Serpents and Werewolves: Stories of Shape-Shifters from Around the World

World of Stories

by Lari Don, Francesca Greenwood (Illustrations)

A princess makes a daring deal with the Queen of Snakes.
A lonely sister weaves stinging plants together in order to save her brothers from their mother.
A curious boy suddenly becomes a wolf cub...

Discover a worlwide collection of shape-shifter stories, based on folktales and lore from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. From cursed princes to the first werewolves, things aren't always what they seem!

Genres: Fiction, Childrens

142 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2015

About the author

I'm a children's writer based in Scotland, and most of my fiction is inspired by the Scottish landscape and local legends. I love writing fantasy adventures for 8-12 year olds, including the Fabled Beast Chronicles and the Spellchasers trilogy, but I also love creating stories for other age groups.
I've gone darker and more dangerous in my YA thriller MindBlind.
And I've worked with amazing illustrators on picture books, including a retelling of the Scottish tale of the kelpie, The Secret of the Kelpie, with gorgeous pictures by Philip Longson, and a new fable about Nessie, The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, with fabulous artwork by Nataša Ilinčić.
I've written collections of myths and legends, including heroine tales from all over the world in Girls Goddesses & Giants, and Scottish tales in Breaking the Spell and Viking saga tales in The Dragon's Hoard, both illustrated by the wonderful Cate James.
I'm passionate about sharing old stories, creating new ones, and inspiring new young readers and writers. And I'm writing more adventures and retelling more myths, right now!
But I'm also reading... I read a lot of non-fiction, because a lot of my fictional ideas are inspired by folklore and history. I also read a lot of children’s fiction, because kids get all the best stories! And sometimes I remember how old I am, and read books for adults.
I also love discussing books, and answering queries about my books and stories, so please do get in touch. You can chat to me here on Goodreads, or through my own website, http://www.laridon.co.uk, or find me on Twitter @LariDonWriter, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laridonwriter, or Instagram: laridonwriter Have fun reading!

Reviews

[Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's fun, diverse, interesting, creative, and you just have fun reading it. It's great for everyone. Perfect for reading as a family or for bedtime. Puts a smile on your face, hold your breath a little or try to guess what's going to happen. I enjoyed these mostly because there were a few stories I 'knew' but not quite that way and new ones to learn. Something I wouldn't mind reading again and again. Enjoy!

[Rhiannon White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a great book for any middle grade students interested in Percy Jackson or the Rick Riordan imprint with a variety of stories from different cultures

[Katherine Vickers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like classic myths and legends and to have a book just with the shapeshifting folk tales from around the world interested me. Easy reading and I enjoyed it lots.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these stories very much. It would have been better if the author fully attributed the Canadian Indigenous story to the community. Otherwise delightful reading.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable set of world stories about shape-shifters.

[Brandon Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful collection of stories about magical transformations from all over. Serpents and Werewolves was a fun light read and a lovely start to this year's reading.

[Katie Thielke Gustafson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it with my 5 year old who really enjoyed the somewhat gentle monster stories

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute book but it feels like its the same 2 stories repeated many times over and strongly adapted to be suitable for kids. It would probably be well liked by children though, especially if they hsppen to like snakes, werewolves, witches or shape shifting.

[Ollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed these short tales of magic and shape-shifters.