Tale of Tales

by tony-mitton

A brand new poetry book for children by award-winning poet Tony Mitton. Beautifully illustrated by Peter Bailey, The Tale of Tales is the story of a group of animals who are on a journey. Each animal in turn tells a story to the rest of the group (a bit like in The Canterbury Tales) as they travel on their way. Join Monkey, Elephant and friends on their journey to Volcano Valley to hear the greatest story of all, the Tale of Tales.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Poetry

Paperback

First published October 2, 2003

Reviews

[Janani(ஜனனி)⁷ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who cares whether the book is intended for children? NOT ME. I love to read it as long as i can have a story, stories in this case.

Nostalgia happens. When i was a weeny child, i heard stories of talking animals and thumb sized men. My Dad told me those series. But now, when i ask him to tell stories, he will be like, "Seriously? You want stories at this age. Go and sleep." And these stories strongly reminded me of my childhood. Gah., my heart!

Illustrations are pleasing delight for my eyes!

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are off to hear the Tale of Tales
Down by Volcano Valley
And we are telling stories as we go.

This statement by Monkey summarises the storyline. The parrots menat to keep the Tale of Tales secret but Monkey overhears them and tells Elephant who also becomes interested. On the 'Story Road', they gather a trail of other creatures and they share stories as they go. Mitton incorporates Jake and the Beanstalk, Rip Van Winkle, Alibaba and other wonderful traditional tales. Monkey and his crew get to the Volcano Valley only to realise that all of 'Nature's Creatures' are present because the 'prattling parrots' could not keep their mouth shut.
It is a beautiful story and reminds me of the Arabian Nights due to the stories within stories and Tinga Tinga Tales with the involvement of the animals. However I am so gutted that the reader does not get to listen to the Tale of Tales. What a charming suspenseful way to end a sory.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tale of tales
Tony Mitton
This book is a fiction book. This book falls under the category of fables because this story has characters telling different stories that all have a moral. I read this book by chance because it was blind date with a book.
The story is about a monkey who overhears two parrots talking to each other about going to hear the tale of all tales being told that afternoon. So he starts his journey and he finds friends who come along with him and along the journey they tell stories. They learn new stories and have a fun time.
This was a good book and I was influenced by the morals of some stories that were told. The plot wasn’t that exciting just the stories that were told were nice. I really liked this book because of the variety of the stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories. I would give this book a 7 out of 10.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming children's book of tales told by a group of forest animals en route to an important gathering to hear The Tale of Tales.

The illustrations were witty and the writing was delightful and relaxing - the Story Road built up suspense to hear the Tale of Tales, as the group of animals traveling to the gathering increased.

Without giving away the outcome of the creatures' journey, the lesson that can be derived is that the reader, young or old, is at the center of their own Tale of Tales, which is always beginning with the dawn of each new day with the immortal words "Once upon a time.."

I recommend this book to anyone of any age. The "point" of the book is "revealed" as the book ends.. and the Tale of Tales (notionally) begins!

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story with an old-fashioned feel, probably evoked by the silhouette-style illustrations.

[dthaase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful children's book that was well worth the time.

[Nojood Alsudairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time, in a jungle far far away... Wow! what a great tale of tales.