This collection of Japanese fairy tales is the outcome of a suggestion made to me indirectly through a friend by Mr. Andrew Lang. They have been translated from the modern version written by Sadanami Sanjin. These stories are not literal translations, and though the Japanese story and all quaint Japanese expressions have been faithfully preserved, they have been told more with the view to interest young readers of the West than the technical student of folk-lore.... In telling these stories in English I have followed my fancy in adding such touches of local color or description as they seemed to need or as pleased me, and in one or two instances I have gathered in an incident from another version. At all times, among my friends, both young and old, English or American, I have always found eager listeners to the beautiful legends and fairy tales of Japan, and in telling them I have also found that they were still unknown to the vast majority...

Discover how dangerous an animal can be when it feels threatened or trapped.

Dragon Princess and Jellyfish are best friends. But Octopus is jealous and plays a cruel and evil trick on Jellyfish. What will happen to them?

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish are the best of friends. They swim up. They swim down. They swim all around. Except near Crabby, who never has anything nice to say to them. "You two swim like humans" is the least of his insults. Then one day Crabby is caught in a lobster trap and needs their help! Should they help him? It's Peanut Butter and Jellyfish to the rescue! Crabby might be afraid of heights . . . but will he be brave enough to apologize? This charming story about friendship, kindness, and building social skills is perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Includes 75-minute audio CD Playful goblins with long noses, magic tea kettles, and a delightfully brave hero who just happens to be one inch tall-these are some of the wonderful characters you'll meet in this collection of the 20 best-loved Japanese children's stories. Drawn from folklore and passed down for generations, these classic tales speak of the virtues of hard work, humility, kindness, and good humor. "Once upon a time . . ." has never sounded so inviting.

These stories offer us an introduction to the complex oral traditions of the varied civilizations of one of the world's most fascinating regions. Exotic, clever, and poignant, Asian-Pacific Folktales and Legends invites you into a magically distinctive world. Originating from the far corners of the globe—China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia—these tales teach us about morality and mysticism in enchanting ways. Organized by universal folkloric themes, Asian-Pacific Folktales and Legends features animal stories, tales of magical skill, explanations of how things came to be the way they are, delightful depictions of the clever and the foolish, ghosts and supernatural beings, and legends about heroes and gods. From "The Supernatural Crossbow," a Vietnamese tale, to the Malaysian story of "The Man in the Moon," each piece in this collection explores a self-contained, dreamlike universe that both delights and transports the reader. Shaped by the geographical and cultural influences of a people, these stories offer us an introduction to the complex oral traditions of the varied civilizations of one of the world's most fascinating regions.

Introduces jellyfish, describing their physical characteristics, feeding habits, senses, and defense mechanisms.