history and criticism

Fairy tales are beloved stories for our youngest readers for a reason: they're magical. Often that magic is in a character, such as a fairy or witch. Sometimes it's just woven through the story, though. Even though some fairy tales are hundreds of years old, they continue to appeal to new generations. This fascinating look at fairy tales helps young readers recognize a common theme or purpose in fairy tales. It will also introduce them to famous fairy tale authors, such as Hans Christian Anderson. Accessible text and beautiful images make this high-interest topic an entertaining and educational experience.

The fables of Aesop are over 2,500 years old! Yet, we still recount them and ponder the lessons his animal characters deliver. Aesop isn't the only author of fables. Others have found fables to be an effective way to reflect on people's behaviors and suggest wiser ways of behaving. Readers of this beneficial and accessible book will learn more about this genre of literature and its writers. They'll examine the elements of fables and be invited to demonstrate their knowledge by writing their own.

Presents the text of the romantic play in which King Leontes' unwarranted jealousy of his wife sets off a string of tragedies; and includes an overview of the playwright's life, world, and theater; a selection of dramatic criticism;a stage and screen history; and a list of recommended readings.

Presents the text of Shakespeare's tragedy of power and love, and includes an overview of the playwright's life, world, and theater; a selection of dramatic criticism; a stage and screen history; and a list of recommended readings.

"Spanning nine decades and showcasing the most memorable songs, dazzling dancing, and brightest stars ever to grace the silver screen, Must-See Musicals is the guide to the greatest musicals of all time from the most trusted authority on film: Turner Classic Movies"--Publisher's description.

"These seventeen essays by . . . writers of color start a more inclusive conversation about storytelling and encourage readers and writers to re-evaluate the codes and conventions that have shaped their assumptions about how fiction should be written. Edited by Deepa Anappara, author of Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, and Taymour Soomro, author of Other Names for Love, this anthology features writers from around the world, from a diversity of backgrounds and across genres, including: American Dirt critic Myriam Gurba, who describes the circle of Latina writers she has always worked within; . . . novelist Tahmima Anam, who writes about giving herself permission to be funny as an artist of color; and New York Times opinion columnist Mohammed Hanif, who recalls censorship he experienced at the hands of political authorities"--Provided by publisher.

"On bookstore [and library] shelves, one book looks as authoritative as the next. Online, posts and memes don't announce their relative veracity. It is up to readers to establish how accurate, how thorough, how fair material may be. After laying out general principles of reading nonfiction, [this book] offers advice for specific reading strategies in various genres from histories and biographies to science and technology to social media. Throughout, the emphasis will be on understanding writers' biases, interrogating claims, analyzing arguments, remaining wary of broad assertions and easy answers, and thinking critically about the written and spoken materials readers encounter"--Publisher's description.

"A book about the remarkable and often overshadowed career of Lotte Reiniger, a moviemaking pioneer, who first used her talent for hand-cutting paper silhouettes in the 1920s to create stop-motion animated movies. She invented the multiplane camera to give her animations depth of field and, with a small team, designed and directed the oldest full-length animated film in existence. Lotte eventually created approximately sixty films for movies and television"--Provided by publisher.

Guido, an Italian monk, invents a method of notating music, but is discouraged by the other monks until he is given the opportunity to share his invention and love of music. Includes information on the song "Do-Re-Mi," a glossary, and Guido's life at Pomposa Abbey.

"A . . . memoir by the Karate Kid and Cobra Kai actor that's equal parts nostalgia and contemporary relevance, based on both the classic movies and his current show [Cobra Kai]"--Provided by publisher.