Reteller & Author Profile
Margaret Hodges
12 Books
Margaret Hodges was an American children's book author and librarian who specialized in adapting classic myths, legends, and folktales. She carefully researched historical texts and traditional folklore to create engaging stories that are accessible to modern young readers. She is recognized for her dramatic retelling of Saint George and the Dragon, which earned the Caldecott Medal for its illustrations. Her extensive body of work introduced countless children to timeless narratives from around the world.
Long ago in ancient India, a remarkable creature roamed the forests near the holy city of Benares. He was a magnificent deer with a coat shining like pure gold, said to be the Buddha in one of his earthly forms. But the forest is no longer a safe home. A powerful king has developed a relentless love for hunting, putting every animal in the woods in terrible danger.
To save his herd from the flying arrows, the golden deer must take a courageous stand. Will his bravery be enough to change the heart of a mighty ruler and win freedom for all living creatures? This enchanting retelling of a classic legend brings a timeless message of compassion and courage to a new generation of readers.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Imagine having all the money and fancy clothes in the world, and deciding you would rather give it all away. That is exactly what a young man named Francis does. He leaves his wealthy life behind to walk a path of kindness, peace, and simplicity.
As he travels, Francis discovers a special connection with the natural world, befriending all kinds of animals along his journey. This inspiring story explores how a life dedicated to helping others and caring for creatures great and small can change the world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
High above a seaside village, an old rice farmer sees the sea pull back in a way that feels terribly wrong. Down below, the villagers are busy with a festival, unaware that danger is racing toward them from the ocean.
This quiet, powerful retelling of a Japanese folktale follows one person’s urgent choice when there is no time to explain and no easy way to warn everyone. The story moves with the force of a legend: simple words, rising danger, and a question that keeps you turning the pages.
Young readers who like folktales, survival stories, and tales of courage will find a memorable picture book about wisdom, sacrifice, and quick thinking in the face of nature’s power.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
56 Pages
A poor Irish peddler has nothing but an old porridge pot to his name, until a glowing spirit visits him in the middle of the night. Saint Patrick appears in his dreams three times, telling the confused peddler to pack his bags and travel straight to a bridge in the bustling city of Dublin.
Waiting on the bridge, the peddler has no idea what he is looking for. Will following the saint's mysterious advice truly change his fortune? Set against the beautiful green landscapes of Ireland, this charming folktale shows that sometimes the greatest treasures are found when you take a leap of faith.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
44 Pages
Deep in a quiet, peaceful monastery, a wise man named Jerome spends his days studying and writing. But his calm life is turned upside down when a massive, terrifying lion suddenly appears at the gates.
Instead of running in fear, Jerome sees that the mighty beast is injured and in need of help. What starts as a frightening encounter turns into an amazing friendship. Explore this beautifully illustrated retelling of an ancient legend that shows how kindness, trust, and a gentle spirit can tame even the wildest of hearts.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Young Dick Whittington journeys from the quiet countryside to London, expecting to find a magical paradise where the streets are literally paved with gold. Instead, he finds a dirty, difficult city where he must scrape by just to survive on leftovers.
Lonely and struggling, Dick uses his pennies to buy a small cat to keep him company and chase away the mice in his tiny room. He has no idea that his furry new friend possesses a unique talent that will turn his life completely upside down. Read the classic, optimistic tale of a poor boy and his remarkable pet who trade hardship for a dazzling fortune.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
In a time of great danger, a desperate mother hides her newborn baby in a small basket, setting him afloat on the river among the tall bulrushes. This fragile start marks the beginning of one of history's most powerful and epic lives.
From growing up as a prince to answering a divine call in the desert, Moses faces impossible challenges and terrifying tests of faith to lead his people out of slavery. Discover the soaring poetry, dramatic miracles, and gripping adventure of a leader guiding his people toward freedom and the promised land.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
True heroes do not always carry swords or fight giant monsters. Sometimes, heroism is found in a quiet, noble heart. This beautiful, little-known tale explores the life of a hero who understands the deep meaning of service and personal sacrifice.
Step into an elegant story from the city of Bremen that celebrates chivalric virtues like loyalty and kindness. Accompanied by gorgeous, classic artwork inspired by the great painters of the sixteenth century, this gentle folktale proves that real strength comes from putting others before yourself.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
36 Pages
Long ago, the world was bitterly cold, and the people had no way to stay warm during the freezing winter nights. Watching his tribe suffer, a brave young Native American boy decides it is time to find a solution.
With the clever help of a quick-witted Coyote, the boy embarks on a daring quest to capture the secret of fire and bring its glowing warmth back to his people. This thrilling retelling of a traditional Paiute legend celebrates bravery, teamwork, and the powerful bond between humans and animals.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
42 Pages
Jump in
Imagine a monstrous beast with a scaly tail that sweeps half a mile and a mouth full of iron teeth, terrorizing a peaceful land. For years, the villagers have lived in total fear, until a brave knight in shining armor steps forward to face the ultimate challenge. Armed with his gleaming sword and unshakable courage, he rides right into a battle that will shake the very earth.
Why it pulls you in
This is the ultimate showdown between good and evil, packed tightly with thrilling action and heart-pounding danger. You will be on the edge of your seat as the valiant knight clashes with the massive, fire-breathing monster in a desperate fight for survival and freedom. The stunning artwork makes the giant beast look terrifyingly real and the hero look incredibly brave. It is a legendary adventure that brings a classic, heroic triumph vividly to life.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Some people thought he was eccentric, wandering the rugged frontier with little more than the clothes on his back and a sack full of seeds. But Johnny Appleseed was a man with a beautiful vision for the expanding American West.
Believing that the earth belongs to all living creatures, Johnny traveled for miles across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana to plant vibrant groves of apple trees. Discover the fascinating true story of an unconventional pioneer whose quiet dedication, deep respect for nature, and simple acts of planting changed the landscape of a nation forever.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
36 Pages
All her life, Oona has traveled the cold roads as a tinker's daughter, dreaming of a warm home of her own. Though she has nothing, she moves from village to village, offering a helping hand wherever there is trouble or sadness.
When the Great Famine strikes and food runs out, Oona must leave the only community she knows. Drifting to sleep under a thorn bush on a snowy Christmas Eve, her lifetime of quiet kindness is about to be rewarded. Wake up with Oona to discover a wonderful holiday miracle where the fairies of Ireland finally make her greatest dream come true.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
