How to Calm a Rain Bull

Embrace the magic of the changing seasons with these 24 fascinating myths and folktales, perfect for young readers aged 8–12.

Journey around the world with the help of over 140 whimsical lino-graphic illustrations.

Discover the wondrous magic of nature and experience the shifting of seasons around the world with this charming and culturally diverse treasury of stories. From monsoon seasons and powerful blizzards to the summer solstice and the first frost of winter, these seasonal stories feature gods and goddesses, kings and queens, talking animals and mighty dragons.

• AN OJIBWE TALE: Discover how the great spirit Nanabhozo causes the leaves to change color every fall.
• A MEXICAN STORY: Read how the Gila monster wakes the sun from its long slumber.
• A ZULU MYTH: Find out how the chief's son convinced the rain bull to start the rainy season.
• A CELTIC FOLKTALE: Follow the Oak King and Holly King as they engage in an annual battle to control the seasons, switching positions at the solstices.
• A SYRIAN MYTH: Fall in love with the little bee who hunts down the god of agriculture to restore spring.
• A CHINESE STORY: Learn about the dragon god whose eyes create day and night and whose yawn causes the rain.
• OTHER TALES INCLUDE clouds you can eat, a flying turtle, an ice king, people being turned into animals and more.

This stunning, fun collection of myths and folktales from around the world is a must-have for any personal or communal library, inviting young readers to look outside and see the magic in nature.Denise Gallagher is a Louisiana-based children's author and illustrator who specialises in magical folklore. Her previous books include Moonsong, A Tip Tap Tale and Peg Bearskin. Denise is the current Illustrator Coordinator for the Louisiana/Mississippi region of SCBWI and on the editorial board of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press. Her artwork has been exhibited in museums and galleries in Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Indianapolis and throughout Louisiana.