The Calif and his trusted Vizier love to disguise themselves as merchants and wander through their beloved city of Bagdad. One day a peddler in the marketplace sells them a jewelled snuffbox with a magic spell tucked inside. They're delighted when the spell changes them into storks -- until they find they can't change back! A wicked brother, an evil sorcerer, and a lovely princess -- all are part of this classic fairy tale, created in 19th-century Germany yet now told by storytellers of the Middle East. TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK "FOLKTALES ON STAGE," OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Adventures of Mouse Deer," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater. Alisher Dianov began illustrating professionally at the age of 15 in his native Russia. He now lives in the United States. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "Well-paced and judiciously seasoned with Middle Eastern flavor, the story is both accessible and exotic. Dianov, a Russian watercolorist making his American publishing debut, adds striking, ornate depictions. The overall effect is splendid." -- Publishers Weekly, Apr. 17, 1995 "An original 19th-century German creation with an 'Ali Baba' air, this fairy tale has been assimilated into Muslim culture and deserves an audience here. . . . Perhaps this gorgeous panoply will balance the demonizing of Bagdad in current events." -- Patricia Lothrop Green, School Library Journal, Apr. 1995. "The tales of Wilhelm Hauff -- almost unknown in the U.S. -- belong on every child's shelf. Shepard retells 'The Caliph Stork,' a stylized imitation of the Arabian Nights that has become a part of Middle Eastern folklore. . . . Dianov displays his sensitivity to the oriental charms of the tale, paying as much attention to the details of costume and architecture as to the characters themselves." -- Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1995 "Makes good use of its Islamic setting in both story and art. A detailed author's note adds to the book's usefulness. A worthy addition to folklore collections, and one that should fill a niche." -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist, June 1, 1995 "Written with a storyteller's touch." -- Jane Kurtz, Knight-Ridder News Service, Apr. 2, 1995 "Aaron's prose, as always, is storyteller-friendly, and his source notes are excellent." -- Katy Rydell, Stories, Spring 1995 "A story that can be told to young and old alike. . . . The book is a delight to read and to look at. This is truly a gem." -- Michael R. Medley, Guild Gazette (South Coast Storyteller's Guild), Spring 1995 "This tale of magic, intrigue, and romance will appeal to parents as well as children." -- Sarah Sue Goldsmith, Sunday Advocate Magazine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 11, 1995 "A satisfying and beautifully illustrated story that young listeners will want to hear again and again." -- Yellow Brick Road, May-June 1996 "Magical and very tellable." -- Marilyn McPhie, The Story Bag, Oct.-Nov. 1996

The Enchanted Storks: A Tale of the Middle East

Aaron Shepard

Children's Books

Clarion Books

Baker's Dozen : A Saint Nicholas Tale

The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale

Ever wondered where the term "baker's dozen" came from? Here's an unusual holiday tale drawn from an old folk tradition that answers that question. Aaron Shepard creates a world where it is not unusual for Saint Nicholas himself to make an appearance and for Christmas magic to appear in the form of holiday cookies. In old New York, a local baker learns an important lesson in generosity and so will young readers as they pore over the richly illustrated pages of this timeless, unforgettable book.

