Mythology and Folklore Books
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Mythology and Folklore Books sorted by
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Seven Daughters and Seven Sons
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (1999-10)
List price: $15.80
New price: $15.80
Used price: $12.64
Used price: $12.64
Average review score: 

great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-30
Review Date: 2008-04-30
One of the best books I've ever read.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-16
Review Date: 2008-04-16
This book is flat out exhilarating. The suspense is so high that it keeps your eyes glued to the book from the first page all the way to the last. The plot is rock solid and I would recommend this book to anyone.
Wonderful! Perfect mix of Count of Monte Cristo/Mulan/Pride and Prejudice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-08
Review Date: 2007-05-08
This book (based on an ancient tale) is amazing. While it is on a reading level for younger children, as a 21 year old I feel that a lot of the themes are better understood by those who are a little older. Still, unlike others who have posted before me I don't believe that anything in the books is inappropriate for younger readers. You've got to accept the material in context. This book was wonderful because it has a wonderful revenge plot, a love story, and overall theme of female empowerment. It also gives a look into a completely different culture. If you enjoy The Count of Monte Cristo (this book shows someone getting even in much fewer than 1400 pages), Pride and Prejudice, or the legend of Mulan I PROMISE you will enjoy this book. I picked it up in new condition at a thrift store and couldn't put it down once I started reading. :) I was so glad to discover it, as I'm in a reading slump because I'm caught up with all my favorite authors and definitely searching for something new!
outstanding except for one page
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-11
Review Date: 2007-11-11
My favorite quick read of the year! A very entertaining, romantic story.
Some of the observations about business are still true today. Venture capitalists are still looking for that unique product that will make a fortune.
There was one page I could have done without: at the point in the plot when the main character decides she's tired of pretending to be a man and is ready to be a woman, the authors got a little carried away, even risqué for children's literature, in describing the main character viewing her feminine body. I understand what they were trying to achieve, but we "got it" with a lot less ink.
I loved the "lesson" at the end of the book: you can't always just sit and wait for blessings to "fall into your lap". Sometimes you have to be willing to seek, to risk, and to work for them. Catherine Marshall encouraged the same kind of action in her book Adventures in Prayer, in the chapter entitled, "The Prayer That Helps Your Dreams Come True."
Some of the observations about business are still true today. Venture capitalists are still looking for that unique product that will make a fortune.
There was one page I could have done without: at the point in the plot when the main character decides she's tired of pretending to be a man and is ready to be a woman, the authors got a little carried away, even risqué for children's literature, in describing the main character viewing her feminine body. I understand what they were trying to achieve, but we "got it" with a lot less ink.
I loved the "lesson" at the end of the book: you can't always just sit and wait for blessings to "fall into your lap". Sometimes you have to be willing to seek, to risk, and to work for them. Catherine Marshall encouraged the same kind of action in her book Adventures in Prayer, in the chapter entitled, "The Prayer That Helps Your Dreams Come True."
Mostly Empowering
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-20
Review Date: 2007-02-20
Buran is the fourth of seven daughters, living with her parents in Baghdad. She has no brothers, which is unfortunate for her parents. In the days of this story and in the place she lives, girls are not permitted to work for a living and only end up costing their parents more money, as they need to be fed and housed and clothed. Girls also need wedding dowries if they are to be married to the right sorts of men. Buran has always been her father's favorite and although she is a girl, he taught her to read and write and to play chess, and he talks to her seriously about his business affairs.
Buran's uncle is a very rich man, who has seven sons. He enjoys bragging about them to his poor brother, and describes how they will go abroad to different cities, where they will become businessmen who will bring great weath and honor to him. Buran is upset because her father is upset, but she seems to have few options to help him. When her father is suddenly struck ill, though, Buran chooses a desperate solution. She convinces her parents to allow her to disguise herself as a man and go to a distant city to set up a business.
Soon Buran's business is thriving and she is very wealthy, sending home money to her family. She has even become friends with the prince of the city in which she works, and in the evenings she often walks and talks with him, covering much distance and all possible subjects of conversation. But the prince grows suspicious and then discovers her secret. She must leave the city and go home where she will be safe. She can't stop dreaming of her prince, though.
I liked that this story was about a girl who refuses to let anyone tell her she can't achieve what she wants. I liked her relationship with her father, and I especially liked the way she was able to take revenge on her cousins and her uncle. Although this story was very empowering in one way, though, it still ended with the ultimate goal being winning over the prince.
Buran's uncle is a very rich man, who has seven sons. He enjoys bragging about them to his poor brother, and describes how they will go abroad to different cities, where they will become businessmen who will bring great weath and honor to him. Buran is upset because her father is upset, but she seems to have few options to help him. When her father is suddenly struck ill, though, Buran chooses a desperate solution. She convinces her parents to allow her to disguise herself as a man and go to a distant city to set up a business.
Soon Buran's business is thriving and she is very wealthy, sending home money to her family. She has even become friends with the prince of the city in which she works, and in the evenings she often walks and talks with him, covering much distance and all possible subjects of conversation. But the prince grows suspicious and then discovers her secret. She must leave the city and go home where she will be safe. She can't stop dreaming of her prince, though.
I liked that this story was about a girl who refuses to let anyone tell her she can't achieve what she wants. I liked her relationship with her father, and I especially liked the way she was able to take revenge on her cousins and her uncle. Although this story was very empowering in one way, though, it still ended with the ultimate goal being winning over the prince.
The Empty Pot
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1990-01)
List price:
New price: $10.00
Used price: $0.15
Used price: $0.15
Average review score: 

