Books in World fairy tale collections series

A long time ago, there lived a prince who was looking for someone very special to marry. One of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories gets a breathtaking showcase, with lavish art and an elegant retelling by acclaimed writer, professor, and radio host John Cech. It’s the second exquisite entry in the Classic Fairy Tale Collection series. Although the handsome prince meets ladies blessed with beauty, wealth, and brains, he knows in his heart that none is the true princess he longs for. Then, one stormy night, a wet, disheveled, and very weary young woman knocks at the castle door. Could she be his queen? One tiny pea buried underneath 20 soft mattresses might reveal the truth… Bernhard Oberdieck’s stunning images, with their soft color and unusual perspectives, capture all the fantasy and romance of Andersen’s appealing tale.

A long time ago, there lived a prince who was looking for someone very special to marry… One of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories gets a breathtaking showcase, with lavish art and an elegant retelling by acclaimed writer, professor, and radio host John Cech. It’s the second exquisite entry in the Classic Fairy Tale Collection series.Although the handsome prince meets ladies blessed with beauty, wealth, and brains, he knows in his heart that none is the true princess he longs for. Then, one stormy night, a wet, disheveled, and very weary young woman knocks at the castle door. Could she be his queen? One tiny pea buried underneath twenty soft mattresses might reveal the truth…Bernhard Oberdieck’s stunning images, with their soft color and unusual perspectives, capture all the fantasy and romance of Andersen’s appealing tale.

Jack and his marvelous beanstalk made their first appearance in England in 1734—and for nearly three centuries the tale has continued to enchant children. After all, what could be more reassuring to a small child than the idea that even a little boy can outwit a scary giant? John Cech retells this popular story with humor and warmth, adding plenty of entertaining detail and bringing in some less familiar elements, too. (For example, when Jack escapes for the last time, the giant’s wife comes along with him, and becomes his mother’s good friend.) And Robert Mackenzie’s art captures all the magic of the huge beanstalk and the giant’s oversized world up in the clouds.

Adapted from the perennially popular folktale, first published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, this engaging version of The Elves and the Shoemaker features uniquely compelling and otherworldly illustrations by Kirill Chelushkin. What will the poor cobbler and his wife do? They have just enough leather to make one last pair of shoes. Then, good fortune suddenly smiles upon them. While the shoemaker sleeps, someone fashions the most perfect pair of shoes imaginable—and a delighted customer pays twice the asking price. Who could have done such marvelous work? And will the magic continue? A captivating story that children are sure to enjoy.

When a poor miller dies, he has nothing to leave his son but a cat—but, fortunately, it’s a very smart cat. With just a pair of boots, a feathered hat, and a cloth bag, the wily Puss changes his master’s luck, transforming him from a peasant into a prince.John Cech and Bernhard Oberdieck, who created the critically acclaimed Classic Fairy Collection’s version of The Princess and the Pea, have teamed up once again to present a clever and enchanting retelling of one of the oldest fairy tales of all.

Jack and his marvelous beanstalk made their first appearance in England in 1734—and for nearly three centuries the tale has continued to enchant children. After all, what could be more reassuring to a small child than the idea that even a little boy can outwit a scary giant? John Cech retells this popular story with humor and warmth, adding plenty of entertaining details and bringing in some less familiar elements, too. (For example, when Jack escapes for the last time, the giant’s wife comes along with him, and becomes his mother’s good friend.) And Robert Mackenzie’s art captures all the magic of the huge beanstalk and the giant’s oversized world up in the clouds.

Adapted from the perennially popular folktale, first published by the Brothers’ Grimm in 1812, this engaging version of “The Elves and the Shoemaker” features uniquely compelling and otherworldly illustrations by Kirill Chelushkin. What will the poor cobbler and his wife do: they have just enough leather to make one last pair of shoes. Then, good fortune suddenly smiles upon them. While the shoemaker sleeps, someone fashions the most perfect pair of shoes imaginable—and a delighted customer pays twice the asking price. Who could have done such marvelous work? And will the magic continue? A captivating story that children are sure to enjoy.

Every day, twelve princesses mysteriously wear out twelve new pairs of shoes—and neither the king, nor a series of hopeful suitors, can figure out how. Then a simple soldier, with a little magic on his side, gives it a try. Will he succeed where others have failed? Lucy Corvino’s illustrations capture the princesses’ graceful dancing world in this beautiful version of the classic fairy tale, now in paperback.