and over again.
Summary v.2
A great favorite among the young generation, this popular book is held in high esteem by many people. It is a collection of reputed stories and poems about a wide variety of subjects like elves, brownies, witches, fairies and mermaids. Owing to its innumerable topics, it successfully touches the hearts of each and everyone. The book is full of colorful images that send the child’s fantasies into an endless flight and at bed-time, culminates with him falling asleep with fanciful dreams about the stories just read. The reader improves his vocabulary and learns to enjoy the rhythmic style of story-telling.
Summary v.3
This is not just a book about fairies and elves. In this wonderful book you will notice that there are also mermaids and everything magical. The artwork inside the book is breathtaking. Young readers will enjoy seeing the text and illustration together. It makes for a very wonderful reading time and is so entertaining to say the least. Adults will be able to tolerate the tales in the book and your child will not want to put this book down. If you are looking for a new addition to add to your book collection stop and get this book!
You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Mother Goose Tales to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman and Michael Emberley
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young
Readers (July 6, 2005)
Summary v.1
This book has eight tales to offer and inspire a reader’s experience. The placements and colors of the text on different pages show the parts. The selections of all the tales have a very happy ending, for example, in the store of “jack and the beanstalk”, the ogre of the story shares his treasured with the little boy, while on the other hand little red riding hood and the bad wolf go for lunch together and they read while waiting for the food. Verses present are not flattering or forced; the voices just join seamlessly to be able to create the magic of delightful reading amongst many readers. The humorous illustrations are very expressive that are drawn in watercolors and pastels scattered all through the texts.
Summary v.2
The novel comprises of eight stories which are a class apart from all other children’s books. Well designed to capture the reader’s imagination, each story within is full of life, colors and as all of them end on a happy note, the book has fast become a dearly loved piece of literature. One of the stories, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, has the giant splitting his riches with Jack and Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf have an enjoyable meal together. The pictures are done in watercolors and pastels and enliven the simple narration of some of the most fabulous tales.
Summary v.3
In this selection, you will be able to read eight wonderful tales. When the book was constructed, there were several details that were highlighted for your enjoyment. You will be delighted to know that each tale has a very happy ending. This is great because it can make your child ecstatic and there will not be any nightmares before bedtime. A true artist will enjoy this book because there are pastels used in the art work. Also, the illustrations in the book are very humorous. Mary Ann Hoberman and Michael Emberly are two very creative individuals that have put together a wonderful children’s book.
|
