Holy Mole! : A Folktale from Mexico by Caroline McAlister, Stefan Czernecki

He's a small kitchen boy and when an important person is coming to the monastery he has to hide.  He hears the person coming and rushes into the kitchen to hide.

He bumps into the monk who is carrying the food.  He's mortified.  But when he tastes the soup, he loves it.  So does the important person!

Brave Donatella and the Jasmine Thief by Caroline McAlister

This is a charming picture book published by Charlesbridge (who provided my review copy) and illustrated by Donald Hendricks.

Mr. Hendricks' illustrations give the story a visual life that carries the reader along page by page.

The story is based on a legend about the real Duke Cosimo, who collected plants for his garden and guarded them jealously. No one was allowed to share their beauty - they belonged to HIM.

Antonio was a foolish gardener who was in love with Donatella, but had nothing to offer her in marriage. He wanted to give her a gift that was as unique as she was to him, so he stole a sprig of jasmine. Of course, the Duke discovers his loss and he imprisons the youth.

Donatella is brave and also loves Antonio, so she works on a way to save him...

There is a section at the back of the book that goes into the history of the Duke and offers a bibliography for further reading.

While this story is based on a real person, it reads a lot like a fairy tale and children will enjoy the story. This book is currently available at your local bookstore. Share a copy with those you love.