World Folklore Series – serie

Discover Ukraine's long and fascinating history, its rich folk literature, and its deep cultural roots. A historical overview and an introduction to Ukrainian folk literature are followed by 33 traditional tales-humorous animal tales, instructive fables, how and why stories, heroic legends, and even spooky tales.Ukraine, a country that was for years forgotten, has recently emerged from the shadows of the former Soviet Union to take its place on the world stage. This unique collection of stories introduces readers to Ukraine's long and fascinating history, its rich folk literature, and its deep cultural roots. A historical overview and an introduction to Ukrainian folk literature are followed by 33 traditional tales-humorous animal tales, instructive fables, how and why stories, heroic legends, and even spooky tales. Color plates and line drawings illustrate elements from the stories and show readers some of the landscape, architecture, and folk arts of Ukraine. A great source for read-alouds and student reports, this book is a wonderful addition to the school or public library collection. With the recent influx of immigrants from Ukraine, renewed interest in this part of the world, and the country's increased visibility in international politics, this book will be a valuable resource for school and public

Delve into a world of kelpies, mermaids, selkies, ghosts, warlords, and fairies. This collection gives you Celtic tales, previously unrecorded or only found in obscure compilations. Mostly collected by the author on her ancestral home of the Isle of Barra in the Hebrides, these lesser-known tales from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales are supported by a brief history of the Celts, a glossary of the Gaelic integrated in the stories, an appendix of superstitions about fairy protection, and bibliographies that reflect the author's extensive research. Seventeen ballads collected almost one hundred years ago and excerpts from the author's journal of travels in Scotland make this book a unique and valuable resource for anyone who tells stories.

The world's largest archipelago, Indonesia is home to hundreds of ethnic groups with diverse cultures and languages. Focusing on the rich heritage of the country, this latest addition to the highly acclaimed World Folklore Series presents 29 stories from across Indonesia, most of which have never been published in the English language. Build your multicultural collection or expand your repertoire with tales that provide a moving and colorful image of the diversity and richness of the people and lands of Indonesia. Six thematic groups are presented: Jealous and Envious Brothers and Sisters; Stories of Independent Princesses; Stories of Ungrateful Children; Stories about Rice; Stories of Place Legends; and Stories of How Things Come to Be.All Levels

Take a journey into the fascinating world of Australia's Aboriginal culture with this unique collection of 33 authentic, unaltered stories brought to you by three Aboriginal storyteller custodians! Unlike other compilations of tales that were modified and published without permission from the Aboriginal people, these stories are now presented with approval from Aboriginal elders in an effort to help foster a better understanding of the history and culture of the Aboriginal people. Gadi Mirrabooka, which means below the Southern Cross, introduces wonderful tales from the Dreamtime, the mystical period of Aboriginal beginning. Through these stories you can learn about customs and values, animal psychology, hunting and gathering skills, cultural norms, moral behavior, the spiritual belief system, survival skills, and food resources. A distinctive and absolutely compelling story collection, this book is an immensely valuable treasure for educators, parents, children, and adult readers. Grades K-A

A rich brew of more than 40 traditional Brazilian tales—from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales—draws on the varied cultural traditions of indigenous peoples, people of African descent, those of European (and particularly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. The stories are retold by today's accomplished Brazilian storytellers. Also includes background information on the country and the tales, color photographs, traditional recipes, and children's games.Brazil, the largest country in South America, covers a vast terrain that ranges from the tropical rain forests of the Amazon basin and upland farms, to towering mountains and sandy beaches; from highly populated urban centers to virtually inaccessible interior jungle regions. Its population is composed of indigenous peoples (e.g., Tupy, Kaxinawa, Taulipang), people of African descent, those of European (mostly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. Drawing on the varied cultural traditions and ethnic diversity of the country, this collection offers readers a rich brew of traditional Brazilian tales—from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales. More than 40 stories are included, along with background information, color photographs, recipes, and games. There are very few collections of Brazilian folktales currently available in English, and none with this depth and range. This is a wonderful treasury for storytellers, folklorists, and educators. Also a great resource for educators planning units on the Amazon rain forest! All grade levels.

Using primary German-language sources, Altmann has gleaned a wonderful assortment of authentic tales to enchant and educate audiences of all ages. The stories are organized in four sections: Animal stories, Comic tales, Fairy tales, and Local legends. Background information on the stories, a description of German life during the 19th century, color photographs, a pronunciation guide for German terms, and traditional German recipes are included. All grade levels.Many people are familiar with the German tales of the Brothers Grimm, but usually in the sugar-coated versions of picture books and Hollywood cartoons. In this book you'll discover some other sides to German folklore. Using primary German-language sources, Altmann has gleaned a wonderful assortment of authentic tales to enchant and educate audiences of all ages. This collection includes many favorite German tales, such as Rapunzel, Snow White, Rumpelstilkskin, Hansel and Gretel, and The Bremen Town Musicians; as well as more obscure tales such as The Seven Swabians and The Master Thief. There are tales for all kinds of listeners and readers—more than 80 stories in all, including tales that may shock you or make your hair stand on end, as well as those that will intrigue or amuse. The stories are organized in four sections: Animal stories (Tiergeschichten, largely fables), Comic tales (Schwanke, which range from the silly to the outrageous), Fairy tales (Zaubermarchen, or wonder tales), Local legends (Sagen, which include stories of ghosts and goblins, and religious legends). Background information and tale type information on the stories, a description of German life during the 19th century, color photos, a pronunciation guide for German terms, and traditional German recipes make this a wonderful resource for introducing audiences to German culture and traditions.

