I love when a blog post comes together by the stack of books by the bedside table. These six books would make for lovely gifts for young readers! Legends, myths and stories from cultures around the world are all featured within the pages.
Spooky Stories of the World retold by Wendy Shearer, illustrated by Teo Georgiev, Published by Lonely Planet
This is one for the brave reader this spooky season! Readers will get to travel around the world with this book as well as the ones below, only this time they will be thrilled and chilled by the spooky stories uncovered. From vampires to big foot to Baba Yaga, there are so many cultural figures and characters who spook and scare. I found most of these stories were new to me, ones I hadn’t read before and that is a great selling point for this book. I was also scared quite a few times (I am not overly brave though so most readers will be perfectly fine!). The illustrations, especially the map, are superb and spooky. A perfect autumn gift!
The Treasure Hunt by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, illustrated by Gordy Wright, Published by Hachette
Part travel tale, part non-fiction text, this exciting book will take readers on a journey of exploration and treasure hunting. Young readers are often fascinated by the thought of finding treasure and as you travel around the world in this story, you learn about missing masterpieces, stolen and found across time. I love the excitement and adventure created through the illustrations and the sense of being part of the story. Readers must use their cartography skills, code breaking abilities and problem solve to discover the treasures. There is a real sense of fun and energy in this book and I have no doubt it will be very popular with readers of all ages!
Enchanted Tales by Laura Sampson, illustrated by Quang and Lien, Published by Templar Books
There is certainly a place for a book filled with enchanted stories of magic, hope and cultures. This beautiful gift book would suit anyone who loves tales from around the world, beautifully illustrated with a whimsical and colourful palette. There are some familiar stories that readers will enjoy alongside some new ones! I have always enjoyed The Stonecutter, a tale from Japan about a man who makes wishes to find happiness. A new tale I enjoyed from this book was The Star Husbands from North America. As I am from Canada, I find indigenous stories to be fascinating and filled with morals to learn. Short stories give readers an opportunity to travel from the comfort of their chair.
An Atlas of Legendary Places by Volker Mehnert and Claudia Lieb, published by Prestel
This is an atlas with a difference. The legendary places on display in this book will bring to life myth and legend from across time and place. From Atlantis to Uluru to Machu Picchu, there is much of legend to discover. Each location and legend are expertly explained alongside facts that are known to be true about the legends, places or history and this opens up some interesting points of discussion. This was a book I couldn’t put down, nor did I want to. Many times, these legendary locations are on bucket lists or wish lists to visit as they are steeped in the unknown, the wonder and amazement of what actually happened. The illustrations have a legendary quality to them that match the aesthetic perfectly.
Legends of Norse Mythology by Tom Birkett and Isabella Mazzanti, published by Quarto
There certainly seems to be an increased interest in all things Norse, whether because of Marvel or because writers are tackling the history in new ways. Either way, it is great to gain more insight into this culture and their impact across history. Again, readers will be aware of Thor, Odin and Loki but will be introduced to other Norse gods and their powers. Mythical beings are also introduced, some terrifying. All are brought to life by the atmospheric and wondrous illustrations. As many schools spend time learning stories from cultures and countries around the world, this would be an excellent resource. Norse mythology really captures the imaginations of readers.
Ancient Love Stories by Emily Hauser and Sander Berg, published by Big Picture Press
I was really pleased to spend time reading this book and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of stories and the unfamiliarity for me. We all know some of the great love stories across history and this book has introduced me to ones I wasn’t aware of. Overall, through each story and couple, we are reminded of the power love has over us all. It overcomes jealousy, hatred and war to unite and bring people together. Expertly pieced together and with gorgeous illustrations, this book is perfect for older readers, ones who love stories of passion, love and hope. A few couple featured who I was especially keen to read were Ignatious Sancho and Anne Osborne, as well as Frances Howard and Robert Carr. Widely known figures but perhaps not for their love stories!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. I am Children’s Librarian for Suffolk Libraries, a job I adore!
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work I am currently Vice Chair on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups!
View all posts by Erin Lyn
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