Books in Legends and Fairy Tales series

Finn McCool is the largest giant in all of Ireland. He's a fierce warrior, even beating the giant Culcullan and saving Ireland from the Scots. Helpful and kind, he helps the farmers bring in the hay. And everyone in the village of Drumnahoon admires him. "He's the best-hearted man that ever walked on Ireland's green grass." But for all his strength, courage, and goodness, there's one thing that Finn lacks. He's just not smart. And he knows it. When a wise man living in a nearby village tells Finn about a magical red salmon with the wisdom of the world, Finn sets out to catch the fish. And he learns a thing or two about himself in the process. An author of more than 250 children's books, Eve Bunting has won numerous awards and honors, including a Pen International Special Achievement award for her contribution to Children's Literature. In 2002 she was chosen to be Irish American Woman of the Year by the Irish American Heritage Committee of New York. She lives in Pasadena, California. Zachary Pullen's picture-book illustrations have won awards and garnered starred reviews. He has been honored several times with acceptance into the prestigious Society of Illustrators juried shows and Communication Arts Illustration Annual of the best in current illustration. Zak lives in Wyoming.

Long, long ago there was a time when men did not venture into the deep ocean waters. It was believed that the world was flat and to sail beyond the horizon meant falling off the edge of the earth. So even though they were drawn to and fascinated by the ocean, men feared it. And as men lived their lives above the water, far beyond their view and in the ocean's deepest depths lived mysterious and magical sea creatures, half girl and half fish. These shy, gentle creatures were called mermaids and much loved by the ocean. And when men finally overcame their fear and ventured out to sea, risking disaster and even death, it was the mermaids who came to their rescue. Written by award-winning author Trinka Hakes Noble, this original legend explains the origin of sea glass, attributing it to the tears of mermaids, weeping for lives lost at sea.

During the Civil War, it was not uncommon for Army units to have mascots to lift spirits and build loyalty among the soldiers. One of the most famous mascots was Old Abe, a remarkable eagle from Wisconsin. Named in honor of President Lincoln, the eagle became the mascot of the Eighth Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Old Abe was beloved by foot soldiers and officers alike. He made them laugh with his antics -- stealing chickens, shaking hands, and creating warmth amidst the harsh conditions of war. Soaring over the battlefields, he rallied his comrades through numerous skirmishes and engagements. When his exploits became larger than life and extolled throughout the country, even the Confederates knew he was a force to be reckoned with and made the bird a target!Great Lakes author Kathy-jo Wargin has earned national acclaim with several bestselling children's books, including The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song of the Bell, The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of the Lady's Slipper (Upper Midwest Bookseller's Favorite). She is also the author of B is for Badger: AWisconsin Alphabet. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker throughout the country. Kathy-jo currently lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan. Illustrator Laurie Caple has created artwork for many books and periodicals, including the American Girl series and Cricket. The Legend of Old Abe is Laurie's first book with Sleeping Bear Press. Laurie lives with her family in northern Wisconsin.

The Legend of the Lady's Slipper is a suspenseful tale of a young maiden's run through the forest in an attempt to save the people of her village. Dashing through the forest, with starlight at her heels," Running Flower is a testament of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. You will remember her story whenever you see delicate pink and white lady's slippers carpeting the ground of a northern forest. Add The Legend of the Lady's Slipper to your collection and let it enchant you for years to come. Kathy-jo Wargin aims to help young readers notice the most intricate details of a story by adding the nuances that create magic and wonder in a good tale. Kathy-jo Wargin (Nelson) was born in Tower, Minnesota and moved to Grand Rapids at the age of seven. She studied music composition at University of Minnesota-Duluth. Her transition to writing books was a natural step. As well, her love for children and her desire to expose them to vivid written descriptions, inspire her to write with great attention to the nuances of a story, opening their minds to see all the possibilities in a scene or situation. Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen captures his lifelong connection to nature and wildlife. His talent for mural painting can be seen in several museums, including Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Born in the Netherlands, Gijsbert studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in Holland and immigrated to the United States in 1976. In 1993, after 17 years as the Art Director for the Michigan Natural Resources Magazine, he ventured out on his own. His highest professional achievement comes from being selected numerous times into the internationally renowned Leigh Yawkey Woodson Birds in Art exhibition, held in Wisconsin. Gijsbert and his wife Robbyn, give nature tours at their home outside Lansing, Michigan where they live with their two daughters, Kelly and Heather.

