Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales to Tell

by Pleasant DeSpain

When a story shares a universal message, it finds its way into that pantheon of tales that is shared with many diverse cultures. People just can't live together without telling stories. We tell stories that are funny, ironic, insightful, or just simply pleasing to the tongue and ear. Stories just seem to happen . When a story happens with the force of universality, it finds its way into that pantheon of tales that is the common denominator of cultural exchange. Here are thirty-three such tales, collected from Brazil, China, Korea, Russia, Tibet, Africa, from America's native peoples, and other lands, and chosen for the universality of their message. Each story is presented in concise "retellable" form, suitable for all ages. Kirkus Review wrote, "Presented in easy-to-learn versions enlivened with unforced humor and clear, fluent language; most would take ten minutes or less to tell. Their readers will bring away a stronger impression of human culture's unity than its diversity."

Genres: Childrens

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Pleasant DeSpain is a world traveler, storyteller and author of 18 published books,and more than 350 stories. He's currently living in Northern Thailand as well as the USA, while working on a collection of stories from his 70 plus years of life and adventures. The goal of the new work is to share his practical as well as spiritual journey. Pleasant does not have answers or truths for others, but he has many good stories to tell!

His many collections of folk and fairy tales, legends and original tales, most of which are published by August House Publishers, Atlanta, Georgia, continue to be in circulation and used in schools throughout the United States and other countries. These stories endure and will always be relevant in our various cultures and societies.

Reviews

[Radwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب يتضمن مجموعة من القصص الشعبية من مختلف أنحاء العالم، أسلوبها سهل و بسيط و أرشحها بشدة لأي حد عايز كتاب خفيف أو كتاب يقرأه لطفل هيستمتع بيه جداً :)

[Mawada · Rating 4 out of 5]

ذكرنِي هذا الكتَاب بقصصهِ ، بيوم الجُمعة في منزل جدّي ، حين كنتُ وأختِي نجلس نشاهد قنَاة سبيستُون ، تحديداً رسوم (حكاياتٌ ما أحلاها) نردد أغنية البداية ونحن نرقص:
في عالمٍ من الصّور حكايةٌ فيها عبر
تغوصُ في بحرِ الخيال وتنتقي منه الدرر
في الشّرق حيناً والجنوب
في الغربِ أو نحو الشّمال
نعيش في كلّ الشعوب
نجوب آفاق الجمَال
في قصةٍ تروي الكثير الخيرُ شمسٌ لاتغيب
تظلّ في الدّنيا تنير والشّر يبقى في مغيب .
القصص الجميلة ، التي تنتهي بعبرة ودرس.
القصة لا تعتبر نوع من الأدب ، بل هي منفَس ومأوى للبشر ، حكايات مجمّعة من جميع القارات والبلدان (أفريقيا .أمريكا. الهند ، كوريا .هولندا وغيرهَا).
الكتَاب أحببته لأجل قصصهِ ، والأهم من هذا إنه أعاد لي جزءً لطيفاً من طفُولتي❤

[Asmaa Essam · Rating 2 out of 5]

مجموعة من القصص والأساطير الشعبية من حول العالم
ليست كلها مناسبة للأطفال في رأيي
لكن في المجمل هو كتاب لطيف خفيف يصلح للقراءة لكسر الروتين بين الكتب الكبيرة

[ياسمين Thabet · Rating 3 out of 5]

قصص للاطفال وحكايات ممتعة من مختلف بلاد العالم حوالين ثلاثين حكاية
ذكرتني بمسلسل كرتون كنت اتابعه اسمه حكايات عالمية
كتاب لا بأس به سعدت ان احتفظ به لاولادي باذن الله لاحكي لهم هذه الحكايات البسيطة العجيبة

[Sara Shemes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[John Daily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little collection of world fables. I've been sick with a bad head and chest cold this week, so don't judge me; this charming book was comfort food for the spirit, and the final tale was perfectly selected.

Tomorrow is Winnie the Pooh and Dr. Doolittle, so there!

[Fatma · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب خفيف مناسب لفترة ملل أو للحكي للاطفال القصص بسيطة وتسلسلها حلو يناسب أعمار كتير

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed for teaching around the world folklore for my students

[عبد الرحمن الباز · Rating 3 out of 5]

كتاب خفيف حلو اوي لو عايز تفصل.. هو مجموعة حكايات أطفال من بلدان حول العالم جميلة و بسيطة و قايمة زي معظم قصص الاطفال علي حكمة بتدور حواليها الحكاية.

[Lynn Gharib]

Is this even a book ?

[نيرة عادل · Rating 2 out of 5]

حين يصير لي أطفالًا، سأفكر فيها مرة أخرى :")

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved almost every story. There was a lot of variety and whimsey, which makes for a great compilation of children's stories. For the few stories that I didn't really get along with, I think the problem was that I didn't really understand the perspective of the author, which is bound to happen given that it is such a diverse collection of stories.

I listened to the audiobook, a delightful choice when you need something light and fun.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains thirty three tales from around the world. There are tales of talking animals, solving problems and lesson learning.
The stories are also easy to remember so they can be repeated and shared with others.

I liked the stories in this book. Many were really good and interesting. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who wishes to read good stories they can share with others.

[Alouy Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful collection of folktales from across the world, that share very similar values and lessons. Reminded me a lot of the stories my grandmother used to tell me when I was a kid. A must have for parents, or for anyone who wants to feel like a child again.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

AR 5.1 -- 3 pts

[Renee Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice collection of easy-to-tell stories appropriate for all ages. Sourcenotes.

[Fatma Almarzooqi · Rating 3 out of 5]

هذه المجموعة من القصص تشبه بالضبط تلك التي كنا نشاهدها
عندما كنا صغاراً ... يمكنك أن تقرأها لصغارك قبل النوم ..

[Elaine Bearden]

short, interesting and clear tales from around the world. can't wait to use one