“Folktales are ancient wonders of the world. They come bounding out of the past as fresh, fierce, and funny as when they were first told.”
—From Folktales for a Better World
Renowned British children’s author and folktale collector Laird has published more than 100 books, many focusing on children in challenging situations around the world. In this lively retelling of seven folktales, each one from a different country, Laird selects stories offering wisdom in the face of difficult times. In “The Dog Fight,” people stop a war by throwing away their pride. A humble woodcutter showing true hospitality, a sultan choosing his successor based on a favorite animal and nine princesses saving their city from attackers without a single fight fill the pages of this delightful collection. Their stories demonstrate the power of friendship, hospitality, kindness and conflict resolution. Colorful illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini using collage, photographs and original art give each tale cultural distinctiveness, with liveliness and humor.
are aimed at young readers, adults will enjoy them as well, especially when reading them aloud to children.