Karen GoatKeeper's Blog - Posts Tagged "folk-tale"
"Beyond the Ridge", "Until You Find the Sun" and "The Old Woman and the Red Pumpkin"
How do you deal with life's problems? These explore some ways.
The Old Woman and the Red Pumpkin
4 stars
Author (Translator): Betsy Bang
Illustrator: Molly Garrett Bang
This is an old Bengali Folk Tale. It's similar to other tales of outwitting dangerous foes.
The old woman goes to her daughter's house. On the way she is threatened by a jackal, a tiger and a bear. These are waiting for her return to eat her.
The illustrations are dated, stereotyped in reference to the people. They do show many plants and animals of the area.
Until You Find the Sun
5 stars
Author: Maryam Hassan
Illustrator: Anna Wilson
A little girl loves sitting with her grandfather to listen to his tales. Her home is in a warm, sunny place. One day she moves far away to a cold place during the winter.
Everything is different. The only bright spot now are her phone calls with her grandfather. How can she make her new place home? A bright yellow coat might be the answer.
The illustrations are beautifully done. They sweep the reader into the world of the story. Those for the warm place are bright and cheerful. The winter scenes are dull as she seeks a new sun.
Beyond the Ridge
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Paul Goble
All living things live for a time, then die. This is a fact of life. An old woman lies dying as her family sits around her.
The woman goes on a journey beyond the ridge in accordance to beliefs of the Plains Indians. Her family grieves as they follow tradition in parting with their dear one.
The illustrations are beautiful watercolor. The illustrator has a passage in the beginning of the book describing how he creates these images in the way he does. They very much reflect Indian culture, the place they live.
The Old Woman and the Red Pumpkin
4 stars
Author (Translator): Betsy Bang
Illustrator: Molly Garrett Bang
This is an old Bengali Folk Tale. It's similar to other tales of outwitting dangerous foes.
The old woman goes to her daughter's house. On the way she is threatened by a jackal, a tiger and a bear. These are waiting for her return to eat her.
The illustrations are dated, stereotyped in reference to the people. They do show many plants and animals of the area.
Until You Find the Sun
5 stars
Author: Maryam Hassan
Illustrator: Anna Wilson
A little girl loves sitting with her grandfather to listen to his tales. Her home is in a warm, sunny place. One day she moves far away to a cold place during the winter.
Everything is different. The only bright spot now are her phone calls with her grandfather. How can she make her new place home? A bright yellow coat might be the answer.
The illustrations are beautifully done. They sweep the reader into the world of the story. Those for the warm place are bright and cheerful. The winter scenes are dull as she seeks a new sun.
Beyond the Ridge
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Paul Goble
All living things live for a time, then die. This is a fact of life. An old woman lies dying as her family sits around her.
The woman goes on a journey beyond the ridge in accordance to beliefs of the Plains Indians. Her family grieves as they follow tradition in parting with their dear one.
The illustrations are beautiful watercolor. The illustrator has a passage in the beginning of the book describing how he creates these images in the way he does. They very much reflect Indian culture, the place they live.
"One Windy Day", "Dog Heaven" and "The Blizzard's Robe"
Fantasy rules this week.
Dog Heaven
3 stars
Author/Illustrator: Cynthia Rylant
This is very much a Christian view of heaven. It is probably to help a young child through the loss of a pet dog.
The dogs go to heaven with lots of room to run, angels to spoil them and special treats.
The illustrations work.
One Windy Day
5 stars
Author: Tammi Salzano
Illustrator: Hannah Wood
Fox is a postman. He loves windy days, but it blows his letters many directions. This is a concept book for words such as high/low; over/under; and left/right.
The illustrations are colorful and fun. The leaves blow. Friends find the letters scattered by the wind. It is a charming book.
The Blizzard's Robe
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Robert Sabuda
This is written like a folk tale for people who live north of the Arctic Circle. Teune sews robes for the people to wear during the winter. All fear Blizzard.
One night Blizzard's robe is burned and he falls to the ground. Teune sews him a new robe. In return he gifts the people the Northern Lights.
The illustrations are interesting. They seem to be done on crinkled paper giving them an almost stained glass look. This is very effective.
Dog Heaven
3 stars
Author/Illustrator: Cynthia Rylant
This is very much a Christian view of heaven. It is probably to help a young child through the loss of a pet dog.
The dogs go to heaven with lots of room to run, angels to spoil them and special treats.
The illustrations work.
One Windy Day
5 stars
Author: Tammi Salzano
Illustrator: Hannah Wood
Fox is a postman. He loves windy days, but it blows his letters many directions. This is a concept book for words such as high/low; over/under; and left/right.
The illustrations are colorful and fun. The leaves blow. Friends find the letters scattered by the wind. It is a charming book.
The Blizzard's Robe
5 stars
Author/Illustrator: Robert Sabuda
This is written like a folk tale for people who live north of the Arctic Circle. Teune sews robes for the people to wear during the winter. All fear Blizzard.
One night Blizzard's robe is burned and he falls to the ground. Teune sews him a new robe. In return he gifts the people the Northern Lights.
The illustrations are interesting. They seem to be done on crinkled paper giving them an almost stained glass look. This is very effective.