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Trumpet

Young Peter Black has a bad reputation in town for telling wild stories. Father Allen has given him work as a sexton, but this may be his very last chance at a job. So, what is Peter to do when he happens upon a cat coronation in the church in the dead of night? How can he convince Father Allen that this isn't just one more wild story? And why is Father Allen's cat staring at him like that? Explore the mystery in this much expanded and highly imaginative retelling of an old English favorite. Meow. . . . TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Adventures of Mouse Deer," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater. Kristin Sorra has illustrated picture books for numerous publishers. Her work has also appeared in comic books, magazines, stationery and paper products, off-Broadway shows, Web sites, and clothing hang tags. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// August 2004 Junior Library Guild Selection 2005 Kansas National Educational Association Reading Circle Catalog 2006 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee "A well-told, atmospherically illustrated replacement -- at last -- for the standard, but far-too-sketchy, Joseph Jacobs/Paul Galdone rendition." -- Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2004 "Builds nicely and creates a fuller sense of the alternate life of the cats. . . . A seasoned storyteller, Shepard retains the basic scheme and a bit of wording from Jacobs, crafting a smooth narrative that will please listeners, storytellers, and readers." -- Margaret Bush, School Library Journal, Aug. 2004 "The story benefits from Shepard's firm grasp on the elements of good storytelling. . . . A fine choice for reading aloud." -- Carolyn Phelan, American Library Association Booklist, Oct. 1, 2004 "Kristin Sorra's vibrant drawings bring an old English folk story to life in Aaron Shepard's engaging King o' the Cats." -- Children's Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review, Jan 2005 ///////////////////////////////////////////////// One night Peter couldn't sleep. He tossed and he turned and at last got up to make himself some tea. But when he glanced out his window, he saw the windows of the church ablaze with light. "What in the world . . . ?" muttered Peter. "There shouldn't be anyone there, this time of night. And how'd they get in, anyway?" Peter pulled on a coat, crossed the yard, and quietly unlocked the back door. As he crept through the vestry, he heard a sound from the church. "Meow, meow . . . ." "Sounds like a cat," murmured Peter. "But I never knew a cat to light a candle." He peered around the curtain hung at the church entrance, and what he saw made him gasp. There was not one cat, but hundreds of cats, of every size and coloring. They filled the pews, and all of them sat upright just like people. On the steps to the altar, a big black cat -- the biggest cat Peter had ever seen -- was kneeling with his head bowed. Standing above him with paws upraised was a black cat in bishop's robes, intoning, "Meow, meow . . . ." An altar kitten approached with a velvet pillow on which lay a small golden crown. The bishop lifted the crown and solemnly placed it on the kneeling cat's head. The church exploded with cries of "Meow, meow!" Peter didn't wait to see more. He raced through the vestry and back to his cottage, where he jumped into bed and stayed trembling under the covers till morning.

King o' the Cats

Animals

Atheneum

The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend

Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths

SIMON SCHUSTER CHILDRENS BOOKS

Leif is a likeable fellow, but he never wants to listen to anyone, and he always has to do things his own way. So when his father warns him not to go work for the troll, that's just what he does! The troll seems nice enough, but the jobs he gives Leif are trickier than they seem. Leif can only succeed with the advice of a beautiful and mysterious maiden he discovers in the troll's kitchen. But will he be wise enough to take her advice? And what will they do when the troll figures out he's been fooled? A lively Norwegian folktale that goes to show that women know best! TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK "FOLKTALES ON STAGE," OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Adventures of Mouse Deer," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater. Pauline Ellison is an award-winning artist, designer, and illustrator from the UK. Among her many works are the book covers of the 1975 Bantam Books paperback edition of Ursula K. LeGuin's Earthsea Trilogy. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "An engaging but little-known Norwegian folktale, expertly told and nicely illustrated. . . . Shepard's concise story line and evocative language make this an ideal choice for telling or reading aloud." -- Denise Anton Wright, School Library Journal, June 1997 "It's the details that make [this story] interesting." -- Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 1997 "It's always a pleasure when Aaron Shepard has a new book published, and his latest is no exception. The boy, the troll, the beautiful girl, and the impossible tasks will be familiar to many storytellers; what is new is the way Aaron makes this story sparkle." -- Katy Rydell, Stories, Summer 1997 "Aaron Shepard has done it again. And after reading his latest, I'd say Master Maid is his best yet." -- Kate Frankel, Storyline, Fall 1997 "This enchanting fairy tale is a clever and lively story that makes a mark for gender equity. Aaron and Pauline have done a great job bringing this charming story to life." -- Kip Nead, Growing Up, Nov. 1997 ///////////////////////////////////////////////// When the troll had gone, Leif said to himself, "Not look through the house? Why, that's just what I want to do!" So Leif went through all the rooms till he came to the kitchen. And there stirring a big iron pot was the loveliest maiden he had ever seen. "Good Lord!" cried the girl. "What are you doing here?" "I've just got a job with the troll," said Leif. "Then heaven help you get out of it!" said the girl. "Weren't you warned about working here?" "I was," said Leif, "but I'm glad I came anyway, else I never would have met you!" Well, the girl liked that answer, so they sat down to chat. They talked and talked and talked some more, and before the day was done, he held her hand in his. Then the girl asked, "What did the troll tell you to do today?" "Something easy," said Leif. "I've only to clear the dung from the stable." "Easy to say!" said the girl. "But if you use the pitchfork the ordinary way, ten forkfuls will fly in for every one you throw out! Now, here's what you must do. Turn the pitchfork around and shovel with the handle. Then the dung will fly out by itself."

