Helen Plum Library

"Once upon a time, in a world just like ours, there came "the time of the strangenesses." Reason receded and the loudest, most illiberal voices reigned. A simple gardener began to levitate, and a powerful djinn -- also known as the Princess of Fairyland -- raised an army composed entirely of her semi-magical great-great-great-grandchildren. A baby was born with the ability to see corruption in the faces of others. The ghosts of two philosophers, long...

Soren and Coryn read the ancient legends of Ga'Hoole in order to find a way to prevent the victory of evil in their present world

A retelling of the knightly adventures of Yvain and his faithful lion, culminating in his reconciliation with the proud lady Ludine

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside. A Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors...

A collection of traditional tales from Europe, including "Lazy Jack," "The Lambton Worm," and "The Legend of the Lorelei."

"A fresh and imaginative retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale... Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father is not a very good one. Free to lend and reluctant to collect, he has left his family on the edge of poverty--until Miryem intercedes. Hardening her heart, she sets out to retrieve what is owed, and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. But when an ill-advised boast brings her to...

A baker in colonial New York learns the importance of generosity from an old woman who visits his shop on St. Nicholas Day