Showing results by author "Eric Chambers" in All Categories

The Ugly Duckling tells the tale of a duckling abandoned and deserted because he was different. Despite trying to make friends, the ugly duckling is laughed at and rejected by just about everyone he meets. Then one day the ugly duckling comes across a number of beautiful razorbills swimming in the ocean. It is here that he discovers his real identity, seeing his own reflections in the water. He had grown into a beautiful razorbill too, and had never been an ugly duckling after all.

The Selfish Giant focuses on a garden surrounding a castle occupied by a giant octopus. While the giant octopus is off visiting his friend the Squid Ogre, young fish play in the garden; when he returns, he chases them away and builds a high wall around the garden to keep out all trespassers. Winter comes to call, and a perpetual bleak chill settles on the garden, and the giant octopus grows increasingly lonely, until the young fish find their way back in, and break the spell that keeps spring out.

The beautiful gilded statue of the happy sea prince overlooks the sunken seatown, but the poverty and misery he sees make him very sad. He asks a whale to gradually pluck the jewels and gold from him to aid those who are suffering.

Thumbelina is a tiny penguin, as a result of a wish by her parents for a child of their own. Much of Thumbelina's happiness was stolen from her when a unscrupulous selfish sea turtle kidnapped hr from her dwelling. This sets her on a series of adventures where she learns a great deal about things in life, and later meets a handsome prince, who is her own size.

Provides the story of Annie Oakley, and explains how she became a sharp shooter and some of the adventures she went on.

Relates some of the legends of Pecos Bill, a cowboy who was raised by wild animals, once roped a whole herd of cattle at once, and invented Texas chili.

Describes the adventures and experiences of Daniel Boone, a talented hunter and woodsman who helped explore the American West.

Relates some of the legends of Paul Bunyan, a lumberjack said to be taller than the trees.