This book was great because it had so many scary folk tales and tall tales. I liked that it had short stories. I liked this book more because of all the scary stories that they have in this book. The one I like the most was "The Water Fall of the Living Ghost".

These 30 tales from around the world are much more complex and comprehensive than the stories you'll find in the Alvin Schwartz books. Relying more on story content than the gross out factor of illustrations, the Short & Shivery series are must have books for any kid going to sleepaway camp. The best stories in this volume are:

The Cegua

Tailypo

The Soldier and the Vampire

Boneless

The Loup-Garou (The Werewolf)

and

The Golem

But every story is good in its own right. If you want to introduce your kids to scary stories or folklore but don't want the nightmares induced by the Schawrtz books, pick up any one of the Short & Shivery books without fear. Well, without too much fear(:=

What more can I say? This is a fantastic book. San Souci tells many stories full of chills and thrills. A wonderful collection of tales for people who love scary stories. The best part is that all of the stories are short. If you like this book, be sure to read Even More Short and Shivery.

Short&Shivery

The Short&Shivery is a book with different stories. My favorite story is The Dead Mother. The main characters are the baby, the husband, and the dead mother. The Dead Mother is about mom who died while having her baby. The mother spirit would come back every night to visit her baby.

I liked some of the stories in Short&Shiverys such as the story called The Dead Mother because the author described the characters very well. The author showed a lot of detail on how the house looked, and how the baby acted when it was crying. The other stories didn't have as much detail as the book The Dead Mother.

I purchased this book after reading my copy of the first Short and Shivery to tatters when I was young enough to go away to summer camp. This sequel continues the creepy tradition started by Mr. San Souci in the first book. Taking stories from around the world and re-telling them in a kid friendly format (with just enough scare factor to raise the hackles on any kid at camp) this sequel is just as good as the first book. Stand out stories in this volume are:

Windigo Island

The Rolling Head

The Croglin Grange Vampire

"Me, Myself"

The Accursed House

and

The Thing in the Woods

Another fine jaunt into introductory folklore for kids.

The selection and telling of the stories is just as good as the original Short and Shivery. This series does not make the mistake of many other short story collections, which is that you see the same stories published over and over. This is a sophisticated telling of creepy tales you probably haven't heard already. Great for reading aloud to your kids, and the accompanying sketches are wonderful to look at.

I thought that this book was a really good book. The best part about it was that it had to do with history. I think it will still keep the interest of kids while teaching them about what happened back then. It also had great pictures. While I was reading it, the pictures jumped out at me. It wasn't too lengthy either. I found that to be quite nice. I would recommend it to children if they are looking for an interesting and educational book. With this book, you can not only enjoy it, but you can also learn. That is why I gave it 5 stars.

N.C. Wyeth studied under Howard Pyle, the father of American illustration, and it clearly shows in this book about the Pilgrims. In 1940 Wyeth was commissioned by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York to paint the murals used to illustrate this book, completing fourteen murals in five years before dying in a car accident. Wyeth proposed a historical series entitled "The Ballad of America" that would begin with the Pilgrims and continue through the California gold rush, but Met Life decided to limit the series to the Plymouth colony. Wyeth challenging the prevailing belief of Pilgrim society as unremittingly grim by painting scenes that reflected his romantic and lyrical style. He expanded his original vision to include scenes of wildlife, trying to give an idea of the beautiful land the Pilgrims found in the New World.

This book was inspired in part by the restoration of the murals in 1984. The text accompanying the illustrations is by Robert San Souci, who provides details on what is known about the real pilgrims. While not as dramatic as the illustrations he did for "Treasure Island," "Robin Hood," and "The Last of the Mohicans," these murals have their moments. Particularly memorable is one of the Pilgrims standing on a hill, watching a ship sail back to England. The mural of Thanksgiving seems odd because there is only one Indian seated at the long table awaiting the turkey (while the text recalls how "Chief Massasoit arrived with ninety men, women, and children"). Young readers will learn something about the Pilgrims from reading this book, but the chief charm is clearly the murals by Wyeth. Certainly these deserve to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The lush, romanticized illustrations--in the same tradition as Norman Rockwell--by renowned American artist N.C. Wyeth, are what first draws young readers to this book. While the paintings taken from Wyeth's murals may not always line up with the clear, concise writing of Robert San Souci, it doesn't detract from the narrative.

This is a classy book for middle grade students, providing a readable account of the Pilgrim's journey aboard the Mayflower and first year in New England. While the illustrations may be idealized, San Souci leaves no doubt that life was difficult for the settlers of Plymouth.

Notes at the end of the book provide interesting and helpful background on the writing of the book and information about the artist, who died in 1945, and the murals that are the source of these illustrations.

This is a nice addition for information on New England colonial life, as well as the feast of Thanksgiving.

