Robert D. San Souci

High in the stunning landscape of the Yosemite Valley, two playful bear cubs wander away from their mother and find themselves in terrible danger. Ignoring warnings, they fall asleep on a flat rock that magically grows higher and higher into the sky, eventually becoming the towering granite peak known as El Capitan. When the mother bear discovers her cubs are stranded at the very top, she is frantic with worry. All the animals of the forest gather to help, from the proud mountain lion to the sturdy badger, but the rock is too steep and slippery for any of them to climb. Just when all hope seems lost, the smallest creature in the forest steps forward. A tiny measuring worm believes he can accomplish what the strongest animals could not. Based on a traditional Miwok legend, this beautifully told story celebrates the power of determination and reminds us that true bravery often comes in the smallest packages.

Teresa is a kind and hardworking girl who suffers under the harsh treatment of her jealous stepmother and two selfish stepsisters, Isabel and Inez. Despite her miserable daily life, Teresa remains gentle and good. One day, her pure heart is rewarded when the Blessed Mary appears and places a shining gold star on Teresa's forehead as a symbol of her goodness. Furious and greedy, the stepsisters try to seek out their own rewards, but their unkind nature earns them a very different fate. Instead of stars, they are punished with hideous horns and donkey ears, forcing them to hide their faces under heavy veils. As a grand festival approaches, Teresa hopes to attend and finally experience a night of joy. Drawing on rich traditions from Spanish American folklore, this captivating retelling brings a fresh, magical twist to the beloved Cinderella story. It is a luminous tale of inner beauty, justice, and the shining rewards of staying true to yourself.

You may think you already know the story of the beautiful servant girl, the cruel stepmother, and the lost slipper. But you have never heard the truth quite like this. Welcome to the vibrant island of Martinique, where a poor washerwoman has just one thing in the world to love: her sweet goddaughter, Cendrillon. When the young girl is left heartbroken over a wealthy man's son, her godmother refuses to watch her suffer. She may be a simple washerwoman, but she also possesses sharp wits, a fierce will, and a magical wand passed down from her mother. Taking matters into her own hands, she devises a brilliant plan to give her goddaughter the gift of true love. Told from the unique perspective of the magical godmother, this breathtaking Creole retelling captures all the classic romance of the original fairy tale while melting it together with the musical language and dazzling beauty of the Caribbean. Prepare to experience a beloved story in a completely fresh, unforgettable way.

Margaret is a young woman with a remarkably brave heart and a deep longing to explore distant lands. When a tall ship arrives in the harbor bound for the mysterious Kingdoms of the Cold, she refuses to be left behind and boldly sets sail to see the world. But life on the high seas is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. A sudden, terrifying encounter with a ferocious sea serpent forces Margaret to prove her courage in the face of absolute peril. And her trials have only just begun. Soon, she finds herself held captive by an elderly sorceress with sinister intentions, and she must face off against a towering, evil giant to rescue the man she loves. Refusing to wait for someone else to save the day, this fierce heroine takes matters into her own hands. Based on a traditional Irish folktale, this action-packed adventure is a thrilling reminder that true bravery knows no boundaries, and a determined young woman can conquer any monster in her path.

Long before she became the legendary Queen of Camelot, Guinevere was a daring and spirited princess. Growing up without a mother, the young maiden spends her days exploring the dense, untamed forests surrounding her father's castle, armed only with her trusty bow. During one of her woodland adventures, she accidentally wounds a strange, shape-shifting wild boy and kindly nurses him back to health. This act of compassion sparks an incredible journey. When her father's fortress is suddenly besieged by a ruthless army, Guinevere must flee into the dangerous wilderness. With the help of her mysterious wild companion, she faces down terrifying mythical beasts and navigates treacherous rivers on a desperate mission to seek aid from the court of a young King Arthur. Their fateful encounter will change the course of history and lead to the legendary rise of Camelot. Dive into a captivating medieval adventure that reveals the untold, action-packed origins of one of history's most famous heroines.

As the heavy wooden wheel of a busy Virginia sawmill turns through the rushing water, a mysterious stranger arrives looking for work. Old Sam, the hardworking owner, is happy to take on the new hired hand. His son, Young Sam, is even happier to have someone new he can boss around while avoiding chores. One afternoon, an elderly farmer visits the mill, complaining about a terrible ache in his back. In secret, the new hired hand gathers a handful of sawdust, adds a spark of hidden magic, and completely cures the old man—even making him young again! But the greedy and lazy Young Sam witnesses the miracle and decides he can perform the same spell to make himself rich and powerful. When he attempts the dangerous magic without understanding it, things go horribly wrong. Based on a historic African American folktale, this richly illustrated story is a captivating lesson about the dangers of greed, the power of true healing, and taking responsibility for your actions.

