Folklore and Fairy Tales

The Star-Bearer: A Creation Myth from Ancient Egypt

A five-thousand-year-old story.When the godchild Atum emerges from inky silence to begin his work of creation, he first conjures up the passionate gods of air and rain, followed by Geb, god of the earth, and Nut, goddess of the sky. But earth and sky cling to each other, sharing whispered secrets and laughter, leaving Atum no room to complete his creation. So Atum has no choice but to force them apart, infuriating Geb and leaving Nut sad and lonely . . . until Thoth, the god of wisdom, takes pity on her.

Tortuga In Trouble

Yum! Tortuga is bringing a delicious supper to his abuela of ensalada, tamales, and flan. No wonder his amigos–Iguana, Conejo, and Culebra–are following him. But they aren’t the only ones after the tortoise. Coyote has his own dinner plans for Tortuga and his grandmother. Can the three amigos warn them in time, in this variation of Little Red Riding Hood? A companions to Mañana, Iguana; Fiesta Fiasco; and Count on Culebra.

How Iwariwa the Cayman Learned to Share: A Yanomami Myth

Iwariwa the cayman refuses to share the fire that he uses to cook his food, until the animals of the Venezuelan rain forest come up with an ingenious scheme to trick him, in a traditional myth from the Yanomami people of South America.

Zorro And Quwi

Chased night after night by Zorro the fox, Quwi the clever guinea pig retaliates by outwitting Zorro and making him look foolish, in a folktale collection based on Peruvian legends.

El Tigre y El Rayo: The Jaguar and the Lightning

A folktale about a boasting jaguar who is humbled by lightning.

Ninez: Spanish Songs, Games, And Stories Of Childhood

More than forty verses, games and stories of Spanish childhood folklore have been collected by the author from research based largely on archival materials gathered by WPA writers in the 1930s and in current interviews. A number of the pieces can be traced directly to Spain and were brought to America by early explorers and settlers. They serve as a link between the old and new worlds–a way to retain cultural and historical memory and transmit it to succeeding generations. Many interesting variations have occurred over the centuries, always the way with true folklore, as children have played the games and the stories have been told and retold. Literal translations, rules for playing the games and music for some of them are included. Winner of the Southwest Book Award from the Border Regional Library Association.

Dichos: Proverbs and Sayings from the Spanish

Sayings and proverbs are priceless verbal traditions for all to share. And everyone has a favorite. They are unique because in a few words, a deeply serious message can be woven. It is impossible to read proverbs and sayings without learning something important, and perhaps feeling that each one was written especially for you. The proverbs and sayings in this book cause a glow that makes you want to return to them again and again. Also included are rhymes (chiquillados), riddles (adivinanzas), beliefs (creencias) and a bibliography. The Spanish/English text is set in dictionary format for easy reading.