New Tales for Old: Folktales As Literary Fictions for Young Adults

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The timeless themes and versatility of folk tales have helped them survive and flourish over centuries, taking on myriad forms-short story, picture book, film, poem, and novel. This book gathers together a number of popular folktale reworkings (not just simple retellings) in a variety of genres that appeal to young adults. After discussing the nature of folktales, their cultural context, and the characteristics that make them attractive to young adults, de Vos and Altmann interpret specific tales (e.g., The Frog Prince, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin), describing their many reworkings and offering suggestions for using the material with young adults.

Reviews

Good for both casual browsing and concentrated study. De Vos and Altmann will convince even the Disneyfied of readers that the old tales are not just for children. The themes of independence, self-determination, sexuality, and identity are strong and enduring and explain why these tales are both timely and timeless.-The Story Bag
Provides a valuable introduction to the study of the specific tales included.-Marvels and Tales
There is extensive reference to the analysis of folklorists, psychologists, and others who have written about these tales. And the academic folkloric traditions are recognized, motifs are given. Of course, there is a large bibliography and it is completely indexed. A fascinating book.-Storyline
"Provides a valuable introduction to the study of the specific tales included."-Marvels and Tales
"There is extensive reference to the analysis of folklorists, psychologists, and others who have written about these tales. And the academic folkloric traditions are recognized, motifs are given. Of course, there is a large bibliography and it is completely indexed. A fascinating book."-Storyline
"Good for both casual browsing and concentrated study. De Vos and Altmann will convince even the Disneyfied of readers that the old tales are not just for children. The themes of independence, self-determination, sexuality, and identity are strong and enduring and explain why these tales are both timely and timeless."-The Story Bag

Author Bio

GAIL DE VOS is a storyteller and consultant in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the author of a number of books on storytelling. ANNA E. ALTMANN is Associate Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton.