Lise Lunge-Larsen begins and ends each of these classic myths by connecting them to the way we use a name or word from the stories in our every day lives. She connects words we speak to these ancient tales. Her storytelling style keeps the stories short but pithy. The art has some cartoonish elements, including comic book style bubbles. It all adds up to an easier read than more serious myth collections. For those who take their myths seriously, these will not replace classics like the D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths. That said, it is an interesting way into the classics.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

You have probably seen little Lucky Cat figurines with one paw uplifted in Japanese shops and restaurants. This is the back story of that little cat who finds shelter in the home of a monk and manages to bring good fortune to the monk and those who come to pray. When a Samurai comes calling it is the Lucky Cat who saves him from danger and who eventually comes to care for the temple and those who live in it. Handsome watercolor paintings add an authentic charm to the story. 5-9

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Cinderella lives in the folk tales of many, many countries. Though the bones of the story are the same--cruel stepmother, ugly sisters, prince who falls in love, missing slipper, the Greek version has many differences that children will surely notice. This Cinderella has no FairyGodmother, no pumpkin that turns into a carriage, no mice that turn into footmen. It's a little darker than the familiar version, but interesting to compare. After you finish this one you might check the local library for Cinderella's of other lands. Call it Comparative Lit 101.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

These "hip" bears live in split-level home furnished in mid- century style. The story is the same, but the look is totally a la Eames and Noguchi. Kids might like to find all the ways that this telling is different or the same as the original. Chances are they will quickly realize that these bears were going to eat chili rather than porridge. But then, one must suspect that the artist has never had chili, since the bowls are filled with a green liquid. O.K. I am being literal. So maybe it is a green chili. But as one who loved the Arne Jacobsen "Egg" chair, it would never be described as 'way too soft' by anyone. That said, if you like to mix art history with your folktales, this is for you. From the creator of The Three Little Pigs, An Architectural Tale, also for art lovers.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Here's a new take on the old Goldilocks story. These Three Bears are urban dwellers that find their breakfast porridge too hot. So in true Three Bear tradition they go for a walk. Juxtaposed with the bears, young Goldilocks is shown in multiple frames on alternating facing pages. She runs off in the first sequence, chasing a balloon that she never catches. Instead, she happens upon a house with an open door and the rest is history. There's a lot to look at in the small frames and children can no doubt tell you the story from the pictures. As always, Browne makes lively art that is child-friendly. Browne adds no strange twists here. Goldilocks is a city kid with a hoodie and glasses and looks nothing like the typical folktale charmer. His Three Bears talk about their work and the house as they walk in the park. Their art is more pastel and picturbooky. For the most part, it's a rather straightforward telling of the tale, just set in a more realistic world. 

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Here's an oversized picture book of a classic. It flows nicely and will be a good read aloud. The language tends to be a tad more current than the usual telling. But that is not a problem. The detailed paintings with all their patterns and color are charming until Goldie is frightened and her hair stands up on end. Somehow such a comic book image feel a little misplaced in this otherwise old-fashioned book. That said, your preschooler will probably love this version. 3 & up.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Based on an ancient poem from Iran, this is the story of a parrot that was captured and kept in a cage by a merchant who profits from the parrot's beauty. When the merchant goes to India the bird tricks him into telling his parrot friends how he much he misses them. His friends then trick the merchant by falling down and playing dead. Upon the merchant's return, he tells the parrot about what happened to his friends. The captive parrot understood and follows their example and manages to win his freedom at last.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

The tale of the Firebird is told in many different cultures. Perhaps, the one we are most familiar with is the one portrayed in the Russian ballet with music by Igor Stravinsky. The excellent retelling in this oversized picture book follows an age old folktale tradition. Ivan, the youngest son is considered the one who is least likely to capture the Firebird that is eating his father's golden apples. Yet it is Ivan who persists where his older brothers fail. He does so despite his own greediness and inability to follow rules set forth. So, he faces failures as well, along the way. The paintings in the advanced copy we reviewed are rather dark and lack what we assume will be a golden glow in the final bound books with gold and copper leaf images. 5-8.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Inspired by the classic folktale, The Bremen Town Musicians, this version is told with a twang of the Southland as the animals make their way toward the bright lights of New Orleans. This will be a long but fun read-aloud with opportunities to ham it up. Henri Sorensen's paintings are juxtaposed with black and white silhouettes that are full of action. 

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2010.

Dingo Dog is a bully and all the other animals are fed up with his nasty ways. Together they come up with a plan to trick the nasty Dingo and manage to teach him a lesson in this lively retelling of a traditional Australian folktale. A fun way to introduce young listeners to trickster tales that are found in almost all cultures. 4-7.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.