Babushkas Doll

Babushkas Doll

Written and Illustrated by: Patricia Polacco

Elementary Grades

"Natasha isn't really a bad girl. It's just that she wants to play on the swing now, not after the wash has been hung up to dry. And she wants her soup now, not after the goats have been fed. Looking after Natasha keeps Babushka, Natasha's grandmother, very busy. Then, after lunch, Natasha notices a doll sitting on Babushka's shelf...a doll Babushka tells Natasha she played with just once when she was a little girl. When Natasha plays with the doll while Babushka goes to the store for groceries, she discovers why once is enough with Babushka's doll...and finds out just how tiring it can be to take care of a child who wants everything now."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.patriciapolacco.com/books/babushkas_doll/babushkas_doll.html
http://www.readinglady.com/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=27

Babushka Baba Yaga

Babushka Baba Yaga

Written and Illustrated by: Patricia Polacco

Elementary Grades

"Baba Yaga is a witch famous throughout Russia for eating children, but this Babushka Baba Yaga is a lonely old woman who just wants a grandchild--to love. "A warm, lively tale, neatly mixing new and old and illustrated with Polacco's usual energetic action, bright fold patterns and affectionate characterizations."

Kirkus Reviews

Online Resources:
http://www.patriciapolacco.com/books/babayaga/index.html

The Mitten

The Mitten

Written and Illustrated by: Jan Brett

Elementary Grades

"Set in a snowy forest, the fun begins when, one by one, animals crawl into Nicki's lost white mitten to get warm until the bear sneezes, sending the animals flying up and out of the mitten. On each turn of the page, Jan hints at what animal is coming next in her signature borders, inspired by Ukrainian folk art."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.janbrett.com/
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=1021

The Firebird

The Firebird

Written by: Jane Yolen

Elementary Grades

"In a certain land, in a certain kingdom -- as they say in old Russia -- on the far side of a certain tangled wood, a garden shimmered like a green jewel.... Inside that jewellike garden, an evil wizard named Kostchei the Deathless holds a princess and her nine maidens captive, turning all those who attempt to save them to stone. But help is nearby -- Prince Ivan searching the nearby tangled wood for food, finds the young women and vows to save them. And with some help from the powerful and mischievous Firebird, as well as with much true courage from within, Prince Ivan will slay a horde of demons and Kostchei himself in order to free the damsels."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://janeyolen.com/

At the Wish of a Fish: A Russian Folktale

At the Wish of a Fish: A Russian Folktale

Written by: J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrated by: Katya Krenina

Elementary Grades

"In this imaginative classic Russian tale, Emelya, a lazy simpleton, catches an enchanted fish. The pike promises to grant Emelya his every desire if he will pitch the fish back into the sea, and soon everyone is transfixed by Emelya's powers. Formerly, he did no chores; but now, buckets of water march into his house, and kindling is split and stacked at his command. When Emelya meets the tsar's daughter, he falls in love with her and requests the pike to make her fall for him, too. When they want to marry, the tsar refuses his daughter's hand to a simpleton and casts them both into the sea. The pike rescues them and turns Emelya into a nobleman, and the tsar finally approves the marriage. Children will marvel at the cleverness of a man who, though a fool, knows what to wish for and gets what he wants. Krenina's richly colored watercolors provide additional magic to a delightful, fanciful romance."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/russia.html
http://www.jpatricklewis.com/

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey

Written and Illustrated by: James Rumford

Elementary Grades

"Linking the Chinese mythological creature, the Chee-Lin, to a 1414 Chinese portrait of a giraffe, Rumford imagines how a giraffe may have journeyed to China. From his birth and capture in East Africa to a short stay in Bengal and a stay in Nanjing and finally landing in Peking, lonely Tweega (Swahili for giraffe) survives frightening voyages, cruel and tender caretakers, and cramped quarters, ending up in the emperor’s spacious grounds. Tweega inspires awe everywhere and stirs optimism among the Chinese, who believe the Chee-Lin to be an omen of good fortune."

