Four Indonesian folk tales featuring a small deer whose gentle cunning outwits the other animals in matters of survival.

Anansi the spider may be the smallest animal in the forest, but he is certain that he is also the cleverest. He loves to play tricks on the other animals. But Anansi underestimates just how smart his friends can be: they often manage to trick him right back, using his own greed and laziness against him! In these seven trickster tales, Anansi outwits proud Snake and King Tiger, but he is outwitted by slow Turtle. He learns the hard way to respect the magical gifts he receives from Brother Breeze. And when Anansi discovers what might be his best trick yet, it is tiny, quiet Small Deer who thinks through the problem and makes things right with the other animals of the forest. These playful, humorous stories are perfect for audiences age 4 and up and readers age 6 and up. With vibrant illustrations by South African illustrator Toby Newsome and interesting details about West African and Caribbean culture, this book will entertain and educate readers while stoking their enthusiasm for trickster traditions around the world. Proceeds from this book will support grassroots organizations working in HIV and AIDS across sub-Saharan Africa.

Once in a cursed land devoid of beauty, a lost child lays eyes on a creature of legend. Awed by a giant deer and its otherworldly allure, the child will remember the sighting, keeping it as close as treasure until life's hardships strip away its lustre. It's many years before a travelling bard will weave a song of the Enchanted Deer, a giant from the time the world was created, and revive the childhood wonder in the young Fool's heart. The village in the Land of Old Wives is a quiet, desolate place, but when a witch threatens the peace, the Fool puts aside his quest and persuades a passing knight to aid him in vanquishing her. Together they engage her in a battle and believe the Witch to be conquered. With a metal of bravery in hand, the Fool announces that he will pursue The Enchanted Deer once more. When he sets out to chase his dreams, at last, the Fool discovers his fate is entwined with the last person he expected. The Witch and the Fool plunge into an adventure like no other. Side by side, they search for answers and end up uncovering what neither realized their hearts were seeking—a place in the world where they can truly be themselves.

Throughout history, traditional cultures have recognized the role of storytelling in teaching values to children. This user-friendly, hands-on guide to using storytelling and folktales in character education provides not only a rationale for this approach, it includes stories. These twelve stories are fun, time- and audience-tested, and accessible to a wide range of listeners, from preschool to high school. The tales are enhanced by suggested activities or informal lesson plans, source notes, and extensive bibliographies that point the reader to additional sources of folktales suitable for character education. Book jacket.