The Books of Nine Lives: Volumes 1 - 9
Pleasant DeSpain / Illustrated by Don Bell
A pioneer of America’s storytelling revival, DeSpain is known for his nuggets of folktales: condensations that preserve the drama and wisdom of the originals, yet in a form brief enough for elementary-age children to read and enjoy. Young readers may see these as “chapter books,” but education professionals see them as first steps in character education, cultural diversity and ethical unanimity. DeSpain’s unique storytelling style enhances these ancient and new stories. Each thematically arranged title includes source notes.
Volume I "Tales of Tricksters":
 Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-644-1 |
Volume IV "Tales of Heroes":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-666-2 |
Volume VII "Tales of Enchantment":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-711-1 |
| Volume II "Tales of Nonsence and Tomfoolery":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-645-X |
Volume V "Tales of Holidays":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-667-0 |
Volume VIII "Tales to Frighten & Delight":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-712-X |
| Volume III "Tales of Wisdom and Justice":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-646-8 |
Volume VI "Tales of Insects":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-668-9 |
Volume IX "Tales of Cats":
Hardback $14.95, ISBN 0-87483-713-8 |
Ages: 5+
Sweet Land of Story: Thirty-Six American Tales to Tell
Pleasant
DeSpain / Illustrated by Don Bell
Sweet Land of Story embodies almost thirty years' worth of traveling, telling, and just as importantly listening for DeSpain. Each story is a microcosm of American culture: our various values, beliefs, and customs that differ from region to region yet retain a fundamental allegiance to the importance of passing that culture on through story. "After all, " DeSpain writes, "it's our stories that tell us who we are."
"This compilation of stories captures the indomitable
spirit and diversity of America...they depict a sweet land of story,
indeed."
NAPRA ReView
"Teachers and librarians doing storytelling projects
will love these tales suitable for telling by anyone over the age of
eight."
School Library Journal
"Vibrantly written short tales...they are complete
but still allow room for embellishment, making this an excellent addition to
any storytelling collection."
Booklist
"This collection of American tales grouped by
geographic region is a teacher's and storyteller's dream come true."
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001
Hardback
$19.95, ISBN 0-87483-569-0
Paperback $12.95, ISBN 0-87483-600-X
192 pages / 5.5 x 8.5 Ages: 8-12
Pleasant DeSpain / Illustrated by Don Bell / Spanish
Text by Mario Lamo-Jimenez
Pleasant DeSpain has spent decades exploring Latin America and collecting her stories. These tales are full of compassionate souls, tricks and humor, explanations of nature and geography---and always, fine storytelling.
"Fifteen tales from as many cultures are presented in English and Spanish in this accessible collection. DeSpain's spare, streamlined style lends itself to reading and telling aloud..." The Bulletin, Center for Children's Books
"The Emerald Lizard is recommended for a wide age range from High School through adult readers." The Bookwatch
"A carousel of stories fairly bursting at the seams with fanciful
and flavorful stories suitable for everyone. A book to be passed around the
campfire; a book to share with your children as well as your parents; a book
that will enrich you and your friends."
San Antonio Express News
"What fine tales they are . . . DeSpain's contribution
to folklore is brining stories to American children and adults from cultures
not well represented by Enlish language collections."
Journal of American Folklore 114 (2001)
Hardback $21.95, ISBN 0-87483-551-8
Paperback $11.95, ISBN 0-87483-552-6
192 pages / 5.5 x 8.5 Ages: Adult / 8+
The Dancing Turtle: A Folktale from Brazil
Retold by Pleasant DeSpain /
Illustrated by David Boston
"DeSpain's extensive storytelling experience comes through in this well-honed trickster tale from Latin America... the paintings, dominated by shades of green and punctuated by reds, oranges, and yellows, capture the diverse flora and fauna (people included) of the region."--Booklist Parents Council Award: The Best Books of the Year
Hardback $15.95, ISBN 0-87483-502-X
Ages: 4-7
Eleven Nature Tales: A Multicultural Journey
Pleasant
DeSpain
This multicultural and whole-language resource has stories from Africa, Asia, Fiji, Australia, China, Portugal, and the Algonquin, Cherokee, Quinaunlt and Tlingit Native American peoples. In his fifth collection of retellable folktales--all popular with elementary students and teachers--DeSpain employs traditional stories that involve natural elements, such as Sun, Moon, Stars, Ocean, Wind, Fire, Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Insects, and Trees.
Named a Best New Book for New Readers by the Adult Lifelong Learning Section of the Public Library Association / Selected for Elementary School Library Collection, 17th Edition
Hardback
$14.95, ISBN 0-87483-447-3
Paperback $4.50, ISBN 0-87483-458-9
Ages: 5+
Strongheart Jack and the Beanstalk
Pleasant DeSpain
/ Illustrated by Joe Shlichta
DeSpain finds new meaning in this classic tale by drawing on it's third century source.
Selected for Elementary School Library Collection, 17th Edition
Hardback $15.95, ISBN 0-87483-414-7
Ages: 5-8
Eleven Turtle Tales: Adventure Tales from Around the World
Pleasant DeSpain
Multicultural folktales for young readers--perfect for read-aloud. "This is one of our favorite story collections."--Parent Council
Hardback $12.95, ISBN 0-87483-388-4 
Audiobook $12.00, ISBN 0-87483-425-2
Ages: Adult / 7+
Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales to Tell
Pleasant DeSpain / Illustrated by Joe
Shlichta
This book is considered the standard reference for multicultural tales, with almost as many uses as it has cultural sources. The audiobook stories are told by DeSpain, and enhanced with original guitar and flute music. "The entire collection represents the bridge-building parables and myths selected for universality of message, cultural variety and integrity. This is a resource for all storytellers, libraries, teachers, and parents."--Sing Out!
Paperback $15.00,
ISBN 0-87483-266-7
Audiobook (Multicultural Tales to Tell, 2 cassettes) $18.00, ISBN 0-87483-345-0
Ages: 5+
