Books in Books of Nine Lives series

Trickster is a marvelous, mischievous, and energetic character found in various disguises in folktales from all around the world. Tricksters do things that are both foolish and wise, often at the same time. Best of all, a trickster's adventures can inspire us to use our own cleverness to outsmart the bullies of the world while creating some fun along the way. The nine tricksters in this volume come from all points of the globe, including: Persia ("The Smuggler"), India ("The Alligator and the Jackal"), Poland ("The Court Jester"), and France ("Reynard and the Fisherman").

From the Books of Nine Lives series by award-winning author, Pleasant DeSpain.The people of every culture and country tell tales of wisdom and justice. Wisdom tales remind us of the value of human experience, and that where there is wisdom, there is usually justice. These tales remind us fairness is necessary if we are to continue to live together as human beings. These tales represent many cultures and countries from around the world. You'll find ten tales of wisdom and justice, including: "Pandora's Box" from Ancient Greece, "Señor Coyote, the Judge" from Mexico, "The Wisdom of Solomon" from Israel, and "The Golden Pitcher" from Mongolia.Pleasant DeSpain is the author of numerous collections of multicultural stories, including the highly regarded Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales to Tell, Sweet Land of Story, and The Emerald Lizard. He has traveled all over the United States and the world, collecting stories to share with children and adults.

Each of these classic stories shares an inspiring message of courage and perseverance.What does it take to be a hero? Massive strength? Incredible height Infinite power? Not necessarily. Often, it's quick wit, a courageous heart, or unselfishness that evokes the hero inside of us. Even when we are simply reading about the valiant aacts in these stories, we can feel our own innder hero rising to the occasion, echoing that need we all have to be better human beings.Nine inspiring folktales about heroes and their heroric feats, including Switzerland ("William Tell"), Japan ("Lord Bag of Rice"), South America ("Josesito the Brave"), and Rumania ("Stan Bolovan and the Dragon") and other parts of the world.

These nine short folktales feature stories about traditional holidays celebrated from Czechoslovakia, Russia, France, the United States, and other parts of the world.Holy days, or holidays, are celebrated by cultures from around the globe. These are times when people experience the energy and spirit that comes when a day is lifted out of commonplace. Sometimes that spirit is one of love and goodwill; other times it's a sense of renewal or even giddy fear. Holidays are unique because we find unexpected occurrences in everyday routine. Here are nine holiday stories, with descriptions of the days they celebrate, including: New Year's Day ("The Twelve Months"), Halloween ("Whooooo"), Hannukah ("Babushka"), and Christmas ("Christina's Christmas Garden").

From the Books of Nine Lives series by award-winning author, Pleasant DeSpain.Insects have always been a part of the human existence. Whether they've annoyed us with buzzing, bites, or stings, or fascinated us with their complexities, we have noticed them enough to give them personalities and histories. These tales make us aware that insects exist for a purpose. Because these stories humanize insects, they can also show us our own foibles and strengths. Tales of tricksters and heroes, teachers and fools, come from countries all over the world, including: West Africa ("Why Ants Carry Heavy Loads"), Fiji ("Butterfly's Bet"), Mexico ("Grasshopper's Army"), and Jamaica ("Firefly Lights the Way").Pleasant DeSpain is the author of numerous collections of multicultural stories, including the highly regarded Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales to Tell, Sweet Land of Story, and The Emerald Lizard. He has traveled all over the United States and the world, collecting stories to share with children and adults.

"Anyone, child or adult, who has an interest in folklore will find these stories charming." -Top of Texas ReviewsA book for all cat-lovers! Worshipped in some cultures, feared in others, loved as pets worldwide, cats are seen as possessing special power―athletic, supernatural, or intellectual. The nine tales included her show cats in all their glory. The cats in these stories are kind, cruel, independent, lovable―and always clever. These nine stories come from all points of the globe, including Sri Lanka ("The Magnificent Cat"), East Africa ("Why Cats Live with Women"), Italy ("The House of Cats"), and Tibet ("The Holy Cat"). These cat tales will teach readers the importance of caring, fairness and resourcefulness.