Books in Sommer-Time Story Classics series

Sometimes people are willingly dishonest rather than risking embarrassment. Such is the case in this whimsical rendition of Hans Christian Andersens classic tale. Excessive fondness for elaborate and expensive clothing allows a pair of dodgy tailors to hoodwink the emperor. Weaving a grandiose tale instead of actual clothing, the tailors tell the emperor that their exquisite garments, woven with the finest of materials, are invisible to less worthy individuals. Reluctant to admit possible imperfections, no one in the town is willing to be honest, with the exception of one small boy. The conclusion of this tale extends beyond that of the original, shedding light on the benefits that come from always telling the truth.

While grownups understand the magnitude of guarding sheep, children may lack an ability to see the bigger picture. Nicholas finds tending his familys sheep to be mind-numbingly boring, which is why he ultimately makes the impulsive decision to cry Wolf! To his delight, his alert prompts the townspeople to drop everything and rush to his aid, but when the people discover they have been duped, they are livid. Nicholas finally comprehends the ramifications of his foolhardy decision when the wolf genuinely attacks. This time, no one comes to help, resulting in disastrous consequences. A retelling of Aesop's classic fable, this story goes beyond the wolf's attack and illustrates the power of honesty and the blessings of forgiveness.

In a village full of selfish inhabitants, the idea that making stone soup would bring them all together might be hard to swallowliterally! With a few stones as the initial ingredients, three famished soldiers cleverly convince the villagers to contribute all of the items needed for a delicious pot of soup. In this spirited adaptation of the beloved folktale, preparing a simple pot of soup teaches the villagers that sharing brings happiness and celebration. After reading this heart-warming tale, children will certainly want to make a pot of their own stone soup. Because it makes a great activity for the classroom, suggest it to a favorite teacher, and remember that individuals can accomplish more when working together.

Although most people possess everything needed for a comfortable existence, some do not fully appreciate what they have. This riveting retelling of Aesop's timeless fable emphasizes the importance of gratitude as it goes beyond the original tale.When Androcles enormous effort results in harsh punishment, he finally realizes the impossibility of satisfying his demanding slave master. Even though capture means his delivery to very hungry lions, Androcles escapes. When he comes across a wounded lion, he quickly and kindly offers aid. This results in a budding friendship between the pair until their unfortunate capture. What follows illuminates the significance of an act of kindness and gratitude for life and freedom.

A good effort reaps a great reward"" is a phrase often quoted by a multitude of moms and dads throughout the world. This retelling of a classic folk tale drives the message home in a charming and colorful way. While Little Red Hen works to grow her wheat, the dog, the cat, and the duck are full of excuses not to help. With each step, Little Red Hen offers to share the wheat in exchange for assistance, but the fair-weather friends always have more pleasant things to do. Will this affect their chances for a delicious slice of bread? This fun tale shares more than just a great moral. Readers will also enjoy a recipe offering a scrumptious, home-baked loaf of bread.

This lovely tale tells the story of Princess Isabella, who is greatly loved by her parents happy and carefree until she overhears girls making fun of her large nose and ears. Miserable and ashamed, she quits playing and hides in the palace. Nothing can sway Isabella's feelings of ugliness and sadness until an old woman reminds her that giving love to others brings deep happiness. Isabella listens and helps unfortunate people in the kingdom. Through her unselfish actions, she gains self-esteem and grows into a happy compassionate adult. When it comes time to choose someone to marry, she looks for a wise and kind husband, rather than focusing on appearance. Readers of this illuminating story learn how Isabella by loving others gains self-esteem, and how she finds the ideal suitor.

Everyone enjoys a spirited competition, but when the challenger is a big-headed braggart, it's easy to cheer for the underdog or in this case, the under-tortoise. The colorful characters in this retelling of Aesop's beloved fable will tickle the fancy of any child. The forest animals are beyond tired of Harry Hare's boasting. So what if he is the fastest animal in the forest? Unfortunately, Teddy Tortoise is the only animal willing to race Harry Hare, but everyone knows that tortoises are not famous for their speed. What follows, illustrates the benefits that can come from having the courage to try. Readers will also gain a new appreciation for the saying, ""Slow and steady wins the race.

The phrase ""jumping on the bandwagon"" describes the actions of a person who joins in a cause without really considering whether it is the right thing to do. As exemplified in this cheerful retelling of a classic fable for children, this may not always be the wisest choice. Believing in a foolish superstition, Chicken Little is convinced that the sky is falling. In her distress, she convinces a number of other animal friends that this is indeed the case. One after another, the animals join Chicken Little, soon forming a frantic pack. Fortunately, Chippy Chipmunk steps in with wise intervention. What follows confirms the importance of critical thinking and the possible dangers of gullibility.

To many children, and a few adults, the idea of more toys and endless treats and goodies seems like the ultimate existence. This spirited rendition of Aesop's classic fable illustrates that this is not always the case. When it comes to personal contentment, bigger does not always mean better. Missing his city cousin, Country Mouse invites him for a visit. However, from the moment he arrives, the flamboyant and arrogant City Mouse shows contempt for his less-privileged cousin by incessantly bragging about his home and good fortune. In fact, he won't even consider spending the night and convinces Country Mouse to return with him for a visit in the city. His cousin cheerfully accepts, but what follows illustrates the significance of a simpler, safer life.

The phrase ""jumping on the bandwagon"" describes the actions of a person who joins in a cause without really considering whether it is the right thing to do. As exemplified in this cheerful retelling of a classic fable for children, this may not always be the wisest choice. Believing in a foolish superstition, Chicken Little is convinced that the sky is falling. In her distress, she convinces a number of other animal friends that this is indeed the case. One after another, the animals join Chicken Little, soon forming a frantic pack. Fortunately, Chippy Chipmunk steps in with wise intervention. What follows confirms the importance of critical thinking and the possible dangers of gullibility.

Everyone enjoys a spirited competition, but when the challenger is a big-headed braggart, it's easy to cheer for the underdog or in this case, the under-tortoise. The colorful characters in this retelling of Aesop's beloved fable will tickle the fancy of any child. The forest animals are beyond tired of Harry Hare's boasting. So what if he is the fastest animal in the forest? Unfortunately, Teddy Tortoise is the only animal willing to race Harry Hare, but everyone knows that tortoises are not famous for their speed. What follows, illustrates the benefits that can come from having the courage to try. Readers will also gain a new appreciation for the saying, Slow and steady wins the race.