Such a neat book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-11
Review Date: 2007-11-11
We really like this book. It makes kids really think about doing the right thing and being honest. It's great!
The Empty Pot - A Lesson About Honesty
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-23
Review Date: 2007-10-23
"The Empty Pot" is a nice Chinese fable that teaches an important lesson about honesty.
The Emperor was getting old and wanted to choose one child in the kingdom to succeed him. He posed a challenge for the children. He gave each child a flower seed. Whoever grew the most beautiful flower within one year would become the new emperor.
For one year, all of the children spent their time growing the most beautiful flower. Everyone was doing good, except for this one child named Ping who could not seem to get his flower seed to sprout a flower.
When the time comes to present each child's flower to the Emperor, Ping brings the empty pot with his flower seed and is declared the new Emperor. To find out how Ping becomes the Emperor, just read the book. It will surprise you.
The Emperor was getting old and wanted to choose one child in the kingdom to succeed him. He posed a challenge for the children. He gave each child a flower seed. Whoever grew the most beautiful flower within one year would become the new emperor.
For one year, all of the children spent their time growing the most beautiful flower. Everyone was doing good, except for this one child named Ping who could not seem to get his flower seed to sprout a flower.
When the time comes to present each child's flower to the Emperor, Ping brings the empty pot with his flower seed and is declared the new Emperor. To find out how Ping becomes the Emperor, just read the book. It will surprise you.
Simply Beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-25
Review Date: 2007-05-25
As expected from Demi a beautifully illustrated (clean colored and detailed) book, a simple, sweet story with a gentle message. Ages 3 1/2 +
A great introductory book to different cultures. Can also be used as a jump start to many conversations (doing your best, being brave, honesty, growing seeds, seed viability etc)
A great introductory book to different cultures. Can also be used as a jump start to many conversations (doing your best, being brave, honesty, growing seeds, seed viability etc)
Beautiful Story!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-29
Review Date: 2007-03-29
Our family loves this book! It is a truly wonderful story that teaches such lessons as the importance of hard work and honesty! There is just something about this book that warms your heart!
Should be in every child's library!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-07
Review Date: 2007-06-07
This is such a wonderful book about honesty and humility. I saw it on Between the Lions one day and fell in love with the story. Not much else to say but to make sure you get this book!!
The Complete Book of Flower Fairies
Published in Hardcover by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers (1997-09)
List price:
Average review score: 

