Wisdom Tales from Around the World: Fifty Gems of Story and Wisdom for Such Diverse Traditions As Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, African, and Native American

World Storytelling

by Heather Forest

The folktales and parables in this collection were selected with a global perspective by professional storyteller Heather Forest from such diverse traditions as Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, African, and Native American. Comprised of ancient plots both poignant and comical this anthology contains simple truths, common sense, and the promise that we can benefit from past generations' experience. By metaphorically suggesting constructive strategies for living, these ancient tales resonate with a universal appeal. They can be simply enjoyed for their drama or more deeply considered for their subtleties. "The characters in these stories may gain wisdom by observing a good example or by bumbling through their own folly," Heather Forest observes. "I hope these stories will provide discussion and offer insight into the joys, sorrows, fears and farce of human experience. " A two-time Parent's Choice Gold Award winner, Heather Forest is known nationally for her minstrel-style storytelling. She is a recording artist with two recordings in the August House Audio line, Wonder Tales from Around the World and lf Animals Could Talk, winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award. Her book, Wonder Tales from Around the World, a companion to this volume, received the Storytelling World Anthology Award for 1996. Ms. Forest lives in Huntington, New York, with her husband and two children.

Genres: Folklore, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Mythology, Religion, Childrens, Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of fables from all over the world. Some were familiar, but many were not.

[Shayshkers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book. I actually like the short stories and the extra information in the back about their origins. It's not what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it.

[Ardyth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing wrong with these, exactly, but my family seems to have raced through the window of time when they will appeal? This book is not illustrated, and the average length of retelling is one page. Just wasn't ever a good fit for us.... a year ago, when I last tried them, our son struggled to focus on any book without illustrations; now, he wants a longer tale, one long enough at least to qualify as "short story."

Most of the included tales are ones I've read elsewhere, in a form both longer and more literary. I would recommend to borrow, or check the TOC online, before buying just in case you already own most of them elsewhere, too.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used to bring this to school! My teacher would read some of the tales to the class!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tales from different regions and religious traditions.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of world tales. Very simple and to the point. Much like Aesop.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

AR 5.7 -- 3.0 pts