Books by Anthony L. Manna and Soula Mitakidou

“Mr. Semolina-Semolinus”

Mr. Semolina Semolinus: A Greek Folktale

Retold by: Anthony L. Manna and Christodoula Mitakidou

Illustrated by: Giselle Potter 

A long time ago, in Greece, there lived a beautiful princess named Areti. After rejecting many suitors, Areti made a charming man fit for her to love out of almonds, sugar, and semolina. But when an evil queen from far away steals her handsome creation, the brave princess wears out three pairs of iron shoes in a daring rescue attempt, using the magical gifts given to her by the mothers of the moon, sun, and stars. Nothing will stand between this princess and her dreams.

Mr. Semolina-Semolinus is an entertaining Greek folktale to read aloud to children of all ages who love to go on a daring adventure. Children will enjoy watching Areti search for her beloved as they view Giselle Potter’s radiant colored ink and colored pencil pictures while listening to the beautiful story retold by Anthony L. Manna and Christodoula Mitakidou.

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“The Orphan”

The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece

Retold by: Anthony L. Manna and Soula Mitakidou

Illustrated by: Giselle Potter 

Once upon a time in Greece, fate left a young girl an orphan. Her stepmother was so hateful that she counted every drop of water the orphan drank! But with the help of Nature’s blessings, the orphan was showered with gifts: brilliance from the Sun, beauty from the Moon, gracefulness from the Dawn—and even a tiny pair of blue shoes from the Sea. When the prince comes to visit their village, he only has eyes for the mysterious beauty. Children will love this fanciful folk retelling of the Cinderella story, accompanied by luminous watercolor illustrations by Giselle Potter.

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“Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights”

 

Authors: Anthony L. Manna, Soula Mitakidou with Melpomeni Kanatsouli

While Greek myths are well known and amply represented, very few Greek folktales have been published in English. Now these acclaimed authors make 20 captivating folktales accessible to readers outside of Greece. Newly translated and retold, the stories range from the profound to the lighthearted, the haunting to the hilarious, and the spiritual to the secular. Numerous accompanying photographs and drawings illustrate aspects of Greek life and traditional folklore motifs. Perfect for storytimes and read-alouds, the tales will appeal to both young and old.