Pleasant DeSpain – författare

A book for all cat-lovers! Worshipped in some cultures, feared in others, loved as pets worldwide, cats are seen as possessing special powerathletic, supernatural, or intellectual. The nine tales included her show cats in all their glory. The cats in these stories are kind, cruel, independent, lovableand always clever. These nine stories come from all points of the globe, including Sri Lanka ("The Magnificent Cat"), East Africa ("Why Cats Live with Women"), Italy ("The House of Cats"), and Tibet ("The Holy Cat"). These cat tales will teach readers the importance of caring, fairness and resourcefulness.

From the earliest times of storytelling, magic has been a part of the most thrilling of taleswhen 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 dreamsyou'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).

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").

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").

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 ("Firefly Lights the Way").