A parade of magical stories awaits you with this collection of folktales. Sharing stories is a powerful way to connect with culture and share ideas and wisdom across generations. Check out these books to find familiar tales, re-imagined classics, and maybe even uncover some new-to-you stories. 

This booklist was created in support of BUZZWORD PGH to encourage imagination, investigation, creation, and reflection. Available to families throughout Allegheny County, BUZZWORD PGH engages young children and their families as they discover the words that are all around them. 

Nov 10, 2025

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If you need help using our Digital Media tools to access these selections, visit our Online Resources Support page.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at [email protected]. You can find additional ways to contact us on the Need Help? page.

In the Catalog

Ancient Night

Ancient Night

David Daniel Álvarez Hernández

A blend of Nahua traditional tales that describes how Rabbit and Opossum came to illuminate the Moon and Sun.

From the Catalog

The Bears and the Magic Masks

The Bears and the Magic Masks

Joseph A. Dandurand

For a long time, the Kwantlen and the bears have lived side by side. When the master carver falls into the river, the bears rescue him. In thanks, the master carver gives the bears animal masks.

From the Catalog

Chang'e on the Moon

Chang’e on the Moon

Katrina Moore

Once upon a time, there lived a kind, beautiful woman named Chang’e. She and her husband, Hou Yi, were deeply in love and existed in peaceful harmony . . . Until, one day, ten blazing suns rose into the sky and threatened everything they knew

From the Catalog

The Courage of the Little Hummingbird

The Courage of the Little Hummingbird

A Tale Told Around the World

Leah Henderson

A retelling of a tale of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds and a community working together to overcome adversity, reminding us that no challenge is too great, and that even the smallest of us can make a world of difference. 

From the Catalog

Hoopla

Ganesha's Great Race

Ganesha’s Great Race

Sanjay Patel

In this retelling of a classic Hindu myth, Ganesha’s older brother, Kartikeya, challenges him to a race around the world to see who will win a prized magical mango, gifted by the gods.

From the Catalog

Gluskonba and the Maple Trees

Gluskonba and the Maple Trees

Kloskôba Ta Senômozia

Joseph Bruchac

Gluskonba, an Abenaki hero, visits his human friends and finds disaster. The humans are taking advantage of the gift of maple syrup and have let their village go to ruin. Gluskonba teaches humans the importance of community and honoring gifts from the Creator.

From the Catalog

Hoopla

Godfather Death

Godfather Death

Sally Nicholls

A retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale in which a poor fisherman chooses Death to be a godfather to his son.

From the Catalog

Kapaemahu

Kapaemahu

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu

In this retelling of an ancient Hawaiian folk tale, four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers.

From the Catalog

The Magic Callaloo

The Magic Callaloo

Trish Cooke

Creating a world of vivid Caribbean colors, Trish Cooke and Sophie Bass nurture and sow a contemporary retelling of Rapunzel sure to leave readers entranced.

From the Catalog

The Salt Princess

The Salt Princess

Anoosha Syed

Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Zammarud, there lived four princesses. The youngest, Princess Amal, always loved to stir up trouble–just for a little fun. Until one day, her playful spirit led to a misunderstanding with her father, the king.

From the Catalog

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