Listen to This

Thirteen stories with a fantastic element, some of a humorous nature, some traditional tales, and all suitable for reading aloud.

Kindergarten-Grade 3 A selection of 13 stories, including both folktales and stories by such writers as Kipling, Philippa Pearce, and Richard Hughes, that are meant to be read aloud. Two common elements, fantasy and humor, bind the stories together. Each is told or retold in a simple, straightforward style and meets the compiler's purpose. In fact, it is hard not to read these stories aloud, so clearly do they belong to the oral tradition. They are enhanced by Clark's watercolors, which are reminiscent of Bemelman's illustrations for his ``Madeline'' books (Viking). Clark's style is simple and colorful, fitting well with the compiler's purposes, and she has managed to tie together this collection of diverse stories while still incorporating artistic elements reflective of the cultures from which each story derives. This collection will be invaluable to librarians, teachers, and storytellers who work with very young children (and grandparents who might have the grandkids some long, rainy afternoon). Constance A. Mellon, Department of Library & Information Studies, East Carolina Univ . , Greenville, N.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The 13 tales in this collection are gleaned from sources as diverse as Kipling and Grimm, as well as from more contemporary ones. They range in tradition from those of the northern European countries to Italian, Polish, African and American lore. While each has a distinct voice, all offer rich language and the lively, unfettered style of oral storytelling. Lies and the results of fibbing are two themes that link several stories. In Virginia Hamilton's "A Wolf and Little Daughter," a lie helps a girl to escape a wolf. But in "Ghabru and the Little Lie" by Partap Sharma, an innocent lie leads to trouble so big that Ghabru vows never to do it again. In a tale by the Brothers Grimm, "The Cat and the Mouse in Partnership," the feline tells one story after another to his poor rodent friend. When Mouse is eaten, the story ends with "this is the way of the world," and Cat licks his chops and goes free. Such tricks, foolery and mistakesthe basis for any good storyare sprinkled throughout this sparkling collection. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.