Shirley Climo

All her life, Tante had heard tales about marvelous happenings on Christmas Eve. Animals might speak aloud. Bees might hum carols, or cocks crow at midnight. Tante wished she could witness a bit of Christmas magic, too.Everybody loves Christmas at Tante's. The old lady decorates a wonderful tree and makes certain to have something for all who come to visit, be it the nearby village children or the shy animals of the pine forest. The only creatures Tante overlooks are the spiders she has swept out of her cottage while cleaning. But the curious spiders want to come inside and see Tante's tree, too. When a midnight visitor lets them into the old lady's home, they unknowingly spin Tante the very gift she has longed for--a gift that has inspired the draping of tinsel on Christmas trees ever since.This Old World tale about the warmth and wonder of Christmas will leave children enchanted with the magical possibilities of the season.

"A luminescent interpretation. Meticulously researched illustrations faithfully depict the ornate beauty of an ancient land" (Kirkus Reviews).In this jewel-like version of a classic story, popular folklorist Shirley Climo tells the tale of Settareh, the Persian Cinderella.Magic enables Settareh to outsmart two jealous stepsisters and win the heart of a prince. But where most Cinderella stories end, poor Sattareh's troubles are only beginning The unexpected plot twists will enchant readers as they rediscover the familiar tale in the lush setting of long-ago Persia.Shirley Climo's authentic details bring the story to life, and Robert Florczak's stunning paintings echo the vibrant colors and motifs of an ancient land.

"This masterfully retold version of Cinderella presents real Korean customs and includes dramatic, brightly colored illustrations" (Children's Literature).This is an enchanting and magical variant of the favorite fairy tale. Publishers Weekly noted that "the text is especially noteworthy for its instructive but unobtrusive incorporation of Korean words." Children's Literature pointed out that "it should be noted that all the illustrations--from those depicting Korean rituals to the smallest clothing details--are the result of the illustrator's extensive research and passionate interest in Korean culture."Like the tree planted to honor her birth, Pear Blossom is beautiful, and the pride of her elderly mother and father. But then her mother dies, and her father remarries. Pear Blossom's stepmother resents her new daughter's beauty.Out of jealousy, she makes Pear Blossom perform impossible chores while her own daughter, Peony, watches idly. But fortunately, Pear Blossom is not alone. With the help of magical creatures--togkabis--she can accomplish each task, and triumph over her stepmother's cruelty.Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

"This masterfully retold version of Cinderella presents real Korean customs and includes dramatic, brightly colored illustrations" (Children's Literature).This is an enchanting and magical variant of the favorite fairy tale. Publishers Weekly noted that "the text is especially noteworthy for its instructive but unobtrusive incorporation of Korean words." Children's Literature pointed out that "it should be noted that all the illustrations--from those depicting Korean rituals to the smallest clothing details--are the result of the illustrator's extensive research and passionate interest in Korean culture."Like the tree planted to honor her birth, Pear Blossom is beautiful, and the pride of her elderly mother and father. But then her mother dies, and her father remarries. Pear Blossom's stepmother resents her new daughter's beauty.Out of jealousy, she makes Pear Blossom perform impossible chores while her own daughter, Peony, watches idly. But fortunately, Pear Blossom is not alone. With the help of magical creatures--togkabis--she can accomplish each task, and triumph over her stepmother's cruelty.Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

"A stunning combination of fluent prose and exquisitely wrought illustrations" (School Library Journal). "An inventive twist on the classic tale" (Publishers Weekly).This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile.So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper’s owner and make her queen of all EgyptNotable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

"A stunning combination of fluent prose and exquisitely wrought illustrations" (School Library Journal). "An inventive twist on the classic tale" (Publishers Weekly).This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.Poor Rhodopis She has nothing--no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile.So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper's owner and make her queen of all Egypt?Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)