Master Maid: A Tale of Norway

Dial Books

Beauty and intelligence were the princess Savitri's, and eyes that shone like the sun. So splendid was she that people thought her a goddess. When at last she found a man worthy to wed her, no one could sway her from her heart's path -- not even the god of death. This lovely retelling presents a classic tale of devotion, courage, wit, and will from India's national epic, The Mahabharata. TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK "FOLKTALES ON STAGE," OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Adventures of Mouse Deer," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater. Vera Rosenberry, a prolific children's book illustrator and author, was born in the U.S. but now lives in the U.K. She was especially interested in illustrating this book because her husband is from India and grew up with tales from The Mahabharata. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// 1997 &amp; 2000 California Collection Selection (California Readers) "Unique and noteworthy. . . . Shepard breathes new life into the sleeping archetype of the Indian heroine. Like ancient heroic myth, [Shepard's interpretation] renews deep strains of potential within the reader." -- Publishers Weekly, Mar. 9, 1992 "A smooth retelling." -- Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 1, 1992 "Delicately rendered in both adaptation and illustration. . . . A book that will open children's eyes and ears to an unfamiliar lore, and provide rich contrast to Western parallels." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Feb. 1992 "Profoundly moving." -- Children's Bookwatch, July 1992 "Will enhance the social studies curriculum." -- Children's Book Review Service, July 1992 "Reads aloud very well. . . . Readers will enjoy the perspicacity and tenacity of this feisty heroine [and] be fascinated by the uniquely Indian cultural details." -- School Library Journal, May 1992 "Portrays a woman of great intelligence and courage, as well as virtue. . . . The story and pictures show great sensitivity to Hindu lore and culture." -- Deva and Gayatri Rajan, Hinduism Today "Powerfully told, with a magic all its own. Savitri's purity of spirit will touch the hearts of all readers, young and old." -- Meera Lester, India West, Sept. 25, 1992 "A sure candidate for the [California] 6th-grade ancient cultures unit." -- BayViews (Association of Children's Librarians of Northern California), Dec. 1992 "Rich and empowering." -- Rebecca Myers, A. B. Bookman's Weekly, Nov. 9, 1992 "Fresh and respectful. . . . Could be useful as an introduction to Indian classics for young adult readers, in a course on ancient cultures, or in any broad-based collection." -- Fran Stallings, Territorial Tattler, Fall 1993 "Powerful." -- Elaine Weischedel, Lanes Museletter, June 1993 "Shepard writes with an ear for the spoken word." -- The Story Bag Newsletter, Apr.-May 1994 "Looking for a painless dose of Hindu mythology? Here it is, with beautiful illustrations to boot." -- Ours (Adoptive Families of America), July-Aug. 1993 "A lyrical retelling of a beloved Indian tale. Savitri offers vivid and exotic details that make it uniquely memorable." -- Wendy E. Betts, Notes from the Windowsill, Vol. 2, No. 144

Savitri: A Tale of Ancient India

Literature & Fiction

Albert Whitman & Co.

"Stories on Stage" is the premier collection of scripts for reader's theater. Unlike almost all other collections, its scripts are adapted exclusively from contemporary books and children's magazines, ideally suiting it to making that "literature connection." (Scripts in most other collections are original works by the scripter or adapted from works in the public domain.) Twenty-two scripts present books and stories by twenty-one authors -- authors such as Roald Dahl, Louis Sachar, and Nancy Farmer. Each work is selected for its dramatic quality, literary value, and appeal to young people. Genres include multicultural folktales, fantasy, and humor. Recommended grade levels start at 2 and continue through the highest grades, with the focus on 3 to 9. Innovative scripting provides roles for a maximum number of readers while enlivening the performance. All the scripts may be freely reproduced and performed for any educational, noncommercial purpose. The book's large format and sturdy binding are perfect for easy photocopying and script assembly. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of numerous children's books and magazine stories, as well as three books on reader's theater, "Stories on Stage," "Folktales on Stage," and "Readers on Stage." He spent five years as a professional actor in reader's theater, performing in schools and conducting workshops for teachers, librarians, and students. He now hosts Aaron Shepard's RT Page, the Web's most popular reader's theater destination, with visits by thousands of teachers and librarians each week.

