Discussion of retellings, reillustrations, and reinterpretations of folk and fairy tales focuses on Beni Montresor's version of "Little Red Riding Hood." The oral origins of the tale which were influenced by historical events are explained; varying views on female autonomy and sexuality are examined; and selection criteria for librarians…

Discussion of orphans in children's literature focuses on an analysis of 50 folktales from different cultures that reveals universal elements. A comparison of these patterns to "The Secret Garden" demonstrates how patterns found in orphan folktales were adapted and applied in children's fiction. (Author/LRW)

Suggests that stories are a survival mechanism--they are the way people make sense of their lives. Notes the author has made it her personal mission to encourage people to tell their own stories, the stories that will die with people if they do not pass them on. Includes excerpts from the author's readers theater scripts to illustrate the…

The late novelist Walker Percy once argued that literature, especially fictional stories, has portrayed a clearer and far more cohesive picture of the human condition than any of the social sciences, including history. His ideas hint at the possibility of conceptualizing the American experience as the story that it is and as a way of organizing…

This catalog of sound recordings covers the broad range of folk music and folk tales in the United States, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Morocco. Among the recordings in the catalog are recordings of Afro-Bahain religious songs from Brazil, songs and ballads of the anthracite miners (Pennsylvania), Anglo-American ballads, songs of…

There is a wealth of material in the oral tradition of fantasy which can be used in creating gripping fiction for young readers. One way of employing a tale from the oral tradition to produce a modern fantasy is to superimpose the old story on a new one in such a way that it is tightly interwoven in the action and meaning of the new story. This…

This student booklet, one of a series of readings on minority cultures, contains nine Indian folktales. Stories included are: Minnesota is Minabozho's Land, about the way Minnesota was formed; How We Got the Rainbow; How the Birds Came to Have Their Many Colors; The Study of Coyote and Moradjawinga (Earth Wanderer); The Four Winds, A Sioux legend,…

Text of Sejour's story "Le Mulatre" (The Mulatto) is included. (RS)

Examines the folktales chapter through nine editions of the influential children's literature textbook, "Children and Books." Compares and contrasts variables that include the language, general organization, specific chapters on folktales and chapters or sections on storytelling, illustrations, indexes, and bibliographies. (Author/LRW)

Despite the tremendous changes wrought by technology, folktales contain certain truths about life, human nature, and what's needed to maintain a viable, socially sane society. Folktales are invaluable for stressing heroic actions, personal and social growth, and progress toward meaningful goals. (MLH)

Discussion of Russian folktales suggests a structured approach to introducing the characters, settings, and motifs in an elementary classroom. Highlights include beginner-level texts; connections to Russian culture; writing connections; activities; and an annotated bibliography of 32 titles. (LRW)