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MY FAVORITES

Age Range

10 - 13

Genre

folktale

2005-12-15

Page Count

160

Publisher

August House

Grade Level

5th - 8th

ISBN

9780874834796

Themes

across many cultures

imagination

Wisdom Tales from Around the World (World Storytelling

Written by Heather Forest

This book gathers fifty folktales and parables from many different cultures—Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, African, and Native American. Even though these stories come from far‑away places and different times, they all share simple truths, gentle humor, and the idea that we can learn from the wisdom of people who lived long ago.

These tales use imagination to show helpful ways to live and get along with others. Some characters grow wiser by watching someone set a good example. Others learn by making funny mistakes and figuring things out as they go. As the author explains, she hopes these stories spark conversations and help readers think about the joys, worries, surprises, and silly moments that are part of being human.

Support Materials

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Age Range

10 - 13

Genre

folktale

2005-12-15

Page Count

160

Publisher

August House

Grade Level

5th - 8th

ISBN

9780874834796

Themes

across many cultures

imagination

Additional Book Resources

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Wonder Tales from Around the World (World Storytelling)

Written by Heather Forest and Illustrated by David Boston

Traditional stories have been told aloud for hundreds of years. Even though they aren’t meant to be taken literally, they stay with us because they share timeless truths about what it means to be human.

4th - 6th

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The Drum: A Folktale from India

Written by Rob Cleveland and Illustrated by Tom Wrenn

Discover the magic of kindness in The Drum, a heartwarming Indian folktale about a poor boy who dreams of owning his own musical instrument. After his mother brings home a "magical" stick, the boy embarks on a journey where his selfless choices lead to unexpected rewards.

Pre-K - 3rd

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Fat Cat: A Danish Folktale

Written by Margaret Read MacDonald and Illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Fat Cat: A Danish Folktale is a hilarious and colorful retelling of a classic story about a cat whose hunger knows no bounds. After eating everything from a washerwoman to a king and his elephant, the greedy cat meets his match when he finally swallows a clever little mouse.

Pre-K - 2nd

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Medieval Tales That Kids Can Read & Tell

Written by Lorna MacDonald Czarnota

This book presents medieval tales that answers many questions in a highly entertaining format. The author offers solid historical background for each story so that young readers have a framework to enhance the significance of each story. As readers explore these action packed stories, young readers will be able to imagine themselves pulling Excalibur from the lake, untying the Gordian Knot, or fighting with Roland and the Frankish army. These adventurous stories will teach readers the importance of courage, resourcefulness and respect.

3rd - 7th

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The Dancing Turtle: A Folktale from Brazil

Written by Pleasant DeSpain and Illustrated by David Boston

The Dancing Turtle is a vibrant children's picture book that retells a classic indigenous Brazilian folktale about a music-loving turtle captured by a hunter. To escape becoming turtle stew, the clever protagonist must use her wit and the help of the hunter's children to find her way back to the rainforest.

Pre-K - 4th

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Tales of Tricksters

Written by Pleasant DeSpain

Tricksters are some of the most exciting characters in stories from all over the world. They’re clever, playful, and full of surprises. Sometimes they act a little foolish, sometimes they’re amazingly wise—and often they manage to be both at once. Their adventures remind us that using our wits can help us stand up to bullies, solve problems, and even have a little fun along the way.

3rd - 6th

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Peace Tales: World Folktales to Talk About

Written by Margaret Read MacDonald

Maybe it’s a king who spills a drop of honey and refuses to clean it up—until that tiny mess grows into a giant problem. Maybe it’s some sandpipers and whales who start a silly argument that nearly destroys the place they all call home. Or maybe it’s a man who thinks a weapon will make him powerful, or a troop of monkeys who follow their leader into water that’s far too deep.

K - 4th

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The First Music

Written by Dylan Pritchett and Illustrated by Erin Banks

Discover the magic of sound in The First Music, a whimsical African folktale where a group of jungle animals realizes their individual noises are actually beautiful music. This heartwarming story follows the animals as they join together in a rhythmic "jam session," teaching children that everyone has a unique song inside them.

Pre-K - 2nd

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The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday

Written by Donald Davis and Illustrated by Jennifer Mazzucco

Follow three clever pigs as they try to outsmart a tricky red fox in the beautiful mountains. This award-winning book is perfect for children who love folktales and stories about being brave.

Pre-K - 3rd

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Tales to Frighten and Delight

Written by Pleasant DeSpain

Scary stories have always been a favorite with kids. It makes sense—listening to spooky tales wakes up our imaginations, adds excitement to everyday life, and lets us practice being brave while knowing we’re completely safe.

3rd - 6th

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