Books in American Storytelling from August House series

Science fiction is all around us. Fantasy fiction is just as widely known in today's world of entertainment. But what few readers of science fiction and fantasy realize is that these stories of wizards and starships have much older roots in the world of folklore. Cultures throughout the world share certain references. Every culture has heroes who must fulfill great quests

American Bookseller Pick of the ListsAlthough the 46 tales in this collection are as varied as their origins, nearly all of these stories have been passed on by immigrants to America. As a result, this collection is a world tour between two covers, but not at the expense of the unifying element common to these stories: their uniquely Jewish flavor of “…doing the right thing, on surviving by cleverness and kindness and on the need for keeping a good sense of humor." Sherman's collection includes magical tales; stories about clever folks; tales of ghosts, gilguls, and other strange things; fables that deal with doing the right thing; and stories about the delightfully silly Wise Men of Chelm. Entertaining and illuminating story notes give additional information on the origins and different versions of the tales.

Awarded title of Bowker Best Books for Young Teen ReadersThough ghosts from the Pacific Northwest can be as mean as the next ghost―breaking glass, waking sleepers, and scaring people out of house and home―they are generally a pretty jolly bunch. One ghost in Ellensburg, Washington chaperones his granddaughter and her boyfriend to make sure there is no funny business. Another keeps the owners of a drugstore in Steilacoom, Washington on their toes―he knocks expensive items like "Secret Salmon Sauce" off the shelves to protest the new yuppie fare. Containing over one hundred stories from Oregon, Washington, and British Colombia, as well as comprehensive notes and motif, subject, and location indices, this ghostly gazetteer will reassure those who think they are the only ones with a ghost in the house. These scary stories are filled with ghosts, graveyards and important messages. Readers will learn the importance of courage and resourcefulness.

Nationally acclaimed storyteller J.J. Reneaux includes animal stories, fairy tales, ghost stories, and humorous tales from her native Cajun culture. While children will giggle over the foolishness of Jean Sot, who jumps to the conclusion that the purpose of a new fence of telephone and electricity poles is to pen up giant cows, adults will recognize the all-too-human fear of anything new and different that lies at the heart of this tale. Among the 26 stories included here are such favorites as ....

Multicultural adventure tales from around the world. Turtle caries the world on her back. The story has been told by different cultures around the world for centuries. The image is rich with symbolism. Turtle, like Mother Nature, is unhurried, wise, and enduring. She walks on land, swims in water, and breathes the air―she embodies three of the four elements of creation. We have much to learn from Turtle. The eleven stories in this collection come from Africa, India, Japan, Australia, and the Americas. "The Courting of Miss Python" tells of how Turtle outwits the brutal King Python to win his daughter's lovely hand; "The Monkey's Liver" explains why Monkey never rides on Turtle's back and why Jellyfish has no spine; and "The Talkative King" tells of how a chatty ruler learns from Turtle why it is often wiser to listen than to talk. These Brazilian folktales teach readers the importance of citizenship, resourcefulness and respect. DeSpain received much praise for this collection. One reviewer wrote, "If you love critter tales like I do, you're really going to enjoy Eleven Turtle Tales. Pleasant DeSpain collects surprisingly unique, retellable stories."