Madison Mini-books Series
These are a series of small books published in the United States by Madison Marketing Limited in 1989. Each book measures 17 cm x 16 cm, featuring just one story. The same text and illustrations from the original Story Teller series are used, though edited to fit the series’ format of having text on even-numbered pages and illustrations on odd-numbered pages. We first discovered the book Good King Wenceslas, followed by The Snow Queen, Mole’s Christmas Welcome and A Christmas Carol, leading us to assume that it was a series of four Christmas-themed stories from Story Teller. Not so, it turned out, as we later discovered several other titles. This page will be updated as we find the books in the series.
Beauty and the Beast
ISBN: 1550660101
This story of the lonely monster and his lovely captive has caught the imagination of writers, artists and children since it was first written by Mme de Villeneuve. Retold by Jill Murphy and illustrated by Alan Baker.
Hansel and Gretel
ISBN: 155066011X
This well-known story of two children abandoned in the forest and triumphing over a witch is based on the text by the Brothers Grimm. Illustrated by Richard Hook.
The Little Toy Solder
ISBN: 1550660063
Artist Francis Phillipps makes a very special contribution to one of his favourite stories – Hans Christian Andersen’s bittersweet tale of the toy soldier who fell in love with a princess. Originally entitled The Little Tin Soldier in Story Teller.
Mole's Christmas Welcome
ISBN: 1550660047
Kenneth Grahame’s lovable animals from The Wind in the Willows celebrate Christmas in their own very special way. Illustrated by Richard Hook. Originally entitled Mole’s Winter Welcome in Story Teller.
Thumbelina
ISBN: 1550660055
Hans Christian Andersen’s magical fairy heroine, little Thumbelina, strays far from home before she finally finds her prince – the last of many strange suitors. Illustrated by Gwen Tourret.
Sleeping Beauty
ISBN: 155066008X
Charles Perrault was the first to publish a written version of this famous tale in his Histoires au contes du temps passe, in 1697 – and it still retains its original magic after all this time. Illustrated by Sarah Silcock.
Good King Wenceslas
ISBN: 1550660047
The traditional tale, retold by Alice Peebles. This was followed by a new setting of the famous carol in Story Teller but this is missing in this book. Illustrated by Peter Dennis.
A Christmas Carol
ISBN: 1550660012
Charles Dickens’ immortal story of how the miserly Scrooge learns to love the spirit of Christmas. Illustrated by Francis Phillipps. This has the distinction of being the longest single story in Story Teller.
The Snow Queen
ISBN: 1550660020
Carol Watson retells Hans Andersen’s story of the little boy whose heart is frozen by the Queen of Winter. Only the warmth of little Gerda’s love can rescue him from slavery. Illustrated by Richard Hook.
Puss in Boots
ISBN: 1550660071
When, in 1585, Puss in Boots was translated for the first time into French, its Italian original had been in print for 32 years. Its heroes, Constantino Fortunato and his Cunning Cat, were created by Gianfrancesco Straparola. Charles Perault’s Le Chat Botté did not appear until 1697. The story arose independently in Scandinavia. Illustrated by Roger Langton.