Tapped from the oral traditions of American folklore, these ghost stories and tales of weird happenings, witches, and graveyards have startling, funny, or surprising endings.

More traditional and modern-day stories of ghosts, witches, vampires, "jump" stories, and scary songs.

In this retelling of a folktale, a group of slaves, unable to bear their sadness and starvation any longer, calls upon the African magic that allows them to fly away.

A mean old blacksmith's actions leave him unwelcomed by both Saint Peter and the Devil when he dies.

Bear has lots of money and lots of land -- and he's lazy. Hare has nothing but a hungry family -- and he's smart. Hare is sure there's a way to share Bear's wealth, so he and Mrs. Hare cook up a plan. Then Hare hops on down the road to Bear's place and proposes that Bear donate land. Hare handles labor, and they split the crop in half. All Bear has to do is choose the half he wants -- tops or bottoms. Sleepy Bear takes tops but finds once the harvest...

"Drawing on the expertise of twenty-four renowned practitioners, this book features contemporary folk traditions from all over North America. Diverse as the landscapes they thrive on, these authentic practices will expand your worldview and inspire you to enrich your own spirituality. Explore the history, tools, and spiritual beliefs of many different paths of folk magic from Mexico, the United States, and Canada"--Back cover.

A young man searches for three people more foolish than his fiancée and her parents.

"This tall tale weaves the story of legendary cowboy Pecos Bill, who was raised by coyotes and had adventures with his beloved horse, Widow-Maker. Additional features to aid comprehension include background information and historical context of the tale, and an introduction to the author and illustrator"--Provided by the publisher.

A Southern folktale in which kind Blanche, following the instructions of an old witch, gains riches, while her greedy sister makes fun of the old woman and is duly rewarded.

Retold Afro-American folktales of animals, fantasy, the supernatural, and desire for freedom, born of the sorrow of the slaves, but passed on in hope.