While flying to a warmer climate, a little swallow stops to rest in the great city. His short stay is extended, however, when he takes refuge at, and then makes friends with, the golden statue of The Happy Prince. From high atop his pedestal in the city park The Happy Prince has a bird's-eye view of the sufferings of the people of the city. But, he is powerless to do anything. When the Prince entreats his new friend to stay and help him, a lesson in kindness and caring is in store for the little bird. Beloved since its original publication in 1888, this Oscar Wilde fairy tale is now set against a modern-day backdrop and written for young readers. Stunning, evocative paintings, along with a masterful retelling, breathe new life and meaning into this classic story of mindfulness and compassion for others. An excellent vehicle for character education programming, educators will find this story a valuable addition to their libraries. One dollar from the sale of each Happy Prince book will be donated to HELP USA. Founded in 1986, HELP USA empowers the homeless and others in need to become and remain self-reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services HELP USA provides resources, including job training and placement, to enable its residents to become independent and productive. For more information see www.helpusa.org.

Paul Bunyan has a BIG problem. He's in love but the lady who has caught his eye will have nothing to do with him. What's a giant lumberjack to do? When Paul Bunyan meets pretty Lucette, he knows she's the gal for him. After all, she's so tall she can't fit into an ordinary cabin. She can churn butter into a thick creamy river, and when she cleans house she can twirl up a tornado! Why, it's a match made in heaven! But to win Lucette's heart, Paul must prove his worth in a love test. Acclaimed storyteller Marybeth Lorbiecki brings together history and legend for a rollicking American tall tale. Enchanting artwork tenderly gives life to the BIGGEST love story the north woods region has ever seen.Marybeth Lorbiecki has written more than 20 award-winning books, including the acclaimed Jackie's Bat and Sister Anne's Hands (IRA Best Books of the Year 1999). History and conservation are favorite themes in her work. Marybeth lives in Hudson, Wisconsin. Renée Graef is well known as the illustrator for the "Kirsten" books in the American Girl children's book series, and has also illustrated many My First Little House books. Renée's other work with Sleeping Bear Press includes B is for Bookworm: A Library Alphabet. Renée lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

For centuries, the Great Stone Face has kept silent watch from Cannon Mountain, high above the Pemigewasset River. But who is the onlooker and for whom does he keep vigil? Though from warring tribes, Mohawk maiden Minerwa enchants Chief Pemigewasset, and with their union comes peace for many years. But when Minerwa leaves to visit her dying father, Pemigewasset must stay behind. Denise Ortakales recounts the legend of Chief Pemigewasset, whose steadfast love and devotion to his wife is forever honored in his profile on the mountainside. Denise Ortakales graduated from the Art Institute of Boston, where she studied illustration and children's literature. Having grown up in the shadow of the Old Man, it was natural for her to write about it as a school assignment. Years later, when the granite formation fell, she knew it was time to share that story with others. This is her first book as an author. She has illustrated several picture books, including Carrot in My Pocket and Good Morning, Garden. Denise lives in Laconia, NH, with her husband and two sons. Artist Robert Crawford graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. His paintings have appeared on the cover of major magazines such as Fortune, Business Week, The Atlantic and U.S. News and World Report, as well as book covers for major publishers including Random House, Penguin/Putnam, and Avon. Robert's work has won numerous awards and has been selected for permanent collection by the United States government and major corporations. Robert lives in Woodbury, Connecticut.

Did you know that trolls use their ugly appearance to scare humans? Some trolls can have more than 12 heads. Learn more about these mythical creatures in Trolls, part of the Legends and Fairy Tales series Legends and Fairy Tales is a series of AV2 media enhanced books. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. These books come alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more

Inspired by classic stories from the world of children's literature, cookbook author Carol Odell creates simple and tasty treats for cooks (and readers) of all ages to enjoy. Enhanced by softly colored illustrations, story excerpts from more than 20 children's books (including Huckleberry Finn, Little Women, and Treasure Island) are accompanied by original, easy-to-follow recipes. From breakfast items (Doctor Doolittle Do-very-little Sausages) and sandwiches (Treasure Island Marooned Cheese Toast), to main meals (Robin Hood Sherwood Forest Chicken) and desserts (The Fir Tree Shortbread Stars), young readers will enjoy making and eating these scrumptious delights! Carol Odell has written more than 20 children's books as well as scripts for television, including the BBC. She is also an accomplished cook and is the author of the Countrywoman's Cookbook and coauthor of Natural Health Cookbook. She lives in Australia. Award-winning author and illustrator, Anna Pignataro has created more than 40 books for children. She was the winner of the Crichton Award for book illustration in 1998, and her books are frequently chosen as notable Australian books. Anna lives in Australia.