The Princess and the Warrior


Book Description

In the picture book Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life. A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book ALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book! “A palette of earthy, evocative colors . . . A genuine triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) “Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony.” —School Library Journal Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths. The integration of Nahuatl words (defined with a pronunciation guide in the glossary) into the narrative provides a rich opportunity to introduce and explore another facet of ancient Aztec culture. Take your child on an adventure back in time to a land of color and beauty.




The Beggar Princess


Book Description

“You will marry the very next man who walks in that door.” As the only princess of a prosperous kingdom, I have wanted for nothing—and refused all suitors. What real man is worthy of my interest, when I secretly pen tales of handsome lords and beautiful brooding counts? But now my father has gathered up every eligible royal bachelor in all the realm. And it’s just as I suspected, not one to capture my fancy—especially King Brennus of the Wood Elves, who looks like a bandit and has the accent of a man born in a barn. I’d rather be on my own forever. I refuse them all. The last thing I expected was for my mild-mannered father to insist, in a fit of anger, that I marry the next man who walks in the door, even if he’s a peasant…and what do you know? “No, lass. I won’t let you starve. But you won’t exactly be free either. And just remember, any time you like, you can stop me. All you have to do is work or beg.” My new husband looks like a laborer and lives in a little cabin in the forest, but something tells me he’s not what he seems. He says he means to teach me humility in the form of honest work, making stew and scrubbing floors. But somehow or other, he knows all my secrets, all the deepest desires of my heart, and there is no one in the forest to hear me beg him for mercy...except the wolvenfolk who howl in the forest at night. They haven’t made any trouble in fifty years, but when the wolves are at the door, I don’t know if a peasant can save me… The Beggar Princess is a retelling of the Brothers Grimm's King Thrushbeard, a standalone fairy tale romance for those who like unabashedly adorable happily ever afters with a side of serious steaminess!




The Princess and the Beggar


Book Description

A sad princess finds happiness after marrying a beggar.




Plays for Children, Volume 2


Book Description

The story of Scheherazade is retold here in Kabuki style. Animals and birds are interchanged with humans. Symbolic use of scenery and dance movements defines the style.




Teachers Magazine


Book Description




450 More Story Stretchers for the Primary Grades


Book Description

Activities to expand children's favorite books. Primary grades.




The Beggar of Kuraku


Book Description

The city of Kuraku had been the economic epicenter of the entire Yoruba kingdom. It was a city of commerce, peace, and military power. Suddenly, it was as if the ruling spirits had a quarrel with a community they had so favored for a long time. Omens, deaths, famine, and other natural disasters became the order of the day. After several abortive steps to find answers to the helpless situation, one of the most powerful diviners was contracted to help find answers to the mystery. Adventurous steps taken by this great custodian of magic resulted in outstanding revelations and confrontations that shook not only the city of Kuraku and its environs but also the entire Yoruba kingdom. Shocking events were brought to the fore, like the mysteries surrounding a young disabled beggar in town and the emergence of other mysterious and diabolical supernatural personalities bent on changing the natural order of life as we know it not only in the land but in the entire earth if their evil plan succeeded.







The Adventures of Big Ted


Book Description

Come and meet Big Ted and join Polly and Peter as they listen to the stories of his amazing adventures!