Absolutely enchanting
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-17
Review Date: 2008-02-17
I showed this to my small children, older nieces, sister, mother, friends, and grandmother. It appealed to all of them. I bought the deluxe book of flower fairies, the complete flower fairy book and the paper doll book. I needed them for art reference books.
The difference in the first two is:
The deluxe book has a history of the author, her sketches and inspirations, timeline, her prosesses, lots of botanical notes. very collectiors edition, silver leaf and all.
The complete book has fairy's has a 1 page intro of the author then goes straight into images and poems. each has the seasons collections, but the complete has; in addition, the fairies of the garden, trees, wayside and a flower fairy alphabet.
The difference in the first two is:
The deluxe book has a history of the author, her sketches and inspirations, timeline, her prosesses, lots of botanical notes. very collectiors edition, silver leaf and all.
The complete book has fairy's has a 1 page intro of the author then goes straight into images and poems. each has the seasons collections, but the complete has; in addition, the fairies of the garden, trees, wayside and a flower fairy alphabet.
gift of Flower Fairies
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-07
Review Date: 2008-01-07
I purchased this book as a Christmas gift for my sister, who loves Barker's illustrations. It arrived even more quickly than scheduled, in great condition.
The Joy of Fairies
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-02
Review Date: 2008-02-02
Cicely Mary Barker's eight little flower fairies books were published between 1923 and 1985 making her a household name, especially in Great Britain. Published at the height of the "fairy-mania" that swept England during the early decades of the 20th century they captured in sweetly beautiful images and verse the wonder that many people felt about these elusive tiny creatures. Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973) was predominately a self taught artist who during her lifetime suffered from ill-health and physical fragility, thus she escaped into the world of the imagination and make believe. Her unselfconscious, delicate and jewel like watercolors were influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, fellow women illustrator Kate Greenaway (1846-1901) and her love of England's many gardens.
Her inspiration for the flower fairies came from the lush English countryside and observing young children at her local village kindergarten where her sister worked as a teacher. Her fairies are delicately and truthfully observed depictions of these young children in naturalistic poses and postures, standing on or clinging to botanically correct and beautifully rendered flowers. Being no bigger than 20cm tall they live and sleep in their birth flower taking care of their respective tree or plant, as the tree or plant grows so they grow in wisdom and power too. Fairies were most popular in the late Victorian and the Edwardian ages but they continued to hold sway over the imaginations of countless children (primarily girls) up into the early modern era... and beyond.
This enchanting and wondrous volume is a collection of all eight flower fairies books including: flower fairies of the spring, summer, autumn and winter and the flower fairies of the alphabet, trees, garden and wayside. As some of the most timeless depictions of the world of faery Cicely Mary Barker captured the innocence and naivety of childhood in exquisitely rendered illustrations and simple verse. While some may see these fairies as "safe" and "tame" depictions of the primal and elemental forces of nature, in my mind they capture the spirit of a bygone era when peoples mores and values were just plain different to ours, if not in some ways better. As such her little fairies lack the cynicism, artificiality and worldliness of the modern age and will continue to hold sway over the minds of generations of fairy lovers to come and will bring out the child within in anyone willing to let themselves go.
Her inspiration for the flower fairies came from the lush English countryside and observing young children at her local village kindergarten where her sister worked as a teacher. Her fairies are delicately and truthfully observed depictions of these young children in naturalistic poses and postures, standing on or clinging to botanically correct and beautifully rendered flowers. Being no bigger than 20cm tall they live and sleep in their birth flower taking care of their respective tree or plant, as the tree or plant grows so they grow in wisdom and power too. Fairies were most popular in the late Victorian and the Edwardian ages but they continued to hold sway over the imaginations of countless children (primarily girls) up into the early modern era... and beyond.
This enchanting and wondrous volume is a collection of all eight flower fairies books including: flower fairies of the spring, summer, autumn and winter and the flower fairies of the alphabet, trees, garden and wayside. As some of the most timeless depictions of the world of faery Cicely Mary Barker captured the innocence and naivety of childhood in exquisitely rendered illustrations and simple verse. While some may see these fairies as "safe" and "tame" depictions of the primal and elemental forces of nature, in my mind they capture the spirit of a bygone era when peoples mores and values were just plain different to ours, if not in some ways better. As such her little fairies lack the cynicism, artificiality and worldliness of the modern age and will continue to hold sway over the minds of generations of fairy lovers to come and will bring out the child within in anyone willing to let themselves go.
A little girl long ago
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-22
Review Date: 2007-09-22
Sixty Five years ago, when I was a little girl, I sat at my fathers feet looking at a book that had marvelous pictures of beautiful fairys, so stunning were their bright colors and silky wings that it completely took my breath away for never could I have pictured anything quite so awsome as these tiny little creatures, that I was sure were hiding beneath the petals of flowers in mothers garden, that I had yet to see. I kept this memory all my life sharing it with my children, when they were little, and now my grandchildren. Imagine my astonishment to once again see these beautiful little people again. Take a trip back to childhood and enjoy this beautiful book, share it with your children but keep it for the child that is you.
Same faires in the all the small books
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-08
Review Date: 2007-09-08
Beautiful book - I am painting a mural for my daughter's room and wanted to get all the images possible so I bought all the books by this author thinking I was getting a menagerie. But I wasted $ on shipping both ways when I had to send them back upon seeing the smaller tree, flowers, and seasons books were all put together in one place. Just wanted others to know that this large hardback pretty much has it all.

The Secrets and Mysteries of Hawaii: A Call to the Soul
Published in Paperback by HCI (1995-08-01)
List price: $12.95
New price: $6.35
Used price: $3.84
Collectible price: $19.95
Used price: $3.84
Collectible price: $19.95
Average review score: 

The Secrets and Mysteries of Hawii
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26
Review Date: 2008-01-26
I recently visited the Hawaiian Islands. The moment I stepped off the aircraft and the air hit my face I felt the magic. I started researching and reading everything I could get my hands on to discover the secrets of the islands. Pila's book was the most helpful in explaining the incredible energy of Hawaii. His book is not only a guide to the magical places you can visit, it is also a guide to connecting with spirit and healing your life. A wonderful book that I highly recommend. Although it was written over ten years ago, it is even more relevent as we watch our world rapidly changing. Mahalo Pila!
A bit New Agey but Mystical too
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-26
Review Date: 2007-10-26
There are a couple of places where the author veers off a bit but for the most part he draws the reader into the mystical side of Hawaii that captivates the imagination and adds a new layer of "must do" items for ones next visit to the big island.
I particularly enjoyed the parts where he explores the subtleties expressed in the Hawaiian language and how they relate to place names and metaphysical practices and experiences. I think the author does a good job of connecting modern places and practices to traditional Hawaiian belief and faith practices. His chapter on the Big Island's place of refuge is exceptional in this regard.
I particularly enjoyed the parts where he explores the subtleties expressed in the Hawaiian language and how they relate to place names and metaphysical practices and experiences. I think the author does a good job of connecting modern places and practices to traditional Hawaiian belief and faith practices. His chapter on the Big Island's place of refuge is exceptional in this regard.
Between the lines
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-31
Review Date: 2007-03-31
The book is written in an easy to read fashion... But don't be fooled! Even if you gobble the words down like a good meal.. there is much more you will me digesting...
The essence remembering Joy is something that will forever remain in my heart..!
The essence remembering Joy is something that will forever remain in my heart..!
As good as being on the island itself
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-27
Review Date: 2006-12-27
Pila of Hawaii takes you on a journey through paradise, all around the Big Island, but also through paradiscal realms within us all, while also sharing with us some of his own amazing journey. Pila opens the door to the little known esoteric world of Hawaiian spirituality, making it accessible to anyone willing to take to look and to open themselves. And he does all this in a style that is easy and fun to read. He leads the way joyously with a descriptive style that has you humming along as you follow his courageous. Thanks Pila. Whenever I get homesick for the islands, I just pick of the "red book" and I am back home again.
This Book Reveals SO Much!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-10
Review Date: 2006-10-10
After reading many amazing books on Hawaiian Philosophy and more specifically Huna and Kahuna teachings, I must say - this is one of my favourite books. This book is so much fun to read and has many, many secrets to share.
Arabian Nights
Published in Hardcover by W W Norton & Co Inc (1990-02)
List price: $27.95
New price: $19.50
Used price: $12.87
Used price: $12.87
Average review score: 

