LIS 721 Reading Response 2- Traditional Literature

Campoy, F. I., & Ada, A. F. (2006). Tales our abuelitas told: A Hispanic folktale collection. Atheneum.

    Tales Our Abuelitas Told by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy is a collection of twelve stories from Hispanic culture. In the chapter titled “Welcome,” the authors talk about the history of their stories, most originating in Spain and then being saturated with influences from other cultures. The purpose of writing this anthology is to share some of the authors' favorite stories they heard as children. Each tale is accompanied by a brief explanation of its origins, if known, and the other versions of the story that can be told. Both authors are respected scholars in bilingual education, folklore, and children's literature, as illustrated by well-known Latino artists. There are no academic source notes, but the book does a good job of providing context. 

    As with all folktales, they are meant to be read aloud. 

I found several of the stories on YouTube and really enjoyed them. I read a few to my own children, but I lack the accent to do the names in the stories justice, however, the stories were enjoyable. This collection was selected for both the child reader and the adult storyteller. Because of folklore like talking animals, dancing goats, and flying horses, children will love to hear and visualize the stories. Adults will love the rich history and culture shared. Each tale leads naturally to the next; however, they can be read as stand-alone or in any order. Throughout the collection, culturally accurate illustrations catch the eye with vivid colors and intricate details that convey aspects of the story, including at least one full-page illustration for each tale. Tales Our Abuelitas Told keeps alive the oral traditions of a rich culture that spans the continents.

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Hamilton, V. (2008). The people could fly: American Black folktales. Paw Prints.

    The purpose of the collection The People Could Fly, told by Virginia Hamilton, is to preserve and share African American folktales, particularly those that originated during slavery. The introduction clearly states this, explaining these stories' historical and cultural significance. Hamilton’s selections highlight different aspects of African American folklore, including supernatural tales, trickster stories, and stories of resistance and resilience. The collection includes source notes that provide context on the origins of the stories, whether they were passed down orally or recorded in books. The author has won the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Coretta Scott King Award (twice), among others. She is a distinguished writer, as are the illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon. They have won the Caldecott Medal twice. The tales maintain the rhythm and tone of oral storytelling, preserving the dialect and cadence of traditional folktales.
    The stories are appropriate for both child readers and

adult storytellers. However, on a personal note, my daughters found the tales we read together scary. There were many references to the devil and animals tricking and killing other animals. Maybe not bedtime stories, but the format makes them well-suited for reading aloud. There are 24 tales in four headings: He Lion, Bruh Bear and Bruh Rabbit, The Beautiful Girl of the Moon Tower, John and the Devil's Daughter, and Carrying the Running-aways. Each section groups similar tales together, making it easy to read them independently or as a continuous collection.  The illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon are striking and enhance the storytelling. They reflect the cultural origins of the tales and add depth to the narratives. The artwork is not just decorative; it helps bring the stories to life.

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Ludwig, W. (1991). Old Noah’s elephants: An Israeli folktale. Putnam’s.

    In the Israeli folktale Old Noah’s Elephants, adapted and illustrated by Warren Ludwig, Noah faces challenges due to the misbehavior of two elephants aboard the ark. When their antics threaten the survival of the entire boat, Noah turns to God for guidance and receives an unexpected solution: "Tickle the hyena." Noah takes God’s advice, and chaos ensues inside the ark, but alas, the boat is saved.
    The author states his love for the bible and how he noticed that often details are left out of his favorite stories. For example, it is well known that Noah built an Ark, but what was life like on the ark? What about life after the Ark? These tales are called mashalim in Hebrew (משל). Mashalim are often humorous, ironic, or have an unexpected twist. They can be found in the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, and the Midrash. The story is based on an Israeli folktale, and Ludwig's adaptation maintains the cultural essence of the original narrative. Ludwig is a published author and an illustrator of children's books. This tale is narrative, with a storytelling style that resonates with both children and adults. The language

is accessible, making it suitable for read-aloud sessions to younger readers, and the humor and rhythm of the story capture the essence of oral storytelling traditions as well. The picture book is tailored for younger readers, particularly those aged 3 to 8 years. Its playful illustrations and engaging narrative make it appealing for children, while the underlying themes offer depth for adult readers and storytellers. This single tale is set up to read like a work of fiction that has a beginning, middle, and end. Characters have a problem, and in the end, it is solved. Ludwig's illustrations are vibrant and detailed, offering visual humor. The artwork reflects the cultural setting of the tale, providing visual context that enriches the reader's understanding.