These ancient tales have been told since the fifth century, when Welsh bards traveled the countryside, entertaining lords and ladies with stories and songs. Retold in verse by Chretien de Troyes in his twelfth-century Le morte d’Arthur and in prose by Sir Thomas Malory during the fifteenth century. Includes a selection of these legends, skillfully retold by renowned storyteller Isabel Wyatt.
Storytelling
Folktales from the Japanese Countryside
As in many countries, storytelling is a revered art in Japan, and traditional tales have been carefully preserved for centuries. Yet only a small portion of Japan’s tales has been shared with English-speaking audiences. From one of Japan’s most popular and respected storytellers, this collection introduces readers to more than 40 wondrous tales from rural Japan–stories they have not yet seen or heard-from animal tales and tales of supernatural beings to stories about village characters and priests and their apprentices. These are tales from the Japanese countryside, representative of the country’s rich folklore, and preserved and retold by a “ohanashi obaasan” (storytelling granny). You’ll find such stories as “Sky Watcher,” “Mouse Teeth,” “Owl’s Paintshop,” “Radish Bath,” and “Snow Woman’s Baby.” Tales are organized into broad thematic categories-animal tales, stories of village people, priests and their apprentices, strange happenings, yamanbas, and supernatural tales. It’s a fascinating assortment that will delight young listeners, intrigue older readers, and offer scholars new insights. Background on the country and Japanese culture, notes on the tales, a glossary, recipes, games and crafts, and color photos and illustrations enhance the collection.
Stories To Play with: Kids’ Tales Told with Puppets, Paper, Toys, and Imagination
For storytellers who are just starting out, it seems appropriate to begin telling to young children. Yet young children present the most difficult audience a storyteller can face. So where does one begin? Simple. With some old newspaper and the story Rain Hat or Mountain Climbing, children will be enthralled at the action of the young hero as you fold and tear and create mountains, hats, fans, and boats right before their very eyes. Or, take a milk carton and make a frog puppet to tell the story.
Icefall
Princess Solveig and her siblings are trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen fjord, along with her best friend and an army of restless soldiers, all awaiting news of the king’s victory in battle, but as they wait for winter’s end and the all-encompassing ice to break, acts of treachery make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst.
The Whispering Cloth: A Refugee’s Story
A young Hmong girl in a Thai refugee camp in the mid-1970s finds the story within herself to create her own pa’ndau.
The Magic Brush
Jasmine’s grandfather teaches her Chinese calligraphy by drawing and making up stories together. This book includes information about Chinese characters and a glossary of words in the story.
While Standing On One Foot: Puzzle Stories And Wisdom Tales From The Jewish Tradition
The wit, wisdom, and lore of Jewish tradition is captured in a collection representing thousands of years’ worth of folktales, legends, and literature, with each story containing an entertaining conundrum that young readers can attempt to solve.
Juan Bobo And The Pig
While his mother goes to church, Juan cares for the pig with humorous results.
Further Tales Of Uncle Remus
A retelling of the classic Afro-American tales relating the adventures and misadventures of Brer Rabbit and his friends and enemies.
Jack Outwits The Giants
In this Appalachian folktale, Jack outwits two giants who want fresh meat for breakfast.