As the sun dips below the snowy horizon and a cozy log cabin grows quiet, the freezing forest outside is just waking up. While the people sleep warmly in their beds, the woodland comes alive under the bright, silvery glow of the winter moon. Step into the quiet magic of a snowy evening and meet the creatures who thrive in the dark. Watch a great horned owl sweep silently through the freezing air, follow the delicate tracks of a long-tailed weasel in the fresh snow, and stand beside a graceful mule deer exploring the frozen landscape. This calming, beautifully observed story captures the hidden wonders of the nocturnal world. It is the perfect bedtime journey for young nature lovers, offering a peaceful glimpse into the bustling animal life that carries on while the rest of the world is fast asleep.

On the lush, tropical island of Martinique, Clement and Hippolyte share a bond of friendship that is stronger than brotherhood. When Clement falls deeply in love with a beautiful young woman, the two inseparable friends journey across the island so he can propose. However, the woman's guardian is a dark wizard who fiercely opposes the marriage. When the brave couple attempts to flee together, the vengeful wizard unleashes a terrifying storm of dark magic to destroy them. Now, Hippolyte must step into the path of danger to shield his best friend from sinister curses and roaming zombies. As the magical attacks grow increasingly deadly, Hippolyte realizes that protecting his friend's future might require sacrificing his own life. Adapted from a traditional tale from the French West Indies, this breathtakingly illustrated adventure tests the absolute limits of loyalty. It is a powerful, haunting story of courage, dark island magic, and a friendship so profound it can overcome even the darkest spells.

When an aging king decides it is time to pass on his crown, he devises a series of three seemingly impossible challenges for his three sons. The prince who can bring back the most extraordinary marvels will inherit the royal throne. While his boastful older brothers set off with great confidence, the youngest prince finds himself lost deep within an enchanted forest. There, he stumbles upon a magnificent hidden castle ruled by a mysterious and elegant White Cat. Rather than turning him away, the magical feline offers him shelter and unexpected guidance. With the White Cat's clever help, the youngest prince easily fulfills his father's bizarre requests, outshining his brothers at every turn. But as the final challenge approaches, the prince realizes that the beautiful feline hides a tragic secret of her own. Based on a classic French fairy tale, this sumptuously illustrated story is a captivating journey into a world of hidden enchantments, unlikely friendships, and royal destinies.

Sedna is a beautiful Inuit maiden who dreams of a life beyond her snowy village. When a mysterious and handsome hunter arrives on a magnificent boat, promising her a life of comfort and endless food, she eagerly leaves her home and family behind. But the sparkling promises quickly turn to ice. Upon reaching his distant island, Sedna discovers a terrifying truth: her charming husband is actually a cruel bird-demon in disguise. Trapped in a bleak, freezing landscape, she must summon every ounce of her courage to escape his clutches and survive the unforgiving Arctic sea. This dramatic retelling of a foundational Inuit legend explores the powerful origins of the Goddess of the Sea. It is a gripping story of survival, betrayal, and transformation, showing how a young woman's fierce will to live ultimately grants her dominion over the ocean depths and all the magnificent creatures that swim within it.

Sweet, hardworking Blanche is treated terribly by her cruel mother and lazy sister, but a chance encounter in the woods is about to change her life. Following the mysterious instructions of a magical old woman, Blanche discovers a wondrous world where two-headed cows dance and plain-looking eggs whisper secrets. By showing kindness and listening carefully, Blanche is rewarded with dazzling riches. But when her greedy sister tries to recreate the journey to steal some treasure for herself, she quickly learns that magic does not reward a selfish heart. This rich, colorful Southern folktale is a captivating story of strange enchantments, good deeds, and just rewards.

