folklore

Weaving together twenty thrilling tales with fascinating historical information, this captivating book brings the world of ancient China to life, spanning the breadth of ancient Chinese mythology and revealing eye-opening elements of culture and religion along the way.

"[This book is] a . . . journey through Japan's folklore through profiles of the legendary creatures and beings who continue to live on in pop culture. From the sly kitsune to the orgrish oni and mischievous shape-shifting tanuki, learn all about the origins of these fantastical and mythical creatures. With information on their cultural significance, a retelling of a popular tale tied to that particular yokai, and how it's been spun into . . . popular culture, this . . . illustrated tome teaches you about the stories and histories of the beings that inspired characters in your favorite movies, animes, manga, and games"--Provided by publisher.

Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch. Curious to learn more, he embarks on a quest through the North American wilds in search of Bigfoot, its myth and meaning. Alongside an eccentric cast of characters, he explores the zany and secretive world of 'cryptozoology,' tracking Bigfoot through ancient folklore to 'Harry and the Hendersons,' while examining the forces behind our ever-widening belief in the supernatural. As O'Connor treks through the shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest, listens to firsthand accounts, and attends Bigfoot conventions, he's left wondering--what happens when the lines between myth and reality blur?--Publisher's description.

"To save their father's life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of magical beings from Colombian folklore and find the most powerful and dangerous of them all--the Madremonte"--Provided by publisher.

A clever fox is trapped by a clever farmer who offers the fox a chicken, but the fox manages to outwit the man and escape.

Pictures tell the story of a clever farmer who demonstrates the power of human intelligence to an arrogant tiger. Text appears in the back of the book.

A little boy, Ah Bao, sets off in search of the Water Dragon to save his village from a mysterious drought.

Three Latin American folktales include the story of La Yuna, a mermaid who lures men to her underwater domain, the tale of La Lechuza, an enormous owl with the face of a woman, and two gauchos' encounter with La Luz Mala, a spooky light that terrorizes travelers.

Ever wonder why we knock on wood, blow out candles on a cake, or cross our fingers for good luck? Discover superstitions old and new from around the world, learn about how they started, and which ones are still popular.

"This [book] features more than 20 fright-filled stories from around the globe"--Back cover.