I love this book. Ever since a family friend gave it to me several years ago, I often go back and read the stories over and over again because they are so enchanting. For once, the female characters balance out with the usual "heroic" male counterparts; No damsels in distress or cunning and villainous old hags here. The Maid of the North is not, however, preachy or boring in its feminism, but it subtley sends the message out to girls that females in folktales can be just as intelligent, fun and resourceful as the males. These engaging stories are perfect for readers of any age.

I got this book as a little girl, along with another collection "Tatterhood", written and edited by the same people (I believe). This one stuck in my mind as being the most entertaining, although both were good.

The unique, although sparse, illustrations are very interesting and wonderful, not like any other drawings in children's book. Unlike "Tatterhood", the fact that these stories were about young girls really drew me, and was quite exciting. For parents with little girls interested in legends, fantasy, and faraway places, I'd definitely recommend buying this for your children and reading it aloud.

Phelps created two collections of tales featuring strong women to show that not all female heroines in folklore are passive victims of circumstance. This book was originally published in 1981 to answer the feminist attack against fairy tales that appeared in the 1970s. This collection pulls stories from several cultures and will be great for reading at bedtime. Included in the 21 tales are East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Duffy and the Devil, and The Old Woman and the Rice Cakes (from Japan). The tales are interesting enough to keep the attention of both adults and children. I also recommend Phelps' other collection, "Tatterhood."

I think this is out of print and it's such a shame, because it's a fabulous book. Even for folk tale lovers who don't identify as feminist, these tales are sure to delight. I am really charmed by the creative tales which show many strong, skillful, smart, and powerful women and girl characters as the protagonists of the stories. Another bonus is the author's effort to find tales representing many different cultures of the world.

I would recommend this to be read to and by children who love folk tales, as well as adults who like this genre. What a wonderful feeling to believe a girl can be the star of her own show, the director of her own destiny!

This collection of stories is wonderful. My six-year-old (advanced) daughter's favorite, Elsa and the Evil Wizard, is just one of the many folk tales in this collection. With all the elements of a good fairy tale, in addition to a strong, resourceful, and intelligent female role model, this is one story that makes girls feel good about being decisive and strong-willed. Our daughters and sons need to hear more stories like this one, to counteract the weak princess types whose only worth and happiness is too closely connected to being "saved" by the handsome prince. We also love Ethel Phelps' stories about Tatterhood. More like this, please!