People just can't live together without telling stories. We tell stories that are funny, ironic, insightful, or just simply pleasing to the tongue and ear. Stories just seem to happen. When a story happens with the force of universality, it finds its way into that pantheon of tales that is the common denominator of cultural exchange. Here are thirty-three such tales, collected from Brazil, China, Korea, Russia, Tibet, Africa, from America's native peoples, and other lands, and chosen for the universality of their message. Each story is presented in concise "retellable" form, suitable for all...

Latin America today presents a complex tapestry of native, Spanish, European, and African influences. For the past three decades, Pleasant DeSpain has explored Latin America its landscapes, customs, cultures, and especially, its stories. Here he presents his finely-honed retellings of traditional folktales, myths, and legends from a broad array of Latin American cultures: Guatemala, Haiti, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Chile. The fifteen tales presented here are full of compassionate souls, tricks and humor, explanations...

This unique collection of American stories from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the lush green hills of Virginia; from the sweltering bayous of Louisiana to the windswept prairies of South Dakota is told in DeSpain's signature gentle style. Every reader will find something of interest - the stories range from practical tales of wisdom such as Pulling the Rope to silly and scary ones such as The Haint that Roared and The Big, Smelly, Hairy Toe. The stories' represent not only the geographic diversity of the United States but also offer a portrait of our nation's character, values, beliefs, and...

Every culture known to humankind has its fools, those well-meaning (yet bungling) folks who always manage to do the wrong thing, even though their hearts are in the right place. From stories of the fool, we learn how to avoid becoming one ourselves as well as how to laugh at ourselves when the inevitable happens and we do something silly. The ten stories collected here deal with fools from around the world, including: "The Silly Farmer" from Ethiopia, "The Extraordinary Cat" from China, "The Bear Who Said North" from Finland, and "The Proud Fox" from the United States."

The people of every culture and country tell tales of wisdom and justice. Wisdom tales remind us of the value of human experience, and that where there is wisdom, there is usually justice. These tales remind us fairness is necessary if we are to continue to live together as human beings. These tales represent many cultures and countries from around the world. You'll find ten tales of wisdom and justice, including: "Pandora's Box" from Ancient Greece, "Senor Coyote, the Judge" from Mexico, "The Wisdom of Solomon" from Israel, and "The Golden Pitcher" from Mongolia."

Scary stories have always been popular, especially with children. And no wonder hearing such stories heightens the imagination and keeps us alert. The fantasy brings adventure to our routine daily lives. And above all, hearing scary story allows us to face our fears and emerge unharmed. In the nine stories here, skeletons dance, cats talk, and greedy trolls are tricked by a simple innkeeper. The stories come from many traditions, including: Japan ("The Dancing Skeleton"), Uruguay ("The Hungry Witch"), the Sioux Nation ("The Ghost Wife"), and the Congo ("The Talking Skull")."

Insects have always been a part of the human existence. Whether they've annoyed us with buzzing, bites, or stings, or fascinated us with their complexities, we have noticed them enough to give them personalities and histories. These tales make us aware that insects exist for a purpose. Because these stories humanize insects, they can also show us our own foibles and strengths. Tales of tricksters and heroes, teachers and fools, come from countries all over the world, including: West Africa ("Why Ants Carry Heavy Loads"), Fiji ("Butterfly's Bet"), Mexico ("Grasshopper's Army"), and Jamaica...

Holy days, or holidays, are celebrated by cultures from around the globe. These are times when people experience the energy and spirit that comes when a day is lifted out of commonplace. Sometimes that spirit is one of love and goodwill; other times it's a sense of renewal or even giddy fear. Holidays are unique because we find unexpected occurrences in everyday routine. Here are nine holiday stories, with descriptions of the days they celebrate, including: New Year's Day ("The Twelve Months"), Halloween ("Whooooo"), Hannukah ("Babushka"), and Christmas ("Christina's Christmas Garden").

What does it take to be a hero? Massive strength? Incredible height? Infinite power? Not necessarily. Often, it's quick wit, a courageous heart, or unselfishness that evokes the hero inside of us. Even when we are simply reading about the valiant acts in these stories, we can feel our own inner hero rising to the occasion, echoing that need we all have to be better human beings. The heroes in these tales emerge from all over the world, including: Switzerland ("William Tell"), Japan ("Lord Bag of Rice"), South America ("Josesito the Brave"), and Rumania ("Stan Bolovan and the Dragon").

From the earliest times of storytelling, magic has been a part of the most thrilling of tales when miracles transport heroes and transform the outcome of the story itself. In fact, the power of magic is at work whenever a story is told: the magician is the teller of the tale, allowing story, teller, and listener to become one. Leprechauns, dwarfs, shape-shifters, and the power of dreams you'll meet them all, and more in these nine tales, including: "The Seven Stars" (Cherokee Nation), "Red Cap and the Miser" (Ireland), "The Birds of All the World" (Spain), and "The Silver Bell" (Denmark)."