Twisted Tales
Welcome to tales with a twist. These stories are twisted or fractured. You'll laugh and cry at these wacky stories from around the world. Some are character tales with a moral or a lesson.
An Ozark Jack Tale
Ozark Jack and the Angry Coyote is an introduction to a series (but also a great standalone story) from the Ozark Jack Tales. They are big and fun, like the stories of Pecos Bill.
The Heavy Hat
The Heavy Hat is hilarious. Sometimes it pays to listen to your wife. The story was inspired by Howard Pyle.
An Unrelenting Demon
An Unrelenting Demon is a funny story about greed. The malady is not reserved for the rich alone: another story was inspired by Howard Pyle.
The Stonecutter
The Stonecutter is an intriguing and humorous folktale about contentment.
Two Silly Frogs
Two Silly Frogs is a comical folktale from Japan, about the interrupted journey of two frogs. How many times does foolish thinking keep us from our desired destinations?
The Sneeze of a Mighty King
The Sneeze of a Mighty King is a humorous folktale from Russia, promoting the tenacity of a lowly shepherd, and laughing at the haughtiness of a powerful ruler.
Briar Rose
Briar Rose is a sleeping beauty tale (from early fairy tales, given the name by the Grimm brothers in 1812) with a little twist and a little humor. Waiting is considered a virtue, but one hundred years??? It must be an amazing kiss.
Snowflake
Snowflake is a mystical tale from Russia about the short life of an unusual girl. How quickly they loved her! How soon she left!
Videos from Tall Tales (American Legends)
The tall tales of American folklore are entertaining and educational. Please watch and enjoy the videos about four of the greatest legends ever: Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and Johnny Appleseed.
The Uncrowned King
The Uncrowned King is a short story about honesty, inspired by Harold Bell Wright’s 1910 book. In this poignant allegorical tale, a lie from the imposter on the throne tarnishes the kingdom, as the true king waits on the magic of the crown. It answers an ageless question: does truth prevail? A person can read the story in ten minutes, but the message will remain for a lifetime.
A Tale of the Foolish Farmer
A Tale of the Foolish Farmer is inspired by an 1886 story by Leo Tolstoy called Ivan the Fool. The story by Hawk differs greatly from the Tolstoy folktale, but it keeps some of the philosophy and satire of the classic Russian writer. The farmer welcomes everyone to his table, but the workers eat first. The business executives, those with smooth hands, must eat the leftovers. The ending is hilarious. If you dismiss this book as anti-war, anti-capitalism propaganda, you’ll miss an essential lesson for people of all cultures.
The Wisdom of NightSong
The Wisdom of NightSong is an old tale of a hunter who learns three valuable precepts. Many versions are available, from the ancient Hebrews, and The Gesta Romanorum (a collection of 283 fables from the monks of the Middle Ages).
Amir’s Magic Glass
Amir’s Magic Glass is a charming story about a young man, a fiery genie, a beautiful princess, a deceitful prime minister, a fumbling king . . . and a magic glass.
Markus and the Devil
Markus and the Devil is a folktale about a boy who makes a bargain with the devil (normally not a good plan). With the help of a clever wife, can he outwit his foe this time? As Markus stubbornly says: "It may be difficult, but I'll try."
The Fruit of Happiness
The Fruit of Happiness is a folktale about a boy who seeks wealth and happiness. It escapes him, but in the end, he learns a valuable lesson.
Fate and the Fiddler
Fate and the Fiddler is a laughable folktale. Don't let the joke be on you. Sometimes, we blame everyone and everything for our so-called "misfortune" -- everyone but ourselves.
Margery Saw Too Much
Margery Saw Too Much is comical, if you know how to laugh. It's not all fun and games, however. Margery suffers a little, but gains more, all because she saw too much.
A Farmer and FunkyBunk
A Farmer and FunkyBunk is a funny folktale about a playful, yet annoying, gremlin named FunkyBunk. Once he gets in the house, it's frustrating, because you can't see him to throw him out. It teaches a crucial lesson, but you'll never understand it until you read the entire story.
Hans and His Luck
Hans and His Luck is a folktale with a message about contentment. When you have enough, it is best to forget about finding your luck.
The Giant's Heart
The Giant's Heart is a fun folktale about a girl and a boy and a mean, ugly giant. The massive brute eats little children. The boy and girl, brother and sister, must find the giant's heart and stop the cruelty.
The Girl Who Hated the Sky
The Girl Who Hated the Sky is a children's book by TJ Hawk. (Return to this page later to discover how to purchase this book.) It is an adaptation of an old fairy tale, most popular by George MacDonald, called The Light Princess, published in 1860.
Clever Peter and the Two Bottles
Clever Peter is a humorous, ancient fairy tale of greed and wisdom, with a little magic sprinkled about for fun. Greed sometimes has a consequence; and wisdom is a skill only gained through experience. It also helps to be a friend of the little man who lives beneath the huge stone.
The Apple of Contentment
The Apple of Contentment is a rewarding and ancient tale about what brings true happiness. Everyone has a deep longing inside, but the magic of kindness can satisfy even the hungriest heart. True, many times life is unfair, but not always.