Beautiful and affordable!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
Review Date: 2008-01-18
This book was more than what I expected...a very attractive appearance, without breaking the bank. It was purchased as a gift, and he is ecstatic about it!!
Arabian Nights
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-16
Review Date: 2007-01-16
As I took a trip to Egypt over the new year, I thought it fitting that I should read books pertaining to the culture there. So I picked up this authoritative copy of Arabian Nights from the library and took it with me for some reading.
This edition is followed by a second edition that includes the better-known stories (including Aladdin and Sinbad). I didn't recognize any of the stories in this edition. Granted, I didn't read every story.
I think the trouble with getting together an "authoritative text" on the Arabian Nights is that the stories were never meant to be compiled into a book and read straight through. The stories were part of a rich oral culture that involved sitting around a fire with fine musical instruments, good food, great company and a storyteller who could draw in extra details and add in any embellishments that he thought the crowd would appreciate. Meaning- you never really heard the same story twice.
All of this is lost in a print copy. The stories begin to seem repetitive (which they wouldn't, if they were told over the course of a few years by a traveling storyteller) and the language becomes onerous- every section begins and ends with the same two phrases over and over, again and again.
However, the stories are a lot of fun :-) If you're interested in the Arabian Nights, I would certainly recommend this edition- Haddawy does well in his translation. But I'd also only read a story or two here and there, so that you don't become tired of the book. That way, the magic will still hit you. Or maybe, you can become the storyteller and read it aloud to someone else- it would probably be excellent in that form as well!
This edition is followed by a second edition that includes the better-known stories (including Aladdin and Sinbad). I didn't recognize any of the stories in this edition. Granted, I didn't read every story.
I think the trouble with getting together an "authoritative text" on the Arabian Nights is that the stories were never meant to be compiled into a book and read straight through. The stories were part of a rich oral culture that involved sitting around a fire with fine musical instruments, good food, great company and a storyteller who could draw in extra details and add in any embellishments that he thought the crowd would appreciate. Meaning- you never really heard the same story twice.
All of this is lost in a print copy. The stories begin to seem repetitive (which they wouldn't, if they were told over the course of a few years by a traveling storyteller) and the language becomes onerous- every section begins and ends with the same two phrases over and over, again and again.
However, the stories are a lot of fun :-) If you're interested in the Arabian Nights, I would certainly recommend this edition- Haddawy does well in his translation. But I'd also only read a story or two here and there, so that you don't become tired of the book. That way, the magic will still hit you. Or maybe, you can become the storyteller and read it aloud to someone else- it would probably be excellent in that form as well!
Handcrafted Quality
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-12
Review Date: 2006-07-12
They don't make books like they used to - or, so i thought, until i bought this elegant edition of The Arabian nights. Beautifully bound, printed on high-quality paper, with an erudite introduction, and clear, but stylish font, I thought how appropriate for the publisher to release a classic such as The Arabian nights in such a 'classic' style, hearkening back to a time when great care was put into published books.
Congratulations on a great edition.
Congratulations on a great edition.
Excellent Translation
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-16
Review Date: 2007-05-16
Excellent translation, from the oldest known manuscript of the tales. True to the original, it captures not just the letter, but the spirit of the text. Clearly, Haddawy is a talented writer on his own accord.
A very good place to discover Arab culture as well.
A very good place to discover Arab culture as well.
So far very good, not for kids though
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-27
Review Date: 2007-08-27
I have been reading this to my 8 yr old and changing or leaving out the inappropriate parts. She loves to hear it, and with the cliff hangers she is always asking for another chapter.

Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall
Published in Hardcover by Vertigo (2006-10-18)
List price: $19.99
New price: $9.99
Used price: $9.96
Used price: $9.96
Average review score: 

