Tell the Tale

Vampires are the subject of some of our favorite spooky stories to tell and movies to watch. The myth of vampires-and other creatures like them-has existed for hundreds of years, but perhaps the most famous one of all got his start a little more recently. In this book, young readers will learn all about Dracula, the famous subject of the 1897 novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, as well as the real-life prince from the 1400s named Vlad III on whom Dracula was based. The text includes informative fact boxes and accessible language to excite and engage young readers.

When it comes to tales of adventure, not many heroes are more beloved than Robin Hood. The subject of numerous stories, ballads, films, and television series, Robin Hood was an outlaw character created in medieval Britain. He is famed for stealing from the rich to give to the poor. This book traces the history of Robin Hood back to his earliest mentions in British folklore and ballads. Illuminating fact boxes and approachable language makes the text fun and engaging for young readers.

Rip Van Winkle is perhaps one of the most enduring legends born out of the American Revolution. The subject of an 1819 short story by Washington Irving, Rip Van Winkle took a nap in the Catskill Mountains of New York and woke up 20 years later, having missed the entire war! In this book, young readers find out how the legendary story of Rip Van Winkle has its roots in older tales throughout history about progress and change. The text includes informative fact boxes and engaging language to encourage independent reading.

The name of the Pied Piper is often used as a metaphor to describe someone who has a lot of charisma and can attract followers or supporters. But the German story from the Middle Ages weaves a more sinister story about a rat catcher who lures away the village children out of revenge. In this book, young readers will learn about the mythical piper and how his story likely ties into Europe's history of plague. Informative fact boxes and approachable text will appeal to young readers and encourage independent reading.

One of the spookier American legends is that of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a story by the author Washington Irving. It tells the tale of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the terrifying Headless Horseman. In addition to the original book, Sleepy Hollow has been the subject of numerous films, cartoons, and television series. In this book, young readers will learn about the origins of the story and its enduring popularity. Fun fact boxes boost comprehension and encourage independent reading. The text is a key part of the Common Core English/Language Arts Standards.

The legend of King Arthur and the knights of the roundtable is one of the oldest and most exciting tales to come out of medieval Britain. While most experts agree King Arthur wasn't a real-life historical figure, stories about him, Merlin, Guinevere, and Lancelot have taught readers all about adventure, bravery, and even magic. In this book, young readers can learn about the origins of the King Arthur legend and why tales of his deeds are so important to British folklore history. The text includes fun fact boxes to complement the Common Core English/Language Arts Standards.