New Releases by Shirley Climo

A retelling of an ancient Egyptian version of Cinderella features Rhodopis, who is devastated when a falcon swoops down and steals one of her precious red slippers until the Pharaoh uses it as a clue to find his bride. Reprint.

When Tuko the gecko cries so loudly that the birds stop singing and cannot sleep, they try to trick him into moving from their home on the Philippine island of Luzon.

A collection of monkey lore, fables, and stories from around the world.

All her life, Tante had heard tales about marvelous happenings on Christmas Eve. Animals might speak aloud. Bees might hum carols, or cocks crow at midnight. Tante wished she could witness a bit of Christmas magic, too. Everybody loves Christmas at Tante's. The old lady decorates a wonderful tree and makes certain to have something for all who come to visit, be it the nearby village children or the shy animals of the pine forest. The only creatures Tante overlooks are the spiders she has swept out of her cottage while cleaning. But the curious spiders want to come inside and see Tante's tree, too. When a midnight visitor lets them into the old lady's home, they unknowingly spin Tante the very gift she has longed for--a gift that has inspired the draping of tinsel on Christmas trees ever since. This Old World tale about the warmth and wonder of Christmas will leave children enchanted with the magical possibilities of the season.

In this jewel-like version of a classic story, popular folklorist Shirley Climo tells the tale of Settareh, the Persian Cinderella. Magic enables Settareh to outsmart two jealous stepsisters and win the heart of a prince. But where most Cinderella stories end, poor Sattareh's troubles are only beginning! The unexpected plot twists will enchant readers as they rediscover the familiar tale in the lush setting of long-ago Persia. Shirley Climo's authentic details bring the story to life, and Robert Florczak's stunning paintings echo the vibrant colors and motifs of an ancient land. 01-02 TX Bluebonnet Award Masterlist

A hero's feats? Ever since he was a baby, Becan's only worry has been his big feet--until his widowed father remarries. His new stepmothr and her three daughters feed him crusts of bread and banish him to work in the fields. So Becan runs away. With the help of his only friend, a magical bull, he defeats a giant, slays a dragon, and rescues a princess. But before she can thank him, Becan disappears, leaving behind him one of his enormous boots. The princess scours the kingdom for the owner of the giant boot. Will Becan's feet give him away? And what will his fate be if they do? Folklorist Shirley Climo retells an age-old Irish tale that is an unusual twist on the popular Cinderella story. Just like his female counterpart, Becan has a mean stepmother and stepsisters. Unlike Cinderella, Becan has large feet and a magical bull for a fairy godmother. He defeats a sword-swinging giant, slays a fire-breathing dragon, and rescues a princess. But before the princess can thank him, he runs off, leaving her with only an enormous boot to aid her in the search for her rescuer. And, as in all Cinderella stories, true love prevails. Folklorist Shirley Climo retells an age-old Irish tale that is an unusual twist on the popular Cinderella story. Just like his female counterpart, Becan has a mean stepmother and stepsisters. Unlike Cinderella, Becan has large feet and a magical bull for a fairy godmother. He defeats a sword-swinging giant, slays a fire-breathing dragon, and rescues a princess. But before the princess can thank him, he runs off, leaving her with only an enormous boot to aid her in the search for her rescuer. And, as in all Cinderella stories, true love prevails.

Meet the princesses... Mpunzanyana, the brave princess of the South African Xhosa, marries a five-headed serpent to save her sister. Lina, the spoiled princess of Germany, foolishly turns away the love of a king. And Maix, a headstrong princess of the Central American Maya, defies her father and runs away with her true love--only to be captured by an ogre. Join these three princesses and many more for a breathtaking journey around the world and back through time, where anything can happen--including a happy ending.

This distinctly Mexican version of an old fable found in Spain, Portugal, and France is retold and updated by a well-known storyteller. The little red ant has found a wonderful crumb, but she's not strong enough to carry it all the way home. Going from one creature to the next, asking for help, the little red ant is surprised to discover who is the strongest of all. Spanish words add to the text's Mexican flavor, and bold, playful illustrations, hinting at what's coming next, make this story a real "page-turner."

Climo and Heller conflate several Korean variants of Cinderella to offer up the story of Pear Blossom, a lovely girl who is sorely mistreated by her nasty stepmother and stepsister.... At once comfortingly familiar and intriguingly exotic, the text is especially noteworthy for its instructive but unobtrusive incorporation of Korean words.'-Publishers Weekly. Heller's paintings are exotically lush and colorful as well as engaging.... An agreeable retelling of the Cinderella story.' -BL.Notable 1994 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

In this retelling of a Chippewa folktale, the birds won’t stop arguing until Old Mother Owl decrees that whoever flies highest and longest will be their king. "The nondescript wren, small but exceedingly clever, capitalizes on the strength of the mighty eagle. Rich and expresssive illustrations depict the birds in their many vivid colors [in this retelling of one of the world's oldest legends]." —BL. Notable 1988 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

Describes the building, history, and significant sights of Washington, D.C.

While staying with her eccentric aunt and uncle on the foggy California coast, T.J. finds herself involved in an unusual adventure when she helps the ghost of a nineteenth-century stowaway find a ring that will help free him to his future.

Describes San Francisco's history, sights and attractions, and people.

When twelve-year-old Zoe's Georgia home is taken over by Union soldiers, she uses all her ingenuity to drive them away.

After waiting years to witness some of the special magic that happens Christmas Eve, a kindly old woman finally gets her wish.