I just read this book last night with my son (age 9)and wanted to send it as gift to his friends as gifts (for those big boys and their family)

My son picked this book (and another one by the same author / illustrator) "Quest for the crystal Castle")at a special store in Vermont (where I was trying orgnic cotton clothings). He seemed very engrossed for a long time, and I bought both recognizing the words"peaceful worrier" (had been mentioned a few times this summer).

Last month, I myself become a fan of Dan Millman's "Sacred JOurney of a peaceful worrior". It was definitely on my list of "books that changes life". So, I was glad to read these two children version of "peaceful worrior " book with my son last night. I found it a wonderfully written children book with insight and enlightment that my son really loved. He is an avid reader and has been reading lots of great novels, yet Dan's books still inspire him to a very deep level. We both appreciate the books greatly and start thinking about giving these books as gift to his playgroup friends since babyhood.

I liked how the girl stood up to that bully... I could do that, say "Hey, why are you taking his lunch?!? Get your own lunch!" I liked the part about "friendship"... there was a lot in this book about "friendship". I loved it. It's my favorite book ever! - Rachel P, age 10

I present motivational programs in the Detroit area schools. This book is excellent in showing that the positive actions displayed by Danny make him shine like a winner. Nothing wimpy about him! This book will become part of my CREATING CHAMPIONS program to have children see that really strong individuals don't need to use their fists to be in control of their lives! Bravo to all involved in the creation of this book. More books like this in schools could help curb some of the growing violence we're seeing.

This book has become a mainstay in my children's library. I read this book to them over and over again. My 3 daughters never tire of it. The way the tale is written allows the reader to inflect his/her own creativity in delivering the story to an entranced child's ears. You can choose to sing parts of the tale, you can inflect tonality and create the dialect as you see fit, as well. Along with the wonderful, unique artwork, this book will become a classic children's tale for generations to come!

My children sat spellbound as we read this book. We loved this story for the original plot, the strange dialect (not too heavily used), and the unusual art work.

I am a fifth grade student at North Hills Traditional Academy. And,yes, I like this book. I like this book because the pictures are pretty. I like this book because the words are beautiful. I like this book because it tells a sweet story. This book is for people who are caring.

This is a beautiful picture book for pre-teens rather than for really young children. It has a mythological tale of what young Queen Guinevere's life might have been like. It is well written by the talented Robert D. San Souci and is filled with symbolism and adventure and heroism. The illustrations are well done and are brightly colored like the pages in a medieval illuminated manuscript. Beautiful mythical creatures like a chimera and a unicorn and a werewolf help give this story its otherwordly feel and add to the mysterious and magical flavor we have come to know from other great Arthurian writers like Sir Thomas Malory, T.H. White, and Howard Pyle. This is a simple story that ends with foreshadowing of the world Guinevere will grow into and it makes a good introduction to this enigmatic character.

When I found this book, the artwork captivated me. The story is simple yet strong. I would buy this if I had a child. It is beautifully illustrated and told. Take/Borrow it and read it.

I had to buy this book because my daughter (6) was checking it out from the library so often. It is an unusual look at Guinevere and offers a good, empowering role model for girls. We love the illustrations and have read it over and over. Unfortunately, the paperback version has not stood up to those many readings. The pages have all had to be taped back in because once one came loose, the rest followed. I don't blame the binding, it is just that a paperback cannot survive that much love.

This is a story about the North Country, and how it is on a snowy night when all the people are in their cabins and houses asleep. Read along, as you experience each individual adventures of the animals. Travel with an owl one minute, then a gray coyote the next. Read about the fox, looking for a place to sleep. This story is an okay story, but really good for litte children who love animals. They can follow along with them, experiencing what they are to do next. The illustrations let you experience and see what the animals are getting into. Read this story to your littlest one, curled up on the couch with hot cocoa on a cold, snowy, winter evening, and they'll go to bed wondering, "What are the animals doing tonight?"

As night falls, animals of the north gradually appear to search for food. This book is beautifully illustrated and was another favorite of my children. Done in the hues of a bluish dusk/early evening.

Daniel San Souci carries a soft tonal effect from daylight to dawn. The book is created on a pale blue stock. An environment pervades, which allows the reader to feel as if they are watching a live cast of characters from behind a tree on a cold winter's night.

This folk story is retold with all the spice of a Cajun jambalaya. San Souci, interweaving several variants of the funny tale, places his characters in the bayou country of Louisiana, where they set out to catch fish for their gumbo. Their comical misadventures reach a climax when the mathematically challenged fisherman decide to count each other "to be sure we all safe." Whoever does the counting always comes up with five, forgetting to count himself, leading the men to conclude that one of them must be dead. Kennedy's cartoon-style illustrations, created with acrylic on velum, are a perfect accompaniment to the story. A short, helpful glossary, as well as an author's note directing readers to more information on Cajun culture, can be found at the end. Suited for ages 5 and up, this book would make a fun read-aloud. A word of caution, however: It's peppered with Cajun dialect, so be sure to practice first!