Booklist Review

Way Up and Over Everything

Way Up and Over Everything

Written by: Alice McGill
Illustrated by: Jude Daly

Elementary Grades

"This African American “flying” tale details the miraculous escape of five African slaves from Ol’ Man Deboreaux’s plantation. After a day of toil in the cotton fields, Jane, a 16-year-old slave, notices that the newly arrived Africans are nowhere to be found. When the vicious overseer and the plantation owner set out to find the fugitives, Jane bravely follows and witnesses the Africans taking to the air and soaring over the rolling countryside toward their home across the sea. Jane is warned not to repeat what she has seen, but repeat it she does, as this tale of transcendence and freedom is handed down from generation to generation, until it is finally related to readers by the story’s narrator, Jane’s great-great-granddaughter. Daly’s delicate and elongated figures, small in scale against the vast watercolor landscapes of the Georgia countryside, present a bird’s-eye view of the story and suggest the enormity of such an escape. McGill finishes with a note about the origins and variations of African American flying stories."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.theteller.com/index.html

Diez Deditos and Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America

Diez Deditos and Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America

Written by: Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by: Elisa Kleven

Elementary Grades

"Singer-songwriter Jose-Luis Orozco has assembled a collection of finger rhymes and other action songs from Latin America. Including favorites such as "The Wheels on the Bus" as well as folk songs from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, Diez Deditos is a treat for the eyes, ears, and fingers. Lyrics are presented in both English and Spanish, and easy-to-follow musical accompaniment and diagrams for the corresponding actions are also provided. As in the companion volume De Colores, bright collage illustrations by Elisa Kleven complete the appeal of this fun-filled book."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.begintoread.com/articles/reading-with-activities.html

De Colores and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children

De Colores and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children

Written by: Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by: Elisa Kleven

Elementary Grades

"Fiesta-bright folk art accompanies songs from locales ranging from Argentina to the Dominican Republic. Complete with music and lyrics in both Spanish and English this bilingual collection of Latin American folk songs for children is truly a musical treasure. Each of the 27 songs is presented with background notes; lyrics in both Spanish and English; simple arrangements for the voice, piano, and guitar; and suggestions for group sing-alongs and musical games. Gathered from Spanish-speaking countries but including two of Orozco's own songs, the compilation is a programming gold mine. Included are songs for special occasions ("La pinata"), counting songs ("El chocolate"), and animal songs ("La arana pequenita"--"The Eensy, Weensy Spider" in Spanish!). There is even a handy subject index to locate appropriate songs. The book is a delight for the eye as well as the ear."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects/ninos/songsrhymes.html

The Best Beekeeper in Lalibela: A Tale from Africa

The Best Beekeeper in Lalibela: A Tale from Africa

Written by: Cristina Kessler
Illustrated by: Leonard Jenkins

Elementary Grades

"A traditional Ethiopian tale describing one girl’s attempt to challenge society’s
views of women and their roles, and her quest to be the best beekeeper in her village."

Online Resources:
http://www.cristinakessler.com/Books_8.htm

The Best Beekeeper in Lalibela: A Tale from Africa

The Best Beekeeper in Lalibela: A Tale from Africa

Written by: Cristina Kessler
Illustrated by: Leonard Jenkins

Elementary Grades

"A traditional Ethiopian tale describing one girl’s attempt to challenge society’s
views of women and their roles, and her quest to be the best beekeeper in her village."

Online Resources:
http://www.cristinakessler.com/Books_8.htm

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Written and Illustrated by: Tomie DePaola

Elementary Grades

"This tale from the Great Plains explains how the Indian Paintbrush came to cover the region in the spring. After reading this tale, students could search for other stories that are associated with plants of a region. Also available in Spanish."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://web.bsu.edu/00smtancock/CyberLessons/paintbrush/Indian%20paintbrush.html
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=1018

The Silk Princess

The Silk Princess

Written and Illustrated by: Charles Santore

Elementary Grades

"Princess Hsi-Ling Chi has heard tales of a sleeping dragon and ancient gods residing in the Holy Mountains beyond her father’s palace. But when she emerges from the gates for the first time, she is not afraid. She has with her a magical thread unraveled from a tiny cocoon that dropped into the Empress’s teacup, and she knows it will lead her back to the palace garden. But she is very far from home when she notices that the thread has broken, and that she is lost. How will she find her way back? And will the secret of silk be lost forever?"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.embracingthechild.org/Asantore.htm

