New Releases by Marianna Mayer

For most of us, young and old, Santa Claus is a jolly old man, as described in the classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." In fact, few people realize that there was a real St. Nicholas. He was the Bishop of Myra and lived during the fourth century. In this beautifully illustrated and richly designed book, Mayer creates an inviting portrait of the man who became legendary for his generosity and miraculous acts of kindness.

In this enchanting retelling, Shakespeare''s magical tale is brought brilliantly to life for young readers. When the wizard Prospero seeks revenge on his enemies, his beautiful daughter, Miranda, combines forces with the playful sprite Ariel and the handsome Prince Ferdinand to teach him the power of love and forgiveness. Through exquisitely crafted prose and luminous paintings, adventure, romance, and reconciliation unfold amidst hilarious mix-ups and magic, reminding us why The Tempest, Shakespeare''s last comedy, remains one of his most popular plays.

A young boy from a nomadic tribe follows the gazelle that has been his nurse, and together they join a gazelle herd in the desert.

Sir Walter Scott''s "Ivanhoe" was one of the first great historical novels of western literature. At last, this extraordinary work has been brought to life as a lavishly illustrated storybook. Full color.

Following the re-release of the first three books in this beloved series, here are the final three classic wordless tales in attractive, low-priced hardcover editions. A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, the first book in this series, launched Mercer Mayer''s distinguished career over twenty-five years ago, and also helped to create the wordless picture book genre. Full of warmhearted mischief and play, the books express the humorous trials and tribulations of friendship and the joy of summertime discovery. Readers will want to collect the entire set.

Prominent Old Testament prophets are highlighted through text and classic paintings.

Collects the words from Jesus, found in the New Testament of the Bible, that intend to inspire and enlighten.

Though just the size of his father''s thumb, Tom is eager to prove he can do anything a full-size boy can do--only better. No matter what obstacles he encounters, Tom uses his wits and courage to find his way back home, and proves without a doubt that size truly is not a measure of a man. Full-color illustrations.

Through her great capacity to love, a kind and beautiful maid releases a handsome prince from the spell which has made him an ugly beast.

Profiles the individual apostles, including Judas and his replacement Matthias, describing their lives, deeds, symbols, and Biblical references.

From days of old, they have intrigued people all over the world: brave, defiant warrior women who stir imaginations, rouse passions, and often inspire thousands of followers. These fierce and fearless spirits are goddesses, queens, and peasants; they are children, young women, and adults in the winter of their years. From the story of Britain''s proud queen Boadicea to that of the Sioux warrior Winyan Ohitika, Marianna Mayer re-creates twelve thrilling tales of war and bravery, bitterness and triumph. Twenty-four full-color illustrations and a map, bibliography, and annotated index are included in this striking anthology for all ages.

Young Prince Edward lived a life of luxury with servants to grant his every wish. Tom Canty spent his days begging on the streets, and his nights in a hovel with his tyrannical father. When the two boys meet, a simple switch of clothing sets them on a path they''d never dreamed possible. The prince, mistaken for Tom, is forced to live a pauper''s life, while Tom unwillingly takes on the life of a prince. And in the end, each boy finds the king inside himself.Marianna Mayer has written many original stories, as well as skillfully adapted versions of classic tales. School Library Journal hailed her Pegasus as "a fine example of the quality of writing that can be achieved in picture-book format." Here she joins painter Gary Lippincott, whose classic illustrations suit Twain''s tale perfectly.Together Mayer and Lippincott have created a treasure that belongs in every home library.

For generations, children have loved the enchanting story of the twelve beautiful princesses and the handsome young lad who solves the mystery of their tattered shoes. Now Marianna Mayer brings to life all the splendor and romance of this beloved classic, from the dazzling forests Of silver, gold, and diamonds to a twilight palace where the bewitched princesses dance to hypnotic music. And award-winning artist Kinuko Craft add, her own magic: a visual feast of exquisite, jewel-like paintings that sweep across the pages. Together, Mayer and Craft have created an unforgettable world that readers of all ages will want to return to again and again.

Peter Pumpkin is baking muffins. Polly puts the kettle on for warm spiced tea. The Queen Of Hearts decorates her tarts. And Humpty Dumpty makes dilly egg sandwiches as tasty as can he! Now parents and children together can join friends from these and other nursery rhymes for breakfast, lunch, dessert, and snacks. This scrumptious assortment of recipes will introduce young chefs to the delights of reading, cooking, and eating-with a little help from Mother Goose

Condemned by a jealous king, Bellerophon must win the trust of the legendary winged horse Pegasus or face certain death. From the poignant meeting the growing bond of friendship between horse and man to the dramatic slaying of the fearsome fire-breathing Chimera, this is an unforgettable adventure that will stir the imagination of young and old alike. Featuring glorious paintings that readers will want to savor again and again, here is a magnificent edition of a timeless Greek classic.

Presents a picture of the early life of Jesus and the signs that revealed him as a very extraordinary child.

Sweet, lovely Vasilisa lives with her jealous stepmother and stepsisters on the edge of a dark forest inhabited by the evil witch Baba Yaga. One night the stepmother sends Vasilisa to visit Baba Yaga, an errand from which the gentle girl has little chance of returning alive. "An engaging text and accomplished paintings set this version apart....A stylized and classy offering."--School Library Journal.

The classic medieval legend of the unicorn serves as a motif for the alphabet.

This is a picture book introduction to shapes.

A picture book introducing the alphabet.

A dishwashing hippopotamus practices pastry making in the palace kitchen each night while the rest of the world sleeps. Then one night the king discovers one of his delicious cream puffs. Confusion and justice follow.

CHILDREN''S BOOKS/AGES 4-8

Cursed with bad luck, a courageous young girl sets out in search of adventure, her only protection a little jewel box that she is to open only when in danger of death.

Using elements of traditional Celtic lore, relates how Kate helps her stepsister Meghan to break the spell that has given her the head of a sheep.

A poor Irish prince wins the love of the Princess of the Mountains after helping her to escape the wicked Sea King with magical aid of a mysterious black horse.

A picture book introduction to counting.

Concept book illustrating the alphabet.

One by one, ten animals form a pyramid--the first is a mouse and the last is an elephant.

Lorsqu''on est petit garçon et que l''on possède un chien, une tortue et une grenouille taquine, il est pour le moins normal que certaines aventures cocasses se produisent. Chaque album présente les péripéties suscitées par le batracien facétieux dans une histoire sans parole, propre à favoriser l''expression orale ou écrite et l''observation. Les détails amusants se juxtaposent dans une illustration expressive. Des albums en conformité avec les objectifs du nouveau programme du cours primaire. Pour les 3-6 ans.

Launched more than 25 years ago, Mayer''s classic wordless tales of a boy and his animal friends are now available in these attractive hardcover editions. Using pictures in place of some words in the text, these delightfully funny books follow a young boy as he romps through the woods, making mischief and new friends along the way. Illustrations.