One day six brothers decide to go fishing. When it was time to go home they all counted to see if they had six brothers.The first brother counted five and the second brother counted five.All of the brothers counted five,and those foolish fishermen thought they had a lost brother.Read this book to find out how they became six foolish fishermen all over again.

My daughter LOVES this book! We sat up in her bed the other night ROARING with laughter over these 6 Foolish Fishermen. She's only 7 but she understood their silly, foolish mistakes. (. . .)

This book received a Caldecott Honor as one of the best illustrated children's books in 1990. The rich, subtle watercolors expand the reader's appreciation of the story, and help keep some of its stronger elements in balance for younger children. The story itself is a cross between several favorite fairy tales, most significantly Cinderella, and represents a retelling of a Creole story from the American South.

A widow has two daughters, and lives with them on a poor farm that "looked like the tail end of bad luck." Rose, who was like her mother, was "cross and mean and didn't know beans from birds' eggs." Her sister, Blanche, was "sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets."

Unfortunately, their mother liked Rose best because they were so similar, being "bad-tempered, sharp-tongued, and always putting on airs." While the two of them chatted, Blanche did the work.

One day, Blanche was getting water and ran into an older woman who asked for a drink. Blanche helped her. As a result, Blanche was late returning and received much ill-treatment from her mother and sister. Running off, Blanche saw the old woman again, who asked Blanche to join her. She warned Blanche not to laugh and to do as she was told. Soon, they are in a magical place where all kinds of strange things happen. But there is plenty to eat and drink. At the end, Blanche is told to bring back certain talking eggs and throw them over her shoulder. When she does, a nice set of surprises occurs.

Immediately jealous, her mother sends Rose to the old woman to get similar help. But Rose cannot follow directions, and the magic either doesn't work for her or causes her problems.

In each case, justice is done.

The story is told in an imaginative way that makes the reader want to know what will happen next. Unlike many fairy tales where you can pretty much outline the rest of the plot near the beginning, this one has some interesting, unexpected twists.

The writing is witty, and makes good use of the story's inherent charm in praising goodness of character.

If you have a sensitive child, this may not be the right book for you to acquire. The treatment of Blanche can upset some children. The magic involves creatures having two heads, and the old woman being able to take her head on and off again. In one scene, Rose takes the woman's head as a ploy to get some talking eggs, too. You can see how this might be a bit much for a sensitive four year old. Children who are able to suspend their sense of reality will probably have no problems with the story.

I enjoyed the watercolors very much. They provided a richness in their exquisite detail that made me feel good just holding the book. Also, it made the book seem more sophisticated than the typical treatment of fairy and folk tales.

The book deals with many realistic problems that occur in families, like having only one parent, not having enough money, having one child be favored over another, having one child be treated poorly, and children looking for sympathy from nonfamily members. This will provide many opportunities to discuss these issues, and find out what your child thinks.

I also suggest that you talk about whether or not Blanche should have gone off with the old woman. The book seems to suggest that looking for help from strangers is a good idea. That's not an idea that I wanted my children to have, so you will probably want to clarify your feelings on this subject as you read the book.

May all be loved, and treated fairly!

The Talking Eggs was a great story!The way the author put the story together was wonderful.Blanche had a mean mother and sister.Poor Blanche had to do all the work. But then she got what she deserved when she met an old woman on the road. I would say that this story was great. I would recommend the book to ages 6 and up.

This is a charming little folktale about two sisters Ð one mean and greedy, the other generous and kind Ð and their encounter with a strange, magical old woman. In the end, the good sister is rewarded and the bad one punished. A nice story with a good message.

But this isnÕt just a nice book, it is an extraordinary one. One thing that makes it special is the way the author uses language. Robert San Souci draws on an African American storytelling tradition and a southern rural dialect that just makes the language sing! The book is full of wonderful, poetic lines and great rhythmic language. ItÕs a joy to read aloud. The words feel good in your mouth. And any parent or teacher who reads aloud a lot knows what a rare quality that is. Even when IÕm tired, I feel like I canÕt read this book badly. The words just flow.

And the illustrations are gorgeous. Jerry Pinkney is one of the best illustrators around and this is one of my favorites of all his work. The composition, the subtle colors, the intricate detail Ð you rarely come across art this fine in childrenÕs books.

I bought this book for my daughter a couple of years ago, and weÕre still reading it over and over again. ItÕs so good, I hope in a generation sheÕll still be reading it to my grandchildren.

This children's book is visually stunning and takes some of the scary out of skeletons. The story is great too. It is a wonderful version of Cinderella that I think most children will love.

... and this book very charmingly shows how this is true! What "The Nightmare Before Christmas" showed us about what different things we value, this clever book allows us to use our imagination as well. Cinderella's stepmother, Skreetch, and her two ghastly sisters are total delights as is the fresh artwork. Definitely a keeper!

The illustration is both detailed and beautiful, and is accompanied by an enchanting poem telling the classic Cinderella story. I am 19 years old and absolutely had to get it as soon as I had finished reading it.