Legends

A legend will typically tell the story of a real person, place or event that happened in history. While they are rooted in historical fact, legends often morph and change over generations of tellings and retellings.

A legend often tells the story of improbable events within our everyday world. Within a legend, it is up to the reader to analyze any supernatural or extraordinary events and decide whether or not to believe them as fact.

For example, think about the story of Robin Hood and his merry band of thieves. Almost everyone knows the story of Robin Hood - he robbed from the rich to give to the poor. While Robin Hood is a fictional character, he is based on a popular English hero from medieval times.

	Healer Of The Water Monster by Brian Young Inspired by Navajo beliefs, Healer Of The Water Monster features a seemingly ordinary boy who must save the life of a Water Monster and help his uncle suffering from addiction by discovering his own bravery and boundless love.  Ages 8 - 12
	Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin Inspired by old folktales her father told, young Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. Ages 8 - 12
	The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities by Multiple Authors In this highly entertaining anthology, you'll find ten stories about beloved heroes that sprang from the imaginations beloved middle grade authors. A cave monster, an abandoned demon, a ghost who wants to erase history... These are just some of the challenges you'll read about! Ages 8-12

Tall Tales

In a tall tale, you’ll have no problem knowing that the truth has been stretched. Tall tales are folk stories about amazing heroes with incredible and unbelievable abilities.

For example, think about Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, and John Henry. These three American heroes are based on real people, but their characters and abilities have been embellished over time to impossible heights.

Johnny Appleseed transformed from a Revolutionary-era apple orchard caretaker named John Chapman into a tireless leader and pioneer, planting apple trees to help lead other Americans on the journey out west. Davy Crockett transformed from an American politician and soldier into the famous cap wearing “king of the wild frontier”. John Henry transformed from a railway worker of the same name into an incredibly powerful man who won a steel-driving race against a steam powered drill.

Watch read-aloud versions of these classic folktales below.

Myths

Myths tell the stories of supernatural beings and often offer explanations for how they relate to natural phenomenon here on Earth. Myths also offer explanations for both the cultural and religious views of a society. While many myths were believed to be true at one time or another, there is no way to verify a myth as historically accurate.

Myths often discuss the beginning of the world, and the essential events and extraordinary acts of divine beings that helped shape it. Myths help to validate cultural and societal norms and explain why things are the way they are.

Today, we often use the term “myth” to describe a story that is untrue, but within literary folklore, myths are considered sacred and deeply true to the culture or community from which it originates.

	Greek Myths And Mazes by Jan Bajtlik Discover the legendary labyrinths and mythologized mazes of ancient Greece in a beautifully designed book of paths and stories. Each turn of a page lands the reader in a new and exciting Greek classic. From the twelve labors of Heracles to the labyrinth of the Minotaur, illustrations present ancient stories as new and puzzling quests to complete.  Ages 10+
	D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths by Ingri D'Aulaire, Edgar Parin D'Aulaire Mighty Zeus, with his fistful of thunderbolts; mischievous little Hermes; grey-eyed Athena, goddess of wisdom;  Helios the sun, crossing the heavens in his fiery chariot... these and other equally fabulous figures are featured here in full dimension. Ages 8+
	A Journey Through Greek Myths by Marchella Ward, Sander Berg (Illustrated by) Take a journey through Ancient Greece and delve deep into its mythology in this stunning compendium of tales. From the heroes of Athens and Sparta to Orpheus and Persephone in the Underworld. Ages 8 - 12

Fairy Tales

If you’re reading a story that involves talking animals or magical powers, chances are you’re reading a fairy tale. Fairy tales often depict a struggle between the forces of good and evil.

Fairy tales take place in an imaginary world with elements, creatures and events that are often wondrous and whimsical. While fairy tales are seen as stories for children today, they were once considered to be entertainment for all ages, even adults.

Fairy tales can be used in a variety of ways - they can entertain and inspire, warn and caution, and even instruct and advise. Throughout history, different cultures have adapted this incredibly versatile form of folklore to fit the specific needs of their community.

	Treasury Of Magical Tales From Around The World by Donna Jo Napoli, Christina Balit (Illustrated by) A flower-spouting princess, emerald-winged fairy, foolish giants, and fearsome ogres are just a few of the captivating characters found in this anthology of beloved stories around the world. Ages 8 - 12
	My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, Ruth Chrisman Gannett (Illustrated by) When Elmer Elevator hears about the baby dragon being held captive on Wild Island, he knows just what to do. He packs his knapsack with important supplies and stows away on a ship. Along the way, Elmer meets many exotic animals who try to sidetrack him, but Elmer has some tricks in his knapsack. One way or another, he will rescue the dragon! Ages 8 - 12
	Fern and Otto: A Story About Two Best Friends by Stephanie Graegin When best friends Fern, a bear, and Otto, a cat, go searching for an exciting story in the forest, they have different ideas about what that means. It's not until they run into a big scary witch that they both can agree that this is not the kind of excitement they had in mind. Ages 3-7

Fables

Fables are a sub-category of Fairy Tales that have a strong moral component. The most important part of a fable is the lesson learned through reading the story. Fables teach readers the difference between right and wrong and often give advice on culturally appropriate expectations on etiquette and behavior.

Fables can also be summed up by their moral message. For example, think of the phrase “slow and steady wins the race”. This phrase originates from the fable of The Tortoise and The Hare. In the fable, the two animals have agreed to run against one another in a race. At the starting line, the hare brags about being so much faster than the tortoise. During the race, the hare sprints and then takes several long breaks, wasting time and allowing the tortoise to advance steadily and win the race in the end.

You can watch read-aloud versions of The Tortoise and The Hare, as well as two other fables below.