Orientalist interludes
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-06
Review Date: 2008-08-06
The artwork is beautiful but the framing narrative and first story has very little cultural sensitivity, indulging in all the tropes of 19th c. Orientalism with gusto and lack of any self-consciousness that I could pick up. The "Snow-White-in-the-Land-of-Arabian-Fairy-Tales" framing narrative even manages to re-appropriate all of Scheherezade's original wit and cunning to Snow White instead, so that Show White--as the enlightened diplomat from the industrialized, colonizing West--is the one who shares the key to survival with Scheherezade. How lovely for Scheherezade that a white woman was there to help her!
Even when we're removed from the court of the Sultan (which is full of tawdry 19th c. cliches, although in text more than images), the first story-proper artist seems bent on making sure we remember this is an Exotic Story. Thus he meshes and combines all sorts of Eastern visuals willy-nilly, and so in the first story we end up with a Snow White who looks bizarrely Asian, in a more-or-less European land, except that for some reason some of the Prince's men wear medieval Russian costume. The Prince himself alternates through all sorts of time periods and cultures in his clothing. The anachronism and cultural hodge-podge could have been made into a witty commentary on the universality of fairy tales, or their multi-cultural existence (a version of "Cinderella" exists in almost every culture), but the specific cultures here chosen were not suitable for that. Instead, I got the somewhat distasteful feeling that the artist just wanted to give the book a "Gee, how exotic!" feel and considered all non-mainstream-Western cultures as equally exotic and somewhat interchangeable, useful for giving "flavor" to the story and nothing else. A dash of Chinese, a handful of Russian, a spot of Korean, a root of Turk thrown in...
Happily the ensuing chapters do not take this route, but it was a bit of a sour taste to start off on.
The overall story stumbles along at first, as well. It works a lot better once we're done with the framing prose narrative and get into the comic format. The prose-pieces suffer from overwrought, mannered, cliche writing. Of course it is consciously drawing on the way 19th c. fairy tales were written, but clumsily so, amateurishly. Since most of the book is in comic format though, this is not really damning.
However, the art IS gorgeous and most of the stories ARE compelling. I just wish the book opened on a better note.
Even when we're removed from the court of the Sultan (which is full of tawdry 19th c. cliches, although in text more than images), the first story-proper artist seems bent on making sure we remember this is an Exotic Story. Thus he meshes and combines all sorts of Eastern visuals willy-nilly, and so in the first story we end up with a Snow White who looks bizarrely Asian, in a more-or-less European land, except that for some reason some of the Prince's men wear medieval Russian costume. The Prince himself alternates through all sorts of time periods and cultures in his clothing. The anachronism and cultural hodge-podge could have been made into a witty commentary on the universality of fairy tales, or their multi-cultural existence (a version of "Cinderella" exists in almost every culture), but the specific cultures here chosen were not suitable for that. Instead, I got the somewhat distasteful feeling that the artist just wanted to give the book a "Gee, how exotic!" feel and considered all non-mainstream-Western cultures as equally exotic and somewhat interchangeable, useful for giving "flavor" to the story and nothing else. A dash of Chinese, a handful of Russian, a spot of Korean, a root of Turk thrown in...
Happily the ensuing chapters do not take this route, but it was a bit of a sour taste to start off on.
The overall story stumbles along at first, as well. It works a lot better once we're done with the framing prose narrative and get into the comic format. The prose-pieces suffer from overwrought, mannered, cliche writing. Of course it is consciously drawing on the way 19th c. fairy tales were written, but clumsily so, amateurishly. Since most of the book is in comic format though, this is not really damning.
However, the art IS gorgeous and most of the stories ARE compelling. I just wish the book opened on a better note.
I don't even read graphic novels...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-02
Review Date: 2008-08-02
I have never read a graphic novel before this one, and I rarely read the comics in the sunday paper, so my experience with illustrated stories for older audiences is fairly limited. I have a thing for re-written fairy tales, and the beginning of this book looked very promising, so I crossed my fingers and hoped it would be a wise choice to purchase. It was.
It is such a fast and interesting read. The illustrations are NOT for the younger crowd (nudity, rape, murder,etc.), but it is done in such a way as to appear to the eye as a movie instead of a book. The writing is very well done and the story is quite seemless. The beginning of the book reads like a child's picture book, but then you turn the page and the real stories begin...
Having been driven from their homes by a villain intent on destroying their realm, the characters of familiar fairy tales make their new homes in the modern day world of New York City (a popular place to have otherworldly creatures). Snow White is an ambassador of sorts, sent to a kingdom where her mission is to convince the ruling Sultan to form a treaty with the refugees of Fabletown, a treaty that will unite them against the dreaded "Adversary" who is slowly murdering his way through the various fable realms.
She arrrives and, through a bit of trickery, she is wed to the Sultan whose biggest vice is his complete distrust of all women. After a first marriage that had failed on account of his wife's infidelity, the Sultan has taken to marrying a bride every evening and sending her to the executioner first thing in the morning. Instead of weeping piteously at this news, Snow White gains the interest of the Sultan with her wonderful stories that she relays to him each evening for three years, thus sparing her life and changing the broken heart of a cruel man.
This is the collection of stories that the Sultan will hear each night, stories of different fairy tale charcters and their lives before the migrations and during the invasions of the "Adversary". BEWARE: There is no happily ever after to many of these tales but there is enjoyment in every page.
It is such a fast and interesting read. The illustrations are NOT for the younger crowd (nudity, rape, murder,etc.), but it is done in such a way as to appear to the eye as a movie instead of a book. The writing is very well done and the story is quite seemless. The beginning of the book reads like a child's picture book, but then you turn the page and the real stories begin...
Having been driven from their homes by a villain intent on destroying their realm, the characters of familiar fairy tales make their new homes in the modern day world of New York City (a popular place to have otherworldly creatures). Snow White is an ambassador of sorts, sent to a kingdom where her mission is to convince the ruling Sultan to form a treaty with the refugees of Fabletown, a treaty that will unite them against the dreaded "Adversary" who is slowly murdering his way through the various fable realms.
She arrrives and, through a bit of trickery, she is wed to the Sultan whose biggest vice is his complete distrust of all women. After a first marriage that had failed on account of his wife's infidelity, the Sultan has taken to marrying a bride every evening and sending her to the executioner first thing in the morning. Instead of weeping piteously at this news, Snow White gains the interest of the Sultan with her wonderful stories that she relays to him each evening for three years, thus sparing her life and changing the broken heart of a cruel man.
This is the collection of stories that the Sultan will hear each night, stories of different fairy tale charcters and their lives before the migrations and during the invasions of the "Adversary". BEWARE: There is no happily ever after to many of these tales but there is enjoyment in every page.
Beautifully told and illustrated
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-04
Review Date: 2008-06-04
Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall is something of a prequel to Bill Willingham's award winning Fables series. Taking place long before the events set forth in the regular series, 1001 Nights (re)tells the tales of several of the inhabitants of Fabletown. I've only ever read the very first Fables collection, Legends in Exile, but I never found myself lost while reading this collection of stories, as these are all based on stories that most of us are already familiar with. I find it extremely innovative how Willingham is able to tie together so many unrelated fairy tales and fables and create a new story with these plot points and bring everything together in a cohesive story that is both original and familiar at the same time.
The art of 1001 Nights is beautifully rendered, each story illustrated by a different artist, including Charles Vess, Brian Bolland, John Bolton, Michael Wm. Kaluta, James Jean, Tara McPherson, Derek Kirk Kim, Esao Andrews, Mark Buckingham, Mark Wheatley and Jill Thompson. Charles Vess' illustrations provide the beginning and ending stories, as Snow White travels as an Ambassador of Fabletown to try to drum up support against The Adversary. She travels to the lands of the Arabian Fables, and the Sultan kidnaps her and intends to marry her and kill her in the morning, but like Scheherazade, Snow tells him a story a night for 1001 nights, thus prolonging her sentence. Each of her tales involves something of a history of the inhabitants of Fabletown, including her own story, thus providing a rich background history to the rest of the Fables world.
If you have not read farther than the first collection of Fables stories, you won't be lost reading 1001 Nights. Since all these stories are based on fairy tales and fables that everyone is familiar with, there isn't much background needed to read 1001 Nights, nor does it appear to spoil anything farther along in the series, and I'm glad that I read this when I did, so that now I will have a more solid base to read the rest of the Fables tales.
The art of 1001 Nights is beautifully rendered, each story illustrated by a different artist, including Charles Vess, Brian Bolland, John Bolton, Michael Wm. Kaluta, James Jean, Tara McPherson, Derek Kirk Kim, Esao Andrews, Mark Buckingham, Mark Wheatley and Jill Thompson. Charles Vess' illustrations provide the beginning and ending stories, as Snow White travels as an Ambassador of Fabletown to try to drum up support against The Adversary. She travels to the lands of the Arabian Fables, and the Sultan kidnaps her and intends to marry her and kill her in the morning, but like Scheherazade, Snow tells him a story a night for 1001 nights, thus prolonging her sentence. Each of her tales involves something of a history of the inhabitants of Fabletown, including her own story, thus providing a rich background history to the rest of the Fables world.
If you have not read farther than the first collection of Fables stories, you won't be lost reading 1001 Nights. Since all these stories are based on fairy tales and fables that everyone is familiar with, there isn't much background needed to read 1001 Nights, nor does it appear to spoil anything farther along in the series, and I'm glad that I read this when I did, so that now I will have a more solid base to read the rest of the Fables tales.
Can't get enough
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-04
Review Date: 2008-05-04
I can't get enough of the Fables series. Snowfall has background stories from some of the main characters in the series. Some of them are cute, some are informative, some are heartbreaking, and all of them have great artwork in them. Regardless of whether you're a fan or not, 1001 Nights of Snowfall is a beautiful book. The re-imaginings of fairy tale characters as more in-depth people is as fantastic as the different artists' work.
One of my favorite series - keeping it going.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-04
Review Date: 2008-05-04
This is another welcome addition to the series. I can't wait for the next one.

