in the oral tradition take 3

THE SIX SWANS by the Brothers Grimm with illustrations by Gerda Raidt. North South Books, 2014.

Seven children flee
From a wicked stepmother
Who wishes them dead.

In the oral tradition

THE LION AND THE MOUSE by Jenny Broom with illustrations by Nahta Noj. Templar Books/Candlewick, 2014.

Peek through the windows
And guess what will happen next
In this old story.

There's more than one way to tell a story

NOBODY ASKED THE PEA by John Warrne Stewig with illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright. Holiday House, 2013.

Imagine the story of The Princess and Pea told from the viewpoint of the Pea (and some of the other players in this fairy tale). Point of view is really important, isn't it? The Prince, Queen, King, Pea, and Princess all have turns at telling their version of what is happening. <685>

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEAS by Caryl Hart with illustrations by Sarah Warburton. Nosy Crow, 2013.

Lily-Rose May does not wish to eat her peas. In desperation, her father calls for a doctor who declares that Lily-May must go live at the palace if she is ever to be cured. At first, life at the palace is grand and no one makes her eat peas. But we all know this cannot last. <686>

another take on traditional literature

WHO PUSHED HUMPTY DUMPTY AND OTHER NOTORIOUS NURSERY TALE MYSTERIES by David Levinthal with illustrations by John Nickle. Schwartz and Wade, 2012.

Binky, the cop,
Covers nursery rhyme crimes
And reveals the truth. <387>




MISS SALLY ANN AND THE PANTHER by Bobbi Miller with illustrations by Megan Lloyd. Holiday House, 2012.


Davy Crockett's gal
Can tame a panther and more
Approach with caution. <388>

bilingual stories

THE COYOTE UNDER THE TABLE: EL COYOTE DEBAJO LA MESA by Joe Hayes (Cinco Puntos 2011) presents brief folktales in English and in Spanish. Trickster tales, archetypes, fables: they are all represented in these stories, many of which have a humorous bent. A janitor saves the life of a beloved parish priest, a clever woman eludes amorous suitors: readers will enjoy these stories whether read aloud or read alone. <15>

por quoi

HOW THE LEOPARD GOT HIS CLAWS is a fabulous por quoi story told by Chinua Schebe with John Iroganachi with illustrations by Mary Grandpre (Candlewick 2011). In the beginning, all of the animals in the forest lived together as friends. Leopard served as king of the animals, a friend to all of them. When he suggests building a common shleter for all the animals, he is met with considerable resistance from the dog, the sole animal with sharp teeth and claws. However, when flooding threatens the dog, he hurries to the shelter and attacks any who would turn him away or dare enter what he proclaims as his shelter. Leopard, defeated by the dog, leaves his kingdom. He is greatly changed when he finally returns to declare his reign once again. Vibrant illustrations lush with greens and golds, extend the text perfectly. Combine this with other por quoi tales such as the classic WHY MOSQUITOES BUZZ IN PEOPLE'S EAR and with some of the explanatory myths (Narcissus for instance). <546>