Stories on Stage: Scripts for Reader's Theater (First Edition)

H.W. Wilson Company

"Folktales on Stage" is a collection of reader's theater scripts for young readers, adapted by award-winning children's author Aaron Shepard from his own folktale retellings. A wide variety of countries and cultures is represented, including Native America, Africa, the Middle East, Russia, Southeast Asia, and China. While aiming mostly at ages 8 to 15, the collection features a full range of reading levels.  The scripts in this collection are "The Adventures of Mouse Deer" (Indonesia), "The Calabash Kids" (Tanzania), "The Hidden One" (Native America), "The Boy Who Wanted the Willies" (Europe), "The Princess Mouse" (Finland), "The Legend of Slappy Hooper" (U.S.), "The Gifts of Wali Dad" (India, Pakistan), "The Baker's Dozen" (U.S.), "Master Maid" (Norway), "The Magic Brocade" (China), "Forty Fortunes" (Iran), "Master Man" (Nigeria), "Savitri" (India), "The Enchanted Storks" (Iraq), "The Crystal Heart" (Vietnam), and "The Sea King's Daughter" (Russia). ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of numerous children's books and magazine stories, as well as three books on reader's theater, "Stories on Stage," "Folktales on Stage," and "Readers on Stage." He spent five years as a professional actor in reader's theater, performing in schools and conducting workshops for teachers, librarians, and students. He now hosts Aaron Shepard's RT Page, the Web's most popular reader's theater destination, with visits by thousands of teachers and librarians each week. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "Aaron Shepard is a national treasure. He has given thousands of us busy teachers and librarians a gold mine of ready-made plays our students clamor to perform over and over. Aaron's new collection never fails to delight and enthrall. While the experts argue about the 'right' way to teach reading, Aaron is in the middle of the action, inspiring our kids to read aloud with fluency, comprehension, expression, and best of all, joy." -- Judy Freeman, Author, "More Books Kids Will Sit Still For"  "Aaron Shepard has done it! Folktales on Stage is a complete package of easy-to-perform, dynamic reader's theater scripts. Pack your passport and take a trip around the world. You and your actors will have a world of fun." -- Dr. Caroline Feller Bauer, Author, "Presenting Reader's Theater" and "New Handbook for Storytellers"  "What a gift for the classroom teacher! Pure reading pleasure and not a single script that can't be used with small groups or an entire class. Performance reading builds fluency, but Aaron Shepard's gift for storytelling will also build appreciation. This collection will be a rich addition to reading programs in our balanced literacy classrooms." -- Susan Finney, Author, "Independent Reading Activities That Keep Kids Learning While You Teach Small Groups"  "Folktales on Stage brings the joy inherent in folk literature to life. Children will love reading aloud for an audience as they become the witty, foolish, gentle, and often touching characters in these tales." -- Shirlee Sloyer, Author, "From the Page to the Stage: The Educator's Complete Guide to Readers Theatre"  "What a great resource! These easy-to-use scripts are just the thing for the social studies or language arts curriculum. With thorough directions, even those who have never tried reader's theater will find it very easy to move the scripts from book to stage. The author is a skilled advocate of reader's theater and has shared that expertise so that everyone can include this form of dramatic reading in their instructional programs." -- Peggy Sharp, Children's Literature Consultant  

Folktales On Stage: Children's Plays For Readers Theater, With 16 Reader's Theatre Play Scripts From World Folk And Fairy Tales And Legends, Including Asian, African, Middle Eastern, & Native American

Shepard Publications

"Stories on Stage" is a collection of reader's theater scripts for young readers, adapted from stories by fifteen different authors, including Louis Sachar, Nancy Farmer, Russell Hoban, Wanda Gag, and Roald Dahl. Coming from such genres as humor, fantasy, and multicultural folktales, stories were selected for their dramatic quality, literary value, and appeal to young people. With a focus on ages 8 to 15, the collection features a wide range of reading levels. The scripts in this collection are  -- "Three Sideways Stories From Wayside School," by Louis Sachar -- "Mr. Twit's Revenge," by Roald Dahl -- "Millions of Cats," by Wanda Gag -- "Tapiwa's Uncle," by Nancy Farmer -- "How Tom Beat Captain Najork," by Russell Hoban -- "Harriet," by Florence Parry Heide -- "Mr. Bim's Bamboo," by Carol Farley -- "Talk," by Harold Courlander -- "The Jade Stone," by Caryn Yacowitz -- "The Bean Boy," by Monica Shannon -- "The Kid from the Commercial," by Stephen Manes -- "The Fools of Chelm," by Steve Sanfield -- "Mouse Woman and the Snails," by Christie Harris -- "Westwoods," by Eleanor Farjeon -- "The Legend of Lightning Larry," by Aaron Shepard. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of numerous children's books and magazine stories, as well as three books on reader's theater, "Stories on Stage," "Folktales on Stage," and "Readers on Stage." He spent five years as a professional actor in reader's theater, performing in schools and conducting workshops for teachers, librarians, and students. He now hosts Aaron Shepard's RT Page, the Web's most popular reader's theater destination, with visits by thousands of teachers and librarians each week. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "What? Don't have time to write up your own scripts for reader's theater? Not to worry. Aaron Shepard will get you started with his stellar scripts -- perfect for duplicating, handing out to your students, and bringing to life. This is one must-have book." -- Judy Freeman, Author, More Books Kids Will Sit Still For "One of the challenges of teaching is instilling in our students a love for reading. By transforming imaginative stories by some of our favorite authors into clever scripts, Aaron Shepard once again provides the means for teachers to nurture a passion for the written word. This second edition of Stories On Stage is a most worthwhile addition to your cache of reading strategies that work." -- Susan Finney, Author, Keep the Rest of the Class Reading and Writing While You Teach Small Groups "Reader's theater gets a boost from this collection. . . . The scripts are simple and direct, multicultural, and easily reproducible for classroom use." -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist (American Library Association), Jan. 1, 1994 "An intriguing, well-rounded collection. . . . The tone and content of source material is effectively preserved." -- The Horn Book Guide, July-Dec. 1993 "Give kids a script and watch them act. . . . Shepard's talent as a storyteller shines out in his adaptations." -- Jan Lieberman, TNT: Tips & Titles of Books, Fall 1993 "A well-written collection. . . . These scripts will inspire young actors to read the books." -- Penny Peck, Bayviews (Assoc. of Children's Librarians), Nov. 1993 "Gives teachers a fun and useful tool for bringing reading and literature to their students." -- Betty S. Evans, School Library Journal, Feb. 2006 