On a small island off the coast of South Carolina, a hardworking girl named Sukey lives a miserable life under the strict rules of her cruel step-pa, a man she secretly calls Mister Hard-Times. Every day from dawn to dusk, he forces her to weed the garden while he lazily watches and yells. Desperate for a moment of peace, Sukey sneaks away to her secret hiding place by the rolling ocean. As she sings a sorrowful song to the waves, she unwittingly calls forth Mama Jo, a breathtakingly beautiful mermaid with dark skin and shimmering scales. Hearing Sukey's cries for help, Mama Jo offers her a miraculous escape: a magical, peaceful kingdom hidden deep beneath the sea, far away from pain and grueling labor. But as Sukey experiences this silent, timeless world without other people, she must make a difficult choice about where she truly belongs. Woven from African American folklore, this beautifully illustrated tale is a dreamlike journey of resilience, magic, and discovering the strength to face the world above.

Meet the most delightfully dreadful darling in the graveyard. Cinderella Skeleton is everything a proper ghoul should be, complete with yellow nails and green teeth. Sadly, her evil stepsisters treat her terribly, leaving her to do all the miserable chores like hanging cobwebs and arranging dead flowers. When Prince Charnel announces his grand Halloween Ball, poor Cinderella is left behind in the dust. But with a little dark magic from a good witch, she is transformed into the belle of the spooky ball and quickly steals the handsome prince's heart. As the sun begins to peek over the horizon, she must dash away before the morning light breaks the spell. Told in hilarious rhyme, this fractured fairy tale puts a spooky twist on a classic favorite. Get ready for a wonderfully wicked adventure that proves true love can be found even among the tombstones.

Prince Vachagan expects his royal title to be enough to win the heart of the brilliant and beautiful Anait. But she has a surprising condition. Anait refuses to marry a lazy prince, declaring she will only accept his proposal if he learns to read, write, and create something beautiful with his own two hands. Eager to win her affection, the prince dedicates himself to mastering the intricate art of weaving alongside his studies. After they marry, their peaceful life is shattered when a horrible creature captures Vachagan and imprisons him in a dark dungeon. Now, the prince must rely on his newly acquired weaving skills to send a secret message to his clever wife. When Anait receives his woven plea, she rides to the rescue, proving that knowledge and craftsmanship are far more powerful than simple royalty. This captivating folktale highlights the importance of education, hard work, and equal partnership in a thrilling adventure.

Sootface is used to the heat of the cooking fire and the cruelty of her two lazy older sisters. Every day they leave her with the hardest chores, laughing when the sparks singe her hair and mark her skin. But beneath her tattered clothes and ash-stained face, Sootface possesses a spirit of pure kindness and unshakeable hope. When a mighty warrior announces he will marry the first woman who can truly see him—a warrior completely invisible to anyone without a pure heart—the whole village buzzes with excitement. Her vain sisters immediately set out, confident their beauty will win the prize. Instead of joining their cruel games, Sootface gathers her courage, dresses in her simple clothes, and takes her own journey into the woods. This powerful retelling of a classic Ojibwa legend proves that true beauty is never found in fine clothes or perfect hair. It is a story about the quiet strength of staying true to yourself, even when the world is unkind, and discovering the extraordinary rewards that wait for an honest heart.

Princess Rosamond is definitely not your typical royal. Rather than worrying about fancy dresses and courtly manners, she prefers burying her nose in a good book, balancing the royal treasury, and ensuring the castle drawbridge is always in proper working order. But her practical skills are put to the ultimate test when her father, the king, suddenly falls gravely ill. To make matters worse, her greedy stepmother and spoiled stepsister seize the opportunity to scheme and squander the kingdom's wealth. Knowing she is the only one who can save her father, the brave princess leaves the safety of her castle and sets out on a perilous quest. She must find the legendary magical well at the end of the world, which holds the only waters capable of healing the king. Facing strange creatures and daunting obstacles along the way, Rosamond must rely on her sharp mind and generous heart to survive. Join a wonderfully feisty heroine on an epic adventure to save her family and her kingdom.

When Fa Mulan learns that her frail, elderly father has been drafted into the Khan's army to fight the fierce Tartars, she knows he will not survive. To save his life, she makes a brave and dangerous choice. Under the cover of dawn, she cuts her hair, puts on her father's armor, and rides off to war in his place. Disguised as a young man, Mulan must quickly learn the art of war and the skill of the sword. The battlefield is terrifying, but her courage and quick thinking soon earn her fame and respect among the warriors. Even as she becomes a legendary general, she lives with the constant fear that her true identity will be discovered. If the Khan finds out a woman has joined his ranks, the consequences for her family could be severe. Based on the ancient Chinese legend, this beautifully illustrated tale captures the thrilling journey of a heroine who risks everything out of love and loyalty. Experience the epic story of a selfless young woman who proves that true strength comes from within.