"Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico's cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca...

Features twenty-five chilling tales of prophetic dreams, feral children raised by wild animals, swamp creatures, and other terrifying phenomena.

A cumulative folk song in which seven soldiers build a magnificent cannon, but Drummer Hoff fires it off.

Imparts a lesson about taking responsibility through the story of Kuku the chicken, who, after tearing her dress and borrowing a family heirloom needle from Mwewe the eagle, carelessly loses the needle, causing the friendship to end.

Why are ravens black? Why do screech owl eyes look red in light? How did we get fire? You'll find the answers to those questions in this retelling of a Cherokee pourquoi folktale. The earth was cold and dark but the animals could see fire coming from the tree on the island. They tried to fly or swim to the island to bring back the fire heat and light. What happened to some of the animals? Which animal brought it back and how?

In a story of the Ila people, the colorful birds of Africa ask Blackbird, whom they think is the most beautiful of birds, to decorate them with some of his "blackening brew."

The little red hen finds none of her lazy friends willing to help her plant, harvest, or gind wheat into flour, but all are eager to eat the bread she makes from it.

Retellings of eleven of Aesop's fables.

"When their mother sends them packing, the Three Little Pigs are forced to build houses of their own. They better be sturdy and strong because the Big Bad Wolf is on the prowl, and he's ready to huff and puff his way inside. Will they survive against this hungry beast? Or will the pigs become his next tasty treat?"--Unedited summary from book.

Provides a collection of traditional African American folktales and includes "John and the Devil's Daughter," "The Beautiful Girl of the Moon Tower," and "A Wolf and Little Daughter."