WARNING: These are not safe, cosy stories.

Inside this book you'll find:

• a skeleton whose job is to scare people – and he's good at it
• a spider trying to trick a god
• heroes making very bad decisions
• endings that aren't always happy
• at least one story that risks making you snort-laugh

Some of these tales are funny. Some are creepy. Many are surprising. All are impossible to forget.

So if you like stories with teeth, tricks, danger, and just a tiny bit of chaos...

...read this book.

But don't say we didn't warn you...

With trickster spiders, wicked ghouls, pirates, princesses, and unexpected heroes, this thrilling collection of folk tales from around the world mixes humour, suspense, adventure, and warmth to take you on unforgettable journeys.

Carefully chosen for both solo reading and sharing aloud, the stories balance snort-out-loud moments with deeper themes of courage, cooperation, and cleverness.

Featuring striking illustrations by Korky Paul and friends, this is an ideal introduction to the richness of traditional storytelling.