One of the famous ones is 'Momotaro'. It's about a boy born from a peach who goes on an adventure to defeat demons. Another is 'Kintaro', a super - strong boy who befriends animals in the mountains. And 'The Crane Wife' is also well - known, a story with elements of magic and sacrifice.
Well, there's 'Urashima Taro'. In this story, a fisherman named Urashima Taro saves a turtle and is taken to an underwater palace. He stays there for what he thinks is a short time, but when he returns to the surface, many years have passed. 'Issun - boshi' is about a very small but brave boy who goes on a journey. 'The Tongue - Cut Sparrow' is a story that teaches about kindness and greed.
Some traditional French children's stories include 'Puss in Boots'. The story is about a clever cat that uses his wits to help his master gain wealth and status. There is also 'Bluebeard', which is a rather dark but well - known story about a man with a blue beard who has a terrible secret in his locked room. Additionally, 'Cinderella' has French roots. In the traditional French version, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but eventually finds her happy ending with the help of her fairy godmother.
Another is 'Thor's Fishing Trip'. Thor goes fishing with the giant Hymir. Thor uses an ox head as bait and catches the Midgard Serpent. This story is exciting and shows Thor's great strength and courage. It also gives a peek into the Norse mythology world where gods and giants interact.
One well - known publisher is Penguin Random House. They have a wide range of children's books that often include new takes on traditional stories. Another is Scholastic. They are famous for publishing many beloved children's stories, both new and traditional. Candlewick Press is also great. They publish beautifully illustrated new traditional children's stories.
There are many traditional English stories. For example, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. It follows a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of strange creatures and events. 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' is another. A piper is hired to get rid of the rats in a town, but when the townspeople don't pay him, he leads their children away. 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens is also a traditional English story. It tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve and is transformed into a kinder person.
One well - known author is Eiko Kadono, who wrote 'Kiki's Delivery Service'. Another is Hayao Miyazaki, although he is more famous for his animated films, but his works also have novel versions like 'Howl's Moving Castle' and 'Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea'. Also, Michio Mado has created some wonderful children's novels.
Traditional Japanese children's stories have a great influence on values. Stories often emphasize harmony. In many tales, characters live in harmony with nature or with each other. For instance, in 'Kintaro's story, he is in harmony with the forest animals. They also promote perseverance. 'Urashima Taro' endures the strange experiences in the underwater world, which can inspire children to persevere in difficult situations.
One well - known Japanese horror story is 'The Ring'. It's about a cursed videotape. If you watch it, you'll receive a phone call saying you'll die in seven days. Another is 'Ju - on: The Grudge'. The story revolves around a house filled with a vengeful spirit that haunts those who enter.
One of the famous Japanese creation stories is about Izanagi and Izanami. They stood on the floating bridge of heaven and stirred the ocean with a jeweled spear. When they pulled the spear out, the drops that fell formed the islands of Japan. Another is the story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Her hiding in a cave led to darkness, and the other gods had to perform various antics to coax her out, which brought back light to the world.
One famous Japanese horror story is 'The Ring'. It involves a cursed videotape. Once you watch it, you'll receive a phone call saying you'll die in seven days. Another is 'Ju - on: The Grudge'. The story is about a vengeful spirit in a house. People who enter the house are haunted by the spirit's curse.
One of the most famous is 'Cinderella'. It's about a kind - hearted girl who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but finally gets her happily - ever - after with the help of her fairy godmother. Another is 'Snow White'. The beautiful princess is persecuted by her jealous stepmother, the queen, but is saved by the seven dwarfs and a prince. 'The Little Red Riding Hood' is also very popular. It tells the story of a girl who meets a big bad wolf on her way to her grandmother's house.