Presents retellings of traditional Polish tales including How the princess learned to laugh, Pan Twardowski, Where devils are helpless, and The sorcerer's apprentice.

Ignacy Krasicki (1735-1801) was hailed as 'The Prince of Poets' by his contemporaries. In 1779, sixty-five of his fables, which used contemporary events and human relations to show a course to guide human conduct, were published. These fables present a world where reason is valued over sentiment, true to the enlightenment ideal. But the rhymes also sugar coar a bitter message: depicting a world where the strong continually take advantage of the weak. Many of the fables, which were published after the first partition of Poland in which Russia, Prussia and Austria took their first bites of their weaker neighbour, should also be read for their political implications. This bilingual edition includes English translation by Gerard Kapolka and twenty-two illustrations by well-known Polish artist Barbara Swidinska.

Wit, humor, and warmth permeate the stories in this collection. Here are more than 50 traditional folktales from the people of Poland, ranging from animal and humorous tales to why stories, tales of magic and the supernatural, and local legends. In addition, you'll find riddles, nursery rhymes, games and activities, recipes, and background information on the land, the people, and the stories-all enhanced by maps and handsome color photos and illustrations. A wonderful addition to the folklore collection, this book provides material that folklorists will wish to study, storytellers will be eager to share with their audiences, and educators will want explore with their students. A delicious assortment of folktales from Poland awaits you in this appealing collection. More than 50 tales range from local legends, animal tales, and magic tales to religious legends, stories of demons and supernatural creatures, humorous tales, and how and why tales-exemplifying the Polish spirit, character, and sense of humor. In addition, you'll find historical background; directions for traditional games, crafts, recipes; and color photographs that depict the people, the land, and the traditions of this fascinating country.

The book comprises the best of Polish folk tales as well as short stories by the most renowned Polish authors, such as: Henryk Sienkiewicz, Władysław St.Reymont, Bolesław Prus, Adam Szymanski, Stefan Zeromski, Juliusz Kaden-Bandrowski, Zofia Rygier-Nałkowska, Wacław Sieroszewski. It is undoubtedly the best compilation of Polish fairy tales and children's short stories.

Jan Pienkowski brings eight of the best-loved Polish folk tales to life with vibrant and witty paper cut illustrations. Jan Pienkowski illustrates eight popular Polish folk tales using the traditional paper cut technique he learned as a child. Featuring classic stories such as "Pan Twardowski", "The Glass Mountain", "The Wawel Dragon" and "The Fern Flower". Jan Pienkowski breathes new life into the magical tales of his homeland. It is a brand-new title from one of the giants of children's illustration. The bold, witty illustrations will appeal to children. It is the perfect way to introduce children to classic Polish folk tales. It is a beautiful jacketed hardback gift book that families will enjoy again and again.