Tales from the Enchanted World - Hardcover

Ellis, Amabel Williams; Kemp, Moira

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316941336 ISBN 13: 9780316941334

Publisher: Little Brown & Co, 1988

Synopsis

Tales from around the world tell of a greedy monster, a tame polar bear, giants, an enchanted frog, a magic bird, a clever thief, and a dangerous witch

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 8 This collection of tales in cludes folk tales and legends gathered on Williams-Ellis' travels to many countries in order ``to help children to increase their understanding of coun tries other than their own.'' The 22 tales are told in a fashion clearly de rived from the oral tradition: each could be used effectively for storytell ing exactly as written. While a few of the stories are familiar, such as ``The Fifty Red Night-Caps'' and ``Tom-Tit- Tot,'' most are less well known and will provide a rich source for storytell ers. Each tale is followed by a short statement as to origin, including , in some instances, references to further sources. The stories themselves make this a valuable work; the accompany ing illustrations make it outstanding. Kemp's numerous black-and-white sketches are delightful. The color il lustrations, one per story, are unique in their approach and use of space, ty ing text and picture together. The illustration for ``The Country of Mice,'' for example, shows the surrendering Tibetan chief through the enlarged lens of a telescope held by a king, made tiny by distance, who tops the text on the facing page. With the rich color illustrations and the humor and joy of the black-and-white sketches, each tale becomes a small picture book. This one's a winner! Constance A. Mellon, Department of Library & Information Studies, East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

A variety of tones embellish Williams-Ellis's collection of stories, reflecting the styles of storytelling in different parts of the world. This distinguishes the book, as does the range of locales represented: Tibet, England, China, Africa and Norway among them, as well as stories passed down in the author's own family from unknown sources. "The Country of Mice" tells of the way in which a king and his rodent population work together against a common enemy; "The Waterfall" reveals how a Chinese maiden saves her village despite the sure knowledge that she will lose her life doing so; "Mr. Miacca" shows the near-demise of Tommy Grimes in a boiling pot, the fate of all bad boys. There are also more familiar tales, such as "Tom-Tit-Tot" and "Cap o' Rushes." Kemp provides fluid line drawings that aptly capture the elements of humor and fear in the stories, and shimmering paintings in elegant, jewel-like colors. A notable book by any measure. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Little Brown & Co
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0316941336
• ISBN 13: 9780316941334
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1