ISSN: 2397-9607 Issue 151 ÿ In this 151st story in the Baba Indaba?s Children's Stories series, Baba Indaba narrates the Scottish tale about Huggy the rat who lives in a corn-rick (a Corn-rick is a stack of covered hay or straw for protection from the weather.) In the middle of the night the elder rat woke up the colony and told them it was time to swarm.??. Download and read this story to find out exactly why Huggy and his friends had to vacate their premises in the middle of the night. ÿ INCLUDES LINKS TO DOWNLOAD 8 FREE STORIES ÿ Each issue also has a "WHERE IN THE WORLD - LOOK IT UP" section, where young readers are challenged to look up a place on a map somewhere in the world. The place, town or city is relevant to the story. HINT - use Google maps. ÿ Baba Indaba is a fictitious Zulu storyteller who narrates children's stories from around the world. Baba Indaba translates as "Father of Stories". ÿ It is believed that folklore and tales are believed to have originated in India and made their way overland along the Silk and Spice routes and through the Middle East and Central Asia before arriving in Europe. Even so, this does not cover all folklore from all four corners of the world. Indeed folklore, legends and myths from Africa, Australia, Polynesia, and some from Asia too, can be altogether quite different and seem to have originated on the whole from separate reservoirs of lore, legend and culture.

Brownies, kelpies, mermen, trolls, and other supernatural creatures magically appear in a series of delightful tales to assist, annoy, and otherwise meddle in the lives of simple Scottish country folk.

Rats' Tales brings together a hugely entertaining, dark and magical cycle of folk tales from around the world. The volume contains two texts for each story: Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's wonderful prose and Melly Still's lively dramatization. Rats' Tales celebrates the power of storytelling and will be published to coincide with the premiere at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, in November 2012. On Beasts and Beauties, on which Carol Ann Duffy and Melly Still also collaborated: 'The first night audience did not exit from the theatre, they hover-crafted out of it on a balloon of bliss.' Independent

A cultural and social history of the rat, examining how one creature achieved total world domination and has inspired such love and loathing. Rats are creatures which inspire fear and fascination in equal measure. Their lives are more closely entwined with humans than any other animal, but they remain the most misunderstood of all species. Yet, arguably no animal has sacrificed more in the pursuit of human health but also been so resolutely blamed for spreading plague and pestilence. No animal has been so determinedly targeted by humans, and still managed to survive and thrive in our midst. No animal is so often derided as being vicious and cunning, but possesses such a rich and complex inner life. In Stowaway, Joe Shute, explores our complex and often contradictory relationship with the rat. He travels the world from sub-Saharan Africa to the Rocky Mountains and visits some of the most rodent-infested cities on earth to unpick the myths we tell ourselves about rats and investigate the unexplored secrets of their own extraordinary lives. He examines the way in which rats have shaped human history and meets cutting-edge researchers harnessing the power of rat intelligence to achieve incredible results. He explores the hidden world they inhabit beneath our feet as well as their role in natural ecosystems. And through his own pet rats, he discovers the close emotional bonds they form with humans when given the chance. Ultimately, this is a book which questions what the lives of rats reveal to us about our own, and whether there might be a better way to live alongside our ancient enemies in the modern age?

“An astonishing novel. Were Terry Pratchett not demonstratively a master craftsman already, The Amazing Maurice might be considered his masterpiece.” —Neil Gaiman The Amazing Maurice runs the perfect Pied Piper scam. This streetwise alley cat knows the value of cold, hard cash and can talk his way into and out of anything. But when Maurice and his cohorts decide to con the town of Bad Blinitz, it will take more than fast talking to survive the danger that awaits. For this is a town where food is scarce and rats are hated, where cellars are lined with deadly traps, and where a terrifying evil lurks beneath the hunger-stricken streets.... Set in bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett's beloved Discworld, this masterfully crafted, gripping read is both compelling and funny. When one of the world's most acclaimed fantasy writers turns a classic fairy tale on its head, no one will ever look at the Pied Piper—or rats—the same way again! This book’s feline hero was first mentioned in the Discworld novel Reaper Man and stars in the movie version of his adventure, The Amazing Maurice, featuring David Tenant, Emma Clarke, Hamish Patel, and Hugh Laurie. Fans of Maurice will relish the adventures of Tiffany Aching, starting with The Wee Free Men and A Hat Full of Sky! Carnegie Medal Winner * ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults * New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age * VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror * Book Sense Pick

In 'Tales of Scottish Highlands & Moors 70+ Historical Novels, Adventure Classics & Victorian Romances', the reader is transported to the rugged landscapes and turbulent times of Scotland through a collection that showcases a striking diversity in literary styles, from the swashbuckling adventures to the delicate intricacies of Victorian romance. This anthology stands out for its ability to envelop the reader in the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Scotland, capturing the essence of its moors and highlands through literary forms that range from the epic to the intimate. The collection triumphantly demonstrates the breadth of storytelling prowess, including standout contributions that illuminate the folkloric tradition and the chivalric ethos that characterize the Scottish literary canon. The contributing authorsRobert Louis Stevenson, John Buchan, George MacDonald, Walter Scott, J. M. Barrieare luminaries of Scottish literature, whose collective works provide a panoramic view of Scottish life and legend. Their backgrounds, steeped in the rich lore and history of Scotland, bring authenticity and depth to the anthology. These authors' works collectively align with and contribute to key literary movements, such as Romanticism and the Kailyard school, offering readers not just stories but a multidimensional perspective on Scottish identity and history. This anthology is an indispensable addition to the library of anyone who cherishes literary diversity and historical depth. It invites readers to traverse the highlands and moors through tales that are as varied as they are engaging, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Scottish lore and tradition. Through its pages, the collection fosters a dialogue between past and present, making it a profound educational journey as well as a celebration of Scotland's literary heritage. For enthusiasts of historical novels, adventure classics, and Victorian romance, this collection promises a rich, immersive experience that epitomizes the spirit and splendor of Scottish literature.

Part of "a vast and precious store of folk-lore...found amongst the Magyars" (preface), including stories of giants, fairies and witches, and superstitions concerning animals, plants, stones, and sundries.