Elder Tales: Stories of Wisdom and Courage from Around the World

(Paperback)

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Description

Traditional folktales from around the world celebrate the wisdom, courage, and even the follies of elders, presenting them as crones, wise men, sages, magic helpers, and fools. Arranged by story type, these are tales that can be used in the classroom and library, as a springboard for cultural comparisons and discussion of how wisdom is shared between generations, and how elders contribute to and are perceived by various societies. It is also a fine resource for storytellers performing in senior centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Think folk and fairy tales are all about mischievous animals, beautiful princesses, and handsome princes Think again. One of the most prominent themes in folklore is that of the strength and role of the elders, a theme that deserves revisiting today. This collection gathers traditional folktales from around the world to celebrate the wisdom, courage, and even the follies of elders. Arranged by story type, these are tales that can be used in the classroom and library, as a springboard for cultural comparisons and discussion of how wisdom is shared between generations, and how elders contribute to and are perceived by various societies.

Reviews

These stories, exceptionally well selected and retold with verve and attention to phrasing, are all useful either for reading aloud or for learning to tell--in a classroom or a library, at a child's bedside, in a visit to a retirement home, or around a campfire.An extensive bibliography and an ample index, including entries of subject, author, and title complete this work, which ought to grace the tables of all storytellers and the bookshelves of school libraries. * MultiCultural Review *
This volume is intended primarily for readers rather than tellers. The stories are perfect for adults and young people in middle and high school.Keding lists questions for students to engage elders in recalling their old stories, and he provides discussion guides for older audiences to use. * School Library Journal *
[A] useful and comprehensive collection of narratives concerning a significant topic in storytelling and in life. * Journal of Folklore Research Reviews *

Author Bio

Dan Keding is an internationally-known storyteller, balladeer, and award-wining author and recording artist. He writes a column for Sing Out! The Folk Music Magazine, has contributed articles to numerous anthologies, is author of Stories of Hope and Spirit (2004), and is co-editor of English Folktales (Libraries Unlimited, 2005).