Ancient Tales for Modern Kids

Sylvia Pantaleo is an assistant professor of education specializing in
children’s literature at Queen’s University. She is the co-author of
Learning with Literature in the Canadian Elementary Classroom.

This collection of 31 tales features stories, myths, folk tales, and
legends from around the world. The tales are representative of several
countries, including Africa, Australia, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany,
Great Britain, Italy, and Korea. The book contains both well-known
stories (“Hansel and Gretel,” “Rumplestiltzkin,” “The Voyage
of Sinbad the Sailor,” and “The Frog Prince”) and obscure ones
(“The Beginning of Narran Lake,” “The Hare’s Liver,” “Sadko
and the Tsar of the Sea,” and “Why Wolves Chase Deer”). The heroes
and heroines in the stories demonstrate resourcefulness, bravery, and
cleverness as they attempt to attain their goals. Adventure runs the
spectrum from betrayal and honor to foolishness and wisdom.

The stories are complemented by lively black-and-white drawings and
full-color art. Readers will be engaged by this international collection
from across the ages. Recommended.