Short Stories Fairy Tales

When the magical secrets of The Emerald Isle beckon, will she survive answering the call? Ohio, 1846. Valentia McDowell wishes she could rest. Plagued by nightmares of her grandmother’s mysterious brooch lost in Ireland, the well-off young woman aches to find her lost family in Ireland. But as she dodges marriage proposals from odious local farmers, she can’t shake the sense that a powerful inheritance awaits her across the ocean… if she can weather the treacherous journey. Can Valentia uphold a destiny she doesn’t yet understand without losing everyone she loves? An Immigrant's ...

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, unique tales inspired by traditional literary forms appeared frequently in socialist-leaning British periodicals, such as the Clarion, Labour Leader, and Social Democrat. Based on familiar genres, these stories were meant to entertain readers of all ages - and some challenged the conventional values promoted in children’s literature for the middle class. Acclaimed critic and author Michael Rosen brings together more than 40 of the best and most enduring examples of these stories in one beautiful volume.

Travel to a world of wild imagination and playful curiosity with Just So Stories, the complete collection of Rudyard Kipling's timeless animal tales, specially presented for young children at bedtime. In these delightful and whimsical stories, you'll discover how the elephant got its trunk, why the camel has a hump, and how the leopard got its spots—each tale bursting with charm, gentle humour, and wonder. Told in Kipling's beautifully rhythmic and poetic style, these stories spark imagination while offering soothing, thoughtful storytelling perfect for winding down at the end of the day.

Do you ever wonder if there is a gnome living in the hole at the bottom of the old tree in the park? Have you ever felt like you weren't alone while in the woods? Did you know that elves are responsible for many of our day-to-day occurrences? If your mind ever fills with these kinds of questions, then these modern fairy tales are for you!

A collection of stories from the Land of the Rising Sun. The tales come from a rich folk tradition. Fantasy and horror intermingle in these imaginative narratives.

A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle's shadows. A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle.

The enchantment continues...nine short stories from the beloved The Lunar Chronicles. The universe of The Lunar Chronicles holds stories - and secrets - that are wondrous, vicious and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realise their destinies? With nine stories to explore, Stars Above is essential for fans of the best-selling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Cinder, a poor and beautiful young man who designs clothing, makeup, and hair for his stepmother and stepsisters, offers his clothing and slippers to a naked stranger in the woods, who turns out to be none other than Prince Charming. Follow Cinder and Prince Charming in this twist on the classic Cinderella tale as they discover their inner strengths and find their very own happily ever after.

Stories and animals have long travelled the same routes. Through our heritage of charming, quirky and profound tales, you will find yourself re-acquainted with Britain's wondrous fauna. Find out how hedgehog ended up with spines and what makes him scuttle so fast, discover how pigs saved a prince from leprosy and why the wealthy lord was so intent on capturing the black fox. Sharon Jacksties' wonderful book combines traditional stories, little-known zoological facts and true anecdotes to create a treasure trove of stories for animal lovers of every kind.

The tale of Little Red Riding Hood takes an unexpected turn when the wolf's intended prey turns the tables on him and changes the course of his life.

So you think you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the girl with the unfortunate name and the inability to tell the difference between her grandmother and a member of a different species? Well, then, try your hand at answering these questions: Which character (not including Little Red herself) is the most fashion challenged? Who (not including the wolf) is the scariest? Who (not including Granny) is the most easily scared? Who is the strangest? (Notice we’re not "not including" anyone, because they’re all a little off.) Who (no fair saying "the author") has stuffing for brains?

A young school teacher learns about strange lights in a foreboding marsh; a nurse in a remote outport visits the baby she delivered weeks before to find a devastating change; a woman meets a mysterious funeral procession late one evening; a musician falls thrall to a group of strange little people and can’t stop playing. The stories in Spirited Away are populated by the fairy-led, by changelings, by people who stray onto fairy turf and experience unnerving events.

With these captivating initial glimpses into her storytelling psyche, Jo Walton shines through subtle myths and reinvented realities. Through eclectic stories, subtle vignettes, inspired poetry, and more, Walton soars with humans, machines, and magic-rising from the every day into the universe itself.

There are many versions of the Cinderella story. Not one of them, however, points out that one does not have to wear the glass slipper—even if it fits.

Fantasy icon Jane Yolen is adored by generations of readers and listeners of all ages. Now she triumphantly returns with this inspired gathering of fractured fairy tales and legends. Yolen breaks open the classics to reveal their crystalline secrets: a philosophical bridge that misses its troll, a spinner of straw as a falsely accused moneylender, the villainous wolf adjusting poorly to retirement. Each of these offerings features a new author note and original poem, illuminating tales that are old, new, and brilliantly refined.

Award-winning, number-one international best-selling author Kevin J. Anderson has published nearly 150 books, which have appeared in 30 languages worldwide, in genres ranging from science fiction, epic fantasy, humorous horror, gritty suspense, steampunk, and mystery. He has published over half a million words of short fiction, the best of which are gathered in this multi-volume series.

The daughter of a poor Chinese cobbler, Lijuan's beauty and grace captivates the heart of her village. But when a curse befalls her, will she persevere, or fall victim to its power? The Enchanted Dance is a tale of raw passion, courage, and love. Step, if you dare, into its pages. Lijuan will captivate your heart, and hold it in the timelessness of her embrace .

A fairytale where the heroine gets the princess. Rose is the youngest of Sir Roland's three children, and the best beloved. When her father fails to come back from an attempt to rescue the princess from a neighboring kingdom from the notorious and mysterious Black Knight, Rose does not hesitate to strap on her father's old armor, the red faded almost to invisibility, and ride into the dark forest to help him.

Original, honest and thought-provoking, Roar is Cecelia Ahern's unforgettable story collection. With her trademark honesty, Cecelia Ahern gives us 30 linked stories, all titled 'The Woman Who...', that capture the different facets of women's lives. Humorous, moving, surreal and poignant, the stories capture the moments the characters are overwhelmed by guilt, confusion, frustration, intimidation, exhaustion - the private moments when they feel the need to roar.

Enter the world of Beatrix Potter and her endearing anthropomorphic animals. These treasured characters have become every child's playmates and have found a home in every child's heart. Say hello to Nutkin the Squirrel and Benjamin Bunny, along with their many friends.