The Islands of Magic: Legends, Folk, and Fairy Tales from the Azores

The Islands of Magic is a delightful book of fairy tales (and folk tales) from the Azores Islands. The stories were written down in 1922 for an audience of American Children, which means that they have been polished and simplified, though the author did not take herself seriously in doing so, which makes some of the stories hilarious for adults to read, though still accessible to children.Many of the stories are very similar to classic Eurasia fairy tales, although they all have a twist or significant difference that renders them completely different from the more well-known tales. Like there's a version of a Snow-White-ish tale without the evil step-mother, the poisonous apple, or the glass coffin).About half the stories are Christian in theme. If you are Christian, then they are very good, and if you're not, then they are...a bit odd, but okay. I would also like to mention that the second-to-last story has a vaguely disturbing take on domestic abuse.There is an active table of contents.The stories included are:Princess Bluegreen of the Seven CitiesThe Islands of FlowersWhy Dogs SniffLongstaff, Pinepuller and RockheaverThe Table, the Sifter and the PinchersLinda Branca and her MaskFresh FigsPeter-of-the-PigsThe Princess Who Lost Her RingsThe Master of MagicSt. Anthony's GodchildTrouble When One's YoungThe Little Maid Who Was WiseManoel LittlebeanThe Necklace of PearlsThe Daughter of the King of NaplesMaria-of-the-ForestThe Seven Enchanted PrincesThe Listening KingJose the Beast SlayerThe Princess of the Lost IslandWhy the Alveloa Bird Received a BlessingWhy the Codorniz Bird Received a CurseOutside the Door like the Mother of St. PeterWhy the Owl Flies at NightThe Laborer and His Master'Tis Faith Which SavesSt. Brendan's IslandThe Silent CavalierThe Enchanted PalaceThe Friend of the DevilThe Miller's CloakThe Magic MouthfulThe Messengers

I enjoyed reading another culture's folk tales, as it gives me a perspective on what was important to some Azorean people at the time. Nice read.

I found this entertaining while waiting at a airport layover in the Azores between islands. Otherwise, I would probably not have picked it up.I think it would be a good read-aloud in a the car with kids, on a trip to the Azores.

Seems comprehensive, would have enjoyed more photos.

I enjoyed every moment reading these tales of old! Fables of old. A wonderful collection from a place that fairy tales come true!

Very cute fables my vova,is from the azores I live this

This book is cool because it's nostalgic, but it's flimsy and the binding began coming undone while carefully turning the pages. Also, the book seems like a copy? I'm not sure, they even misspelled the author's name on the binding while spelling it correctly on the cover.

A neat little read. The book has very large print and looks like a printed PDF. Pages feel cheap, like coloring book paper. Illustrations are badly pixellated scans. Author's name is misspelled on cover.