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Retold and Illustrated by: Tomie dePaola

Elementary Grades

"This legend of the Comanche people describes how the bluebonnets came to Texas and celebrates the sacrifices of the Comanche people. Students could investigate the bluebonnet as an important symbol related to spring in Texas."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/3395
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=701

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Written by: Grace Lin

Upper Elementary Grades

"In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=wherethemountainmeetsthemoon

Shake It, Morena! and Other Folklore from Puerto Rico

Shake It, Morena! and Other Folklore from Puerto Rico

Compiled by: Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Illustrated by: Lulu Delacre

Elementary Grades

"The Puerto Rican culture is celebrated in this exuberant collection of songs, riddles, stories and games. Beginning with a "Waking Up Song" and continuing through to the "Tooth Fairy Rhyme" (The Tooth Fairy is a mouse in Puerto Rico), the reader is treated to a day of vigorous activities. Most of the text is written in both English and Spanish. Definitions of many Spanish expressions and factual information about Puerto Rico are incorporated throughout."

Children's Literature Review

Online Resources:
http://www.carmenberniergrand.com/

Estrellita de oro/Little Gold Star: A Cinderella Cuento

Estrellita de oro/Little Gold Star: A Cinderella Cuento

Written by: Joe Hayes
Illustrated by: Gloria Osuna Perez & Lucia Angela Perez

Elementary Grades

"In this Cinderella tale from the Southwest, each of the sisters has an encounter with a magical hawk, but the heroine is kind to the bird and receives a gold star on her forehead. Her spiteful stepsisters go in search of their own gold stars but are rewarded with a donkey's ear and a cow's horn. You can imagine which sister the prince marries!"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=13868

The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story

The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story

Written by: Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by: Katya Krenina

Elementary Grades

"During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, in ancient times, families traditionally built a sukkah (a booth) in the fields where they harvested crops. The legend is that Abraham, Issac, and Jacob visit each sukkah disguised as guests and bestow a blessing when welcomed, or a lesson when spurned. This tale follows two brothers in ancient Israel: wealthy Eben, who is selfish and unwelcoming to his poor guests, and Ezra, a poor but generous man whose sukkah always has room and plenty of food for all. They are each visited by the three other wordly guests disguised as poor travelers, who then dole out appropriate punishments and blessings. The story is purposeful but elegantly told, and is matched well by Krenina’s decorative acrylics that look like details from an ancient tapestry. Deeply hued swatches of the land’s bounty surround pensive faces, conveying the somewhat somber, reflective mood of the tale. An author’s note further explains the traditions of a holiday that emphasizes kindness and hospitality."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://ericakimmel.com/teachers-guides/

The Great Race

The Great Race

Written by: Dawn Casey
Illustrated by: Anne Wilson

Elementary Grades

"The Jade Emperor is concerned because his country does not have a calendar, and no one can tell one year from the next. He decides to hold a race across a great river, and the order in which the animals finish will determine the order of the years. The event is exciting as the creatures maneuver for position, only to be bested in the end by the clever Rat. In this retelling of the ancient legend, Casey maintains the pace well. Back matter includes information about the Chinese calendar in general, as well as the more specific Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival."

School Library Journal Review

A Calendar of Festivals

A Calendar of Festivals

Written by: Cherry Gilchrest
Illustrated by: Helen Cann

Elementary Grades

"Legends and folktales associated with eight different festivals from around the world are arranged in chronological order. Each story is introduced by a single page of background. Holi is represented by "How Krishna Stole the Butter." "The Life of the Buddha" is the story for Vesak, while the tale of "The Oxherd and the Weaving Maiden" accompanies the Japanese festival of Tanabata. The tale of Jamie Freel, here called "The Halloween Changeling," is the selection for Halloween. Kwanzaa is represented by a Caribbean story, "How the Warau People Come Down to Earth." Finally, the Russian "Father Frost" rewards a poor girl and destroys her greedy, rude stepsister in an offering for the New Year.

The retellings are fluent and readable, and could be used for storytelling. This handsome book has detailed watercolor illustrations on every page. Sources for the stories are given at the back. Louisa Campbell's A World of Holidays (