Stories on stage: children's plays for reader's theater (or readers theatre), with 15 play scripts from 15 authors

No outlaw could draw as fast as Lightning Larry. But what really terrified those bad men was that peculiar gun of his. It didn't shoot bullets. It shot light. And Larry always aimed for the heart.Can Larry save the town of Brimstone from Evil-Eye McNeevil's outlaw gang? Find out in this rip-roaring original tale of a gunfighter with a huge smile and a hankering for lemonade./////////////////////////////////////////////////Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Adventures of Mouse Deer," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Baker's Dozen," and many more kids' books from major publishers. His stories have also appeared often in Cricket magazine./////////////////////////////////////////////////"A tall-tale superhero for our time. . . . A readaloud that could lighten up classes well up in the elementary grades." -- Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 1, 1993"Pass out the bandanas and dig out the spittoon. Read this story in an old-timer's voice, and everyone will have a good time." -- Chris Sherman, American Library Association Booklist, Mar. 1, 1993"Move over Wyatt Earp. Make room for a cowboy of a different caliber. A wide age range of listeners will request this one again and again." -- School Library Journal, Nov. 1993"Perfect for telling or reading out loud." -- Katy Rydell, Stories, Spring 1993"Introduces one amazing cowpoke. . . . Will have young listeners laughing out loud and asking you to 'read it again.'" -- Smithsonian, Nov. 1993"Told in the spirited language of a true yarn-spinner, this is a rollicking picture book to warm the heart of just about everyone." -- Kids' Line, Summer 1993"The old west is turned on its ear in this lighthearted tall tale. . . . Shepard's frontier vernacular manages to be both faithful to the genre and hilariously funny; the book reads aloud wonderfully. . . . Especially good for classroom use." -- Wendy E. Betts, The Web Online Review, Apr. 22, 1994/////////////////////////////////////////////////SAMPLEI'll never forget the day Larry rode into our little town of Brimstone and walked into the Cottonmouth Saloon. He strode up to the bar and smiled straight at the bartender."Lemonade, please," he said.Every head in the place turned to look.Now, standing next to Larry at the bar was Crooked Curt. Curt was one of a band of rustlers and thieves that had been terrorizing our town, led by a ferocious outlaw named Evil-Eye McNeevil.Curt was wearing the usual outlaw scowl. Larry turned to him and smiled. "Mighty big frown you got there, mister," he said."What's it to you?" growled Curt."Well," said Larry, "maybe I could help remove it.""I'd like to see you try " said Curt.The rest of us got out of the way, real fast. The bartender ducked behind the bar. Larry and Curt moved about ten paces from each other, hands at the ready. Larry was still smiling.Curt moved first. But he only just cleared his gun from its holster before Larry aimed and fired.ZingThere was no bang and no bullet. Just a little bolt of light that hit Curt right in the heart.Curt just stood there, his eyes wide with surprise. Then he dropped his gun, and a huge grin spread over his face. He rushed up to Larry and pumped his hand."I'm mighty glad to know you, stranger " he shouted. "The drinks are on me Lemonade for everyone "

The Legend of Lightning Larry

Skyhook Press

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Books by Aaron Shepard