Discover the traditional stories of the Mayan people of Mexico and Central and South America, and learn about Mayan culture. In this collection you'll find such tales as Uncle Rabbit, Uncle Coyote, How the Serpent was Born, The Moon, The Screamer of the Night, and more than 25 other tales ranging from trickster tales and tales of ghosts and witches to moral tales and tales of the underworld, presented in Spanish and English. A brief history, color photographs of the land, people, and traditional arts, and recipes accompany the tales, placing them within a cultural context. Grades K-12.

A bilingual collection of enchanting folk tales from the peoples of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and Paraguay, accompanied by historical and geographical background as well as color photographs.Containing numerous tales that have never before appeared in an English-language children's story collection, this book presents many of author Paula Martín's favorite stories from her many years of experience in storytelling around the world and particularly in South America. It stands as a unique folklore and storytelling resource that will give readers a better understanding of life and culture in the southern part of South America.Readers of all ages will delight in entertaining stories about animals, plants and trees, musical instruments, lost places, fantastic creatures, and witches and devils. This collection also includes never-ending tales, sky stories, and folk tales about fools. The book provides related cultural information about the lands where these stories originated as well as the people who tell these tales, traditional games of South America, and recipes for regional food items that can go hand in hand with the stories.

This collection seeks to fill a gap in folktale literature by offering tales of the Lao. Organized by broad themes and types, it offers more than 50 tales, including creation myths, animal tales, Buddhist Jataka and moral stories, trickster tales, riddles, ghost stories, local legends and more from peoples on both sides of the Mekong River. In addition, the book includes general information about Lao geography, peoples, and history, as well as recipes, games crafts, color photos and line drawings.

Until now, few tales from Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore have made their way into print in English. Renowned folklorist Margaret Read MacDonald has worked with archival material as well as with local storytellers to collect traditional tales from these people, including 15 tales from the ethnic peoples of Borneo. Organized broadly by region, and then by specific groups and themes, this book offers more than 50 tales, including animal tales, stories of magic, trickster tales, humorous stories, place legends, and more. Like other titles in the World Folklore series, it also includes general information about the geography, peoples, and history of the Malay Peninsula and surrounding areas; as well as proverbs, songs and games, color photos, and notes on the stories. All levels.

This unique and diverse selection of traditional folktales from the countries of the Arabian Peninsula appeals to a broad audience, ranging from storytellers and educators to folklorists and scholars.A unique compilation of stories, Folktales from the Arabian Peninsula includes tales from seven countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Coauthored by a renowned folklorist and a professor of education who recalls some of these poignant tales from her own childhood, the book opens with a discussion of the Arabian Peninsula that introduces each country and discusses its terrain, peoples, and current situation to provide important background information. The engaging stories that follow will serve elementary, junior high, and high school librarians as well as public librarians, professional storytellers, and folklorists. The tales themselves—many of which have never been published in English language children's collections—are appropriate for readers grades five and up.

Wit, humor, and warmth permeate the stories in this collection. Here are more than 50 traditional folktales from the people of Poland, ranging from animal and humorous tales to why stories, tales of magic and the supernatural, and local legends. In addition, you'll find riddles, nursery rhymes, games and activities, recipes, and background information on the land, the people, and the stories-all enhanced by maps and handsome color photos and illustrations. A wonderful addition to the folklore collection, this book provides material that folklorists will wish to study, storytellers will be eager to share with their audiences, and educators will want explore with their students.A delicious assortment of folktales from Poland awaits you in this appealing collection. More than 50 tales range from local legends, animal tales, and magic tales to religious legends, stories of demons and supernatural creatures, humorous tales, and how and why tales-exemplifying the Polish spirit, character, and sense of humor. In addition, you'll find historical background; directions for traditional games, crafts, recipes; and color photographs that depict the people, the land, and the traditions of this fascinating country.

This collection of tales represents and preserves the oral heritage of Arctic and Subarctic ethnic groups, so that their stories are no longer in danger of becoming lost to future generations.Far North Tales: Stories from the Peoples of the Arctic Circle captures and preserves the wonderful tales of Siberia, Scandinavia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada, and offers readers glimpses into the cultures and customs of the people who created them.Gathering more than 30 tales from the Arctic and Subarctic regions—many of them unavailable in contemporary publications and, thus, virtually unknown to readers today—the book provides a sampling of stories grouped by type or theme. There are tales of daily life; creation stories; tales of tricksters and fools; spirits, shamans, and shapeshifters; animals; and heroes and heroines. The ethnic source and country of origin is provided for each tale, as are notes on the tale itself. Background on the geography, history, and cultures of the native peoples round out a book that is a perfect resource for educators and storytellers alike.