Folktales

Wonder Tales

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By Marina Warner

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Marina Warner introduces this collection of six seventeenth-century French fairy tales with an explanation of how the literary form was invented by French aristocrats during the reign of Louis XIV. Gilbert Adair, John Ashbery, Ranjit Bolt, A. S. Byatt and Terence Cave have written elegant transalations of “The White Cat”, “The Subtle Princess”, “Bearskin”, “The Counterfeit Marquis”, “Starlight” and “The Great Green Worm."
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The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice

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By Carolyn McVickar Edwards

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The winter solstice, the day the "sun stands still," marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year (it occurs either on December 20 or 21). Celebrations honoring the winter solstice as a moment of transition and renewal date back thousands of years and occur among many peoples on every continent. The Return of the Light makes an ideal companion for everyone who carries on this tradition, no matter what their faith.

Storyteller Carolyn McVickar Edwards retells twelve traditional tales-from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia-that honor this magical moment. These are stories that will renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.

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Clever Beatrice

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By Margaret Willey

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A small, but clever young girl outwits a rich giant and wins all his gold. Suggested for ages 5-9.
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Fiesta Feminina : celebrating Women in Mexican Folktale

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By Mary-Joan Gerson

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A collection of folktales from various cultures in Mexico, all focusing on the important roles of women, such as Rosha, a young girl who rescues the sun; the goddess Tangu Yuh; Kesne, a Zapotec princess; and the Virgin Mary. Suggested for ages 8-12.
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The Serpent Slayer : and Other Stories of Strong Women

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By Katrin Tchana

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A collection of twenty traditional tales from various parts of the world, each of whose main character is a strong and resourceful woman. Suggested for ages 6-12.
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The Girl Who Married the Moon :

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By Joseph Bruchac

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16 stories featuring strong Native American heroines. Suggested for ages 10-12.
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Swamp Angel

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By Ann Isaacs

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Along with other amazing feats, Angelica Longrider, also known as Swamp Angel, wrestles a huge bear, known as Thundering Tarnation, to save the winter supplies of the settlers in Tennessee. Suggested for ages 7-12.
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Steam-Boat Annie and the Thousand Pound Catfish

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By Catherine Wright

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An ornery giant catfish that does not like singing causes trouble for the residents of a little town called Pleasant, until Steamboat Annie teaches him a lesson. Suggested for ages 8-12.
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Not One Damsel in Distress : World folktales for Strong Girls

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By Jane Yolen

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A collection of thirteen traditional tales from various parts of the world, with the main character of each being a fearless, strong, heroic, and resourceful woman. Suggested for ages 8-12.
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Asian Tales and Tellers

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By Cathy Spagnoli

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More than 30 stories from the rich Asian cultural panorama illuminate the wisdom and humor of Eastern cultures. In her search for stories, Cathy Spagnoli has slid through Indian rice fields, sipped sake with Japanese epic singers, met with monks in Thailand and Korea, and hiked the Himalayas with Tibetan dancers.

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