Unicorns I Have Known
Published in Hardcover by William Morrow (1983-09-26)
List price: $50.00
New price: $99.99
Used price: $24.99
Collectible price: $63.18
Used price: $24.99
Collectible price: $63.18
Average review score: 

You will believe!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-28
Review Date: 2007-06-28
Wonderful book full of beautiful, mystical, magical photographs. Robert Vavra is one of the best in the business!
You will be a child again
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-22
Review Date: 2007-06-22
Remember when you believed in unicorns? This book is filled with such beautiful photography that you will forget you were told not to believe.
How could I rate Vavra any less??
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-19
Review Date: 2007-01-19
I have always appreciated Robert Vavra from the time I was first introduced to his art. But this particular book I have longed for about 23 years.
Beautiful, fanciful, and "fact"-filled book about a mythical noble creature that is loved so much, that few would dispute his existence.
Photos, illustrations and notes on each well-known type of unicorn is unsurpassed!
Beautiful, fanciful, and "fact"-filled book about a mythical noble creature that is loved so much, that few would dispute his existence.
Photos, illustrations and notes on each well-known type of unicorn is unsurpassed!
Beautiful, enchanting, full of dreams
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-20
Review Date: 2002-06-20
I first encountered this book when I was very young. I asked my local library to buy it and they did; and I kept checking it out again and again. Owning this book now is like looking back into my own childhood, at the dreams and the wonder I had for the world. It's beautiful pictures and startling art has never faded for me over time.
Reality of the Unicorn
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-16
Review Date: 2002-11-16
This gorgeous book is one of the finest unicorn books I own. It has great pictures and lots of unicorn details and a unicorn searching guide. It is worth buying if you like unicorns or photography. It is worth getting Unicorn of Kilimanjaro or the Calendar if you can find them as well. It is on my list of favorite all time books, and i see a lot of them as i work at a bookstore. By this if you or someone you love likes unicorns and give the gift of magic.

