Books in 5 Minute Tales series

Have you ever felt different from those around you? The Ugly Duckling sure did. All of his brothers and sisters were beautiful, graceful, and strong, but he felt different and awkward. Over time, the Ugly Duckling learned to stay calm and to believe in himself despite being teased by others. Eventually, his patience paid off, and be grew to be content with who he was -- and bloomed into a handsome swan.

Hansel and Gretel were siblings and great friends who love adventures--and sweets--just as much as any kid you know. So, when they stumbled upon a scrumptious-looking house in the woods, they listened to their tummies rather than their smart minds. The witch who made the house knew that little children love sweets--but she'd forgotten that lost children can be very clever and very brave. Read along as this classic Grimm fairytale and story about teamwork comes to life in a most adorable fashion.

How boring!"" thought the miller's son when his dad gave him a cat for a present after giving his brothers land and money. What he didn't know was that the cat was clever--so clever was able to trick a king into giving the son a castle, land, and an introduction to his daughter, the princess. In this classic French tale, we are reminded not to judge a book by its cover, and that there's no limit to what one can accomplish with a little gusto and a fantastic pair of boots!

Have you ever wished that instead of having to do your chores all by yourself that someone--or something--would help you get them done faster? That's exactly the way the sorcerer's apprentice felt one day when the sorcerer left him all alone to clean the castle, so he tried to do some magic of his own, and ended up in a bubbly mess! Ultimately the young apprentice finds that passion and hard work, tempered with patience and discipline, can make the most magical dreams come true.