If you were a slave in North America and wanted to escape, you would stick a magical hoe in the ground and fly away. Why were the Celtic 'little people' green? Begochiddy created the world- so the early Native Americans thought. These are examples of the many varieties of folklore, brought to or created in North America, that are introduced in this book. The stories and explanations are accompanied by illustrations, poems, and songs that further expand on the particular folklore of that region. Ethnic Folklore touches on Native American, Celtic, African-American, Northern and Eastern European, Hispanic, Jewish, Southern European, French-American, and Asian American cultures. How the traditional tales of these groups have been influenced by others, and by the North American experience, is also discussed. If you enjoyed this book, look for other titles by Ellyn Sanna: Food Folklore; Folk Tales and Legends; Firefighters Folklore.

Similar books: Children's Folklore by Sherry Bonnice; Contemporary Folklore by Shirley Brinkerhoff; Family Folklore by Shirley Brinkerhoff

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 1590843320

ISBN-13: 9781590843321

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A fisherman catches a fish then throws it back when it speaks and begs for his life. When his wife finds out she sends him back to ask for a wish, a hut to replace the pigsty they live in. Her wish is granted, only to cause her greed to grow. She soon demands a castle, then to be king, emperor, and finally pope. Collage-style illustrations supplement spare text in this retelling of a popular folktale.

Similar books: The fisherman and his wife: a brand new version by Rosemary Wells. The Ugly Duckling, Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel by Isadora Duncan

Awards won: Parents' Choice Award, 2008

Reviewed by: djd

Date read: 7/7/2009

ISBN-10: 0399247718

ISBN-13: 9780399247712

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'The Frog with the Big Mouth' by Teresa Bateman is a story that will tickle anyone's funny bone. In this book's delightful verse and vivid illustrations, the young reader will find the antics of the Big Mouth Frog amusing. Here, we are introduced to many unusual creatures of the rain forest. We follow the Big Mouth Frog as he sets out to amaze and impress his fellow inhabitants with the news that he has eaten the BIGGEST fly in the world. He is positive that this amazing accomplishment makes him superior to them. In turn, each creature shows very little interest in the frog's bragging and continues on its way. But their failure to be impressed does not deter Frog from venturing further into the forest. Deep in the rainforest, The Big Mouth Frog, may or may not, find something that makes him a little more humble.

Similar authors: Stephen Krensky; Pat Cummings; Verna Aardema; Eric Kimmel

Similar books: Rainforest Romp by Tony Mitton; Anansi and the Box of Stories: A West African Folktale by Stephen Krensky; Endangered Animals of South America by Marie Allgor; Ananse and the Lizard: A West African Tale by Pat Cummings; How Animals Saved the People: Animal Tales from the South by J.J. Reneaux

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/6/2011

ISBN-10: 0807526215

ISBN-13: 9780807526217

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Once upon a time, a girl was born who cried, not tears, but flowers. Once upon a time, there was a giant who hid the sun from the world. Once upon a time, there was a young woman who wanted to know the future. These tales and 2 more are actually original stories but they read like folk tales set in that magic land of 'Once Upon a Time.'

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 8/25/2009

ISBN-10: 0690002165

ISBN-13: 9780690002171

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Did you know that nearly every country has a different version of Cinderella? This story combines many of them in a unique way, by combining all the different versions into one tale. In Russia, the starving girl is given honey by a cow. Figs and apricots are gifts from a fairy in Iran. Glass slippers are the preferred footwear in France, but diamond anklets are provided in India and sandals of gold in Iraq. Each page is illustrated to reflect the art and culture of the country highlighted on that page. Enjoy the Cinderella story while getting to know many different cultures.

Reviewed by: vfv

Date read: 5/19/2009

ISBN-10: 080507953X

ISBN-13: 9780805079531

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