A Joseph Campbell Companion: Reflections on the Art of Living
Published in Hardcover by HarperCollins (1992-02-12)
List price: $27.00
New price: $7.00
Used price: $0.55
Collectible price: $27.00
Used price: $0.55
Collectible price: $27.00
Average review score: 

Oh my...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-22
Review Date: 2008-06-22
If you're reading these reviews to help decide if you should purchase this book, let me encourage you to do just that. This book is an easy read and once you start you'll have it finished in very little time. What you will probably be taking away from this book is something that is all together timeless. Be good to yourself.
Perfect intro to Campbell!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-15
Review Date: 2008-04-15
"So that's what destiny is: simply the fulfillment of the potentialites of the energies in your own system." ~ Joseph Campbell from "A Joseph Campbell Companion"
This book is a must-have.
Packed with a wide range of Campbell's musings, it's the perfect introduction to the man who helped us understand the hero's journey and what it means to follow our bliss.
This book is a must-have.
Packed with a wide range of Campbell's musings, it's the perfect introduction to the man who helped us understand the hero's journey and what it means to follow our bliss.
We are each living our hero's journey . . .
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-08
Review Date: 2008-04-08
We are each living our own Hero's Journey in life. This book is a guide on that journey. Wonderful quotes that inspire. For the price of movie ticket, you get a weekend workshop on how to live a life that you're destined to live.
A quick read!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-04
Review Date: 2008-05-04
If one has read Campbell's other work, then this is like a great pick me up book. Readers who have not already experienced the scholar's work would be best served by reading those before they decide to tackle this one. It's not all too often that one comes across a book that you can't put down and I can say that this is one of the few times that I can say that. I read this in only a matter of days and would think about reading it when I didn't have time to. This collection has a very intimate feel and really gives the sense that you have almost comes across a secret journal that had been written long ago, but was written just for you. It's like having a private conversation with Campbell himself. The majority of this volume has been pulled from lectures and journals which perhaps have never been published and gives the sense that Campbell is letting you in on secrets that only few in the world have ever been gifted with, all from the comfort of your living room. As a scholarly work this doesn't hold up to "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" but as an entertaining read it is a wonderful book. Joseph Campbell the teacher gives way to Joseph Campbell, the friend. Biased as I am in that I admire him so much, I would recommend this book to any who love his ideas. It feels like a talk with an old friend, letting you in on all those little glimpses of his experiences.
The Art of Living
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-05
Review Date: 2006-11-05
I've been a Joseph Campbell fan for years, and this book is a perfect one to give as a gift to someone who isn't quite up to reading his more scholorly works. It's a guideline for life gleaned from his in-depth study of cultural myths from which he developed his own wonderful philsophy of life.

Gnomes
Published in Paperback by Bantam (1979-01-07)
List price: $9.95
New price: $8.98
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00
Average review score: 

Possible dynamics for the existance of gnomes
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-16
Review Date: 2008-05-16
Big beautiful book. There's no index, nor no page numbers.
Type face is easy to read. Style of writing is easy to comprehend.
It's highly illustrated and the ideas cleverly presented.
I was expecting the usual fae-inspired absolute in-depth fluff, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book instead is an interesting anthology of life of the gnomes from hat to toe. Daily life from day to day through all seasons.
There's no definite storyline, but there are many stories scattered throughout. At the end of the book, strangely, it kept eluding to the fact that there may or may not have been gnome involvement. I never figured out why the authors wanted to add that bit of sentiment unless it was to protect their reputations. It doesn't matter to me if gnomes were involved or not.
I enjoyed reading the book. They covered most any aspect that one can think of in pondering the dynamics of existence of such a tiny being. I was especially impressed that there was very little fluff or magic in the telling about the gnomes.
This book would be an interesting addition to a nature folks fancier collection because of it's presentation of ideas for possible ways of survival of nature folks in the woodlands.
:)
Type face is easy to read. Style of writing is easy to comprehend.
It's highly illustrated and the ideas cleverly presented.
I was expecting the usual fae-inspired absolute in-depth fluff, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book instead is an interesting anthology of life of the gnomes from hat to toe. Daily life from day to day through all seasons.
There's no definite storyline, but there are many stories scattered throughout. At the end of the book, strangely, it kept eluding to the fact that there may or may not have been gnome involvement. I never figured out why the authors wanted to add that bit of sentiment unless it was to protect their reputations. It doesn't matter to me if gnomes were involved or not.
I enjoyed reading the book. They covered most any aspect that one can think of in pondering the dynamics of existence of such a tiny being. I was especially impressed that there was very little fluff or magic in the telling about the gnomes.
This book would be an interesting addition to a nature folks fancier collection because of it's presentation of ideas for possible ways of survival of nature folks in the woodlands.
:)
Excellent resource item
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-14
Review Date: 2007-11-14
Excellent resource items for collectors who have just started or are ole hats at it.
I Wasn't Quite Sure..
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-27
Review Date: 2007-07-27
I Wasn't Quite Sure..What to do when I was in the company of gnomes but this book has helped me fit in. A tremendous help!
An excellent book to bridge the gap between childhood fantasy and adult reality
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-29
Review Date: 2007-08-29
If there is a better book suited to bridge the gap between children and adults, then I have yet to see it. In this book, all aspects of the lives of gnomes are presented, from their physical attributes to the way they interact with nature. In between you will also learn about their economy, diet, their dwellings, social and family structures, how they court, and the games their children play and even the fact that the females are bosomy but do not need to wear a brassiere.
I "learned" a great deal from this book, for example I was unaware that there are six different types of gnomes. They are:
*) Woodland gnome
*) Dun gnome
*) Garden gnome
*) Farm gnome
*) House gnome
*) Siberian gnome
Illustrations accompany most of the descriptions; they are very well done, adding a great deal of charm to the book.
If you are looking for a way to amuse your children for hours, then read this book to them. It is a fascinating fantasy, presented in such a serious manner, it will make them believe that gnomes do in fact exist.
I "learned" a great deal from this book, for example I was unaware that there are six different types of gnomes. They are:
*) Woodland gnome
*) Dun gnome
*) Garden gnome
*) Farm gnome
*) House gnome
*) Siberian gnome
Illustrations accompany most of the descriptions; they are very well done, adding a great deal of charm to the book.
If you are looking for a way to amuse your children for hours, then read this book to them. It is a fascinating fantasy, presented in such a serious manner, it will make them believe that gnomes do in fact exist.
A Family Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-03
Review Date: 2006-08-03
This delightful book has been a wonderful resource to my family over the years. It has charmed all six of my children when moping in bed because of sickness, and is now loaned out to grand-children. It doesn't sit on the shelves with the other books; and visitors invariably pick it up and flip through it - then need to have it torn from their grasp to come and sit up to table.
I think the most extraordinary thing about it is that it has no age range - it really is for anyone and everyone......
I think the most extraordinary thing about it is that it has no age range - it really is for anyone and everyone......

What's Your Sign? A Cosmic Guide for Young Astrologers
Published in Spiral-bound by Grosset & Dunlap (2002-05-13)
List price: $12.99
New price: $4.80
Used price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Average review score: 

Science??
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-15
Review Date: 2008-05-15
This is a fun, well laid out book, but in the intro., astrology is referred to as a science! Please! Let young people have fun with astrology, but don't tell them it's science!
In my best guide FOR BEGINNING WICCANS
Helpful Votes: 28 out of 36 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-14
Review Date: 2004-06-14
I put this exellent book in my Best reading guide for beginning wiccans - you should go check it out!!!!!
AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR KIDS
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-07
Review Date: 2005-03-07
I thought the idea of an astrology guide for kids was so unique that I gave this book as a present to each and every one of my three nieces, three nephews, three god-daughters and one god-son. Both they and their parents report that they absolutely love it. My nephew Maxim insisted on assigning zodiac signs to all his stuffed animals (of which he has a huge collection). My god-daughter Tara comes home from school when she's made new friends and heads straight for Madalyn Aslan's book to look up their signs. It's involving, entertaining and inspirational (and Tara's mom tells me plays a useful role in helping children understand how different people have different qualities and good and bad things about them) - highly recommended.
A Child's Magical Ode to the Earth
Helpful Votes: 78 out of 80 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-10
Review Date: 2004-06-10
This cosmic guide is enchanting. The author goes deeply into the origins of astrology, which is the worship of our earth and our connection to all that is around us. It is a beautiful book with a truly loving message.
Take away the celebs and this could be a little Druid's book! "Sweet Venus" is described as "around 900 degrees Fahrenheit. It is an example of what could happen to the Earth if we do not take care of it." Virgo "busy bee" is so smart it "sixth-senses nectar in a flower."
I was delighted to see psychologist Carol Gilligan and other educators in the reviews. My children are Montessori-educated - Maria Montessori is in the "busy bee" Virgo chapter - and it's a hit at school as well as in our home. Incredible fun. Heartfelt thanks to to the author Madalyn Aslan for this miracle she has given us!
BEST book for my kids!!
Helpful Votes: 81 out of 84 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-07
Review Date: 2004-06-07
This is simply the best book I've found for my kids all year! It's entertaining, fun and funny, and there are stories about the stars, ancient myths and the history of astronomy in every chapter, with very cute illustrations. It's positively written, with a kind of feel-good emphasis on each sign's gifts. My kids love it! Even my youngest - 3 years old - will turn the pages over and over and doesn't want to put it down.
What's Your Sign has been a great addition to our household.
Thank you, Ms. Aslan!
Books-Under-Review-->Kids and Teens-->School Time-->English-->Literature-->Mythology and Folklore-->2
Related Subjects: King Arthur Robin Hood
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Related Subjects: King Arthur Robin Hood
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the story was set up well and the characters were discussed in sufficient detail, or enough so that a reader of the target age wouldn't be left wondering anything. it was well written.