Wisdom Tales – serie

A King James Christmas promises to become a new Christmas classic for the entire family. Excerpts from the King James Version of the Gospels are woven together in an easy-to-follow story of Jesus' birth and infancy, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the adoration of the Magi, the presentation of Jesus in the temple, and the flight into Egypt. Illustrated throughout, it will dazzle the eye and enchant the heart with the true spirit of Christmas.

A brilliant military strategist, superb horseman, statesman, philosopher, Muslim hero ...Emir Abdel Kader (1808-1883) was an international celebrity in his own time, known for his generosity and kindness even towards enemies. Today he is recognized as one of the noblest leaders of the 19th century and a pioneer in interfaith dialogue. This fascinating biography of the heroic Arab who led the resistance to the French conquest of Algeria, endured betrayal and imprisonment, and in 1860, in Syria, saved thousands of innocent people from mob violence brings a vital message for our times.

For the tribes of the American plains in the Buffalo Days of the pre-reservation life, horse raiding was a chance for men to show their courage and bravery in battle. No man can help another to be brave," says grandfather to fourteen-year-old Lone Bull, but through brave deeds you may become a leader one day." Lone Bull wanted to be a warrior and he knew he could be victorious in a horse raid if only given the chance! But when Lone Bull's father refuses to let his son and his best friend join the raid, what do the young boys do? They set off to follow the group with the help of grandfather! Will it all end in disaster? Master storyteller, Paul Goble, brings to life this exciting and timeless coming-of-age story of Lone Bull, a young Lakota boy eager to join the warriors on a horse raid against the Crow. This newly revised edition features digitally enhanced artwork, completely revised text, a brand new layout, and a fascinating foreword from world famous storyteller, Joseph Bruchac.

Have you ever wondered why pine trees stay green all winter long and don't lose their leaves like other trees? According to an ancient legend attributed to the Cherokee Indians, it was a simple act of kindness towards an injured little bird that earned pine trees this very honor. Retold by award-winning author Alexis York Lumbard, this story invites readers to experience a world where trees and birds speak and interact with each other, and which shows us that no act of kindness and sharing goes unrewarded. Featuring beautiful paintings by multiple award-winning illustrator Beatriz Vidal, you will never look at pine trees in the same way again!

On a secluded island, in a faraway sea, the animals live in peace and prosperity. But one day, the winds of fate bring humans to their shore. Down come trees and up go houses, farms, and a bustling market. The humans capture the animals and put them to work. A great sadness falls upon the land, and only a young boy named Adam can hear the animals' cries. Compelled to act, Adam escapes into the jungle and joins with the remaining free animals, attempting to summon the Spirit King Bersaf. Will the king bring the humans to trial for their harmful actions? Will justice be had? Will balance return to land, sea, and sky? This multicultural environmental tale is inspired by a 1,000 year old animal fable from 10th century Muslim Iraq, which was originally translated by a Jewish rabbi at the command of a Christian king in the 14th century.

Stands-by-Herself lives with her grandmother in a buffalo-hide tipi among their Cheyenne people on the Great Plains. Other children make fun of her because she is always by herself dreaming. One day she finds a strange egg-shaped rock and senses there is something special about it. Taking it home, she cares for it as if it were a child, even though the other children mock her. When a terrible drought threatens to wipe out her people, could Stands-by-Herself's rock hold the key to their survival? The Thunder Egg is the story of a girl's coming of age, when she realizes that life can require us to think of others before ourselves and to follow what our hearts tell us. Featuring an author's note, informative notes on the illustrations, and a bibliography, the book is filled with vibrant images of Plains Indian life in the unspoiled West. Carefully crafted text and paintings bring a true authenticity to the time, place, and people of the story.

"Promise to remember me!" was all the beautiful woman had ever said to the hunter. She had appeared from nowhere one day, when he had been lonely during the long winter hunting trip. Isolated in the vast wilderness of the northeast, he would only return to his village in the spring. Except that this year he would not be alone, because she had appeared. The hunter had quickly fallen in love with the mysterious woman, and together they had become their own little family. But when spring arrived and it was time to return to the village, she disappeared just as suddenly as she had arrived. Would he ever see his love again? The hunter didn't know, but he was sure he would keep his promise and never forget her. That is, until one day the chief's daughter cast a spell on him! World-renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac retells this traditional story of love, loyalty, trust, and magic, which can be found in various forms among many of the indigenous nations of the northeast, both Iroquoian and Algonquin.Join him and award-winning illustrator Bill Farnsworth, as they recount this ancient and unique Abenaki tale of keeping a promise to one's family and of the proper relationship of humans to the natural world.

What is it that makes you happy? For little Princess Rosie, it was rainbows. Being a Princess, she could have anything she wanted. Toys, games, books. But she didn't want any of those things. Possessions didn't matter to her. Only rainbows could make her smile. "I wish I could have a rainbow all the time," Princess Rosie often sighed. Her parents, the King and Queen, tried everything they could think of to give Princess Rosie a rainbow, but with no success. Would the young Princess ever be happy? Maybe Becca, the wise old woman from the farthest village, could hold the secret to making Rosie smile? Princess Rosie's Rainbows is a stunningly illustrated new fairytale that offers young readers the precious lesson that true happiness doesn't come from outward possessions, but from deep within us.

"Ahrooooooo" went the cry. It was the call of the wolf pack. A young boy named Two Birds heard it, and so did his wolf. Two Birds had found the abandoned wolf pup, and they had grown up together. Now, the wild was calling, and Two Birds had a choice to make. Struggling with a mix of emotions, he must decide whether his love for the wolf is greater than his need to be near it. Will Two Birds learn to let go-not just of the wolf, but also of his own fears? Whispers of the Wolf is a beautiful picture book set around 500 years ago among the Pueblo Indians of the desert Southwest. A heartwarming piece of historical fiction, it weaves together themes of community, tradition, self-esteem, and respect for all life, creating a realistic portrait of a culture that continues to exert a vibrant, living influence today.

Do you sometimes feel unhappy or jealous and don't know what to do? A long time ago, Anthony (c. 251-360 A.D.) felt like this, but decided to do something about his sad heart. He gave up everything he owned and set out with nothing to find answers. His journey took him into the desert of Egypt, where he came face to face with many temptations. But through being quiet and alone in the wilderness, Anthony discovered the power of God's love in his heart. For many years Anthony taught other people how to live with love, joy, courage, and peace. People can still learn from him today, if only they pay attention to his good life and teachings. The answers are also there for you. Will you take the journey with us? Saint Anthony the Great tells the story of the father of Christian monasticism, who lived in the Egyptian desert just two hundred and fifty years after Jesus' lifetime. This beautifully illustrated book will capture the attention of young readers and help teach them about Anthony's struggle to acquire a pure heart. Here is a timeless story about the victory of good over evil, inside us and around us.

Long ago, when the world was brand new, all birds were naked. It wasn't fair. Foxes had fur. Turtles had shells. Birds deserved warm coats, too. Disgruntled, they approach the first full spring moon for advice. Birds of all shapes and sizes attend the meeting. Everyone except Peacock. He arrives on the scene late, to find his friends covered with warm, colorful feathers. "Look at Peacock! He's still naked!" All the birds stare at poor Peacock trembling in the cold night air. What will Peacock and his friends do? Find out in this beautiful and charming pourquoi story about kindness. Award-winning author Jacqueline Jules blends folktale motifs from around the world to offer an original explanation for why the peacock has such beautiful feathers. An appendix provides more information about peacocks. Helen Cann's stunning illustrations give young readers fun opportunities to identify the colors and plant life of spring. Feathers for Peacock is a gently humorous tale of generosity and friendship.

When her fisherman husband fails to come home after a storm at sea, the beautiful maiden Ling Yee is heartbroken. Every morning, she puts her baby on her back and clambers to the top of a cliff looking for any signs of his return. But day after day, she is disappointed. The villagers try to convince her to give up her vigil. “No,” she would say, “He will come home soon.” Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Heavens, takes pity on her grief and turns Ling Yee and her child into stone so that they would mourn no more. The fisherman eventually finds his way home—only to discover that his wife has been transformed into the Rock Maiden. Will the family forever be kept apart? Or will devotion and faithfulness ultimately be rewarded? Find out in this re-envisioning of an old Hong Kong legend by award-winning author Natasha Yim, featuring stunning illustrations by renowned Finnish artist Pirkko Vainio.