SHORT BUT NOT VERY SWEET

There are two sides to every story. That's what you've always heard, well now we get to hear from our famous villains and how they got the short end of the stick.

Those goats were really stupid to have gotten eaten. It's really not the troll's fault. What a bunch of silly girls those 12 dancing princesses were.

Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villanous Tales edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling is a collection of 15 short tales not just reimagined by the best children's fiction authors. A delightful read for fantasy fans 5th-8th grade.

THE TOOTH FAIRY MEETS EL RATON PEREZ

When Miguelito, a Mexican-American boy looses his tooth and hides it under his pillow waiting for a present in exchange. he has no idea that he is setting off a big conflict between the Tooth Fairy and her Spanish-speaking counterpart, el Raton Perez, the charming and adventurous mouse who also collects children's teeth in Spain and Latin America. The Tooth Fairy feels she is in a competition, so she claims Miguelito's tooth, "Here's my tooth!" she says, and the mouse replies "!Aqui esta mi diente!". Fortunately the conflict is resolved when both collectors learn to work together teaching a lesson about sharing and cooperation. Charming storybook full of humor and imagination. Written by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Tom Lintern. Kindergarten ages 5-6.

SNACKTIME READERS

A new take on a very the old tale of the Pied Piper is the focus this novel written by Jane Yolen and her son, Adam Stemple. Told from a more modern perspective it is a story worth reading and talking about. Join Snacktime Readers on Wednesday, July 29 at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale 91205 at 7:00 p.m. This discussion group is for readers in the 4-8th grades and their parents. Pick up a copy of this very quick read at the desk and come and share your thoughts!

ONCE UPON A TIME: TRADITIONAL LATIN AMERICAN TALES: HABIA UNA VEZ: CUENTOS TRADICIONALES LATINOAMERICANOS

This collection of seven Latin American folktales features is retold in English and Spanish and includes descriptions of the origins and meaning of each tale. Characters such as El Gallo de Bodas – The Wedding Rooster, La Madremonte – The Madremonte or the Mother of Forest, La Cucarachita Martina y el Raton Perez – Martina, the cockroach, and Perez the mouse, are among the classic folktales presented in enjoyable bilingual versions in this book. Tales are funny and cute and will entertain adults and children alike. Beautiful watercolor illustrations by Raul Colon appear throughout this book which was written by Rueben Martinez. An excellent resource for a Spanish storytelling session. For ages 5 and older.

SLEEP TO DREAM

Newbery Medalist Sid Fleischman has written a haunting tale called THE DREAM STEALER about a sneaky bandit coming to steal your dreams while you are trying to sleep. One night, Susanna is dreaming a happy dream about her long lost friend, only to have it rudely snatched away from her before she can find the friend! But Susana is not going to put up with that! You'll have to read the book to find out how she gets her dream back. For grades 3-6.

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL/ THE LEGEND OF LA VIEJA BELEN

The author Julia Alvarez recreates the legend of this Dominican folk character “La Vieja Belen”

LaVieja Belen is an old woman who is always busy doing housework and caring for guests.
This bilingual picture book is an original story about the Dominican folk character who delivers toys to poor children in the Dominican Republic the week after Three Kings Day. The story is told in rhymes. Colored-pencil and beautiful watercolor illustrations. Written by Julia Alvarez, illustrated by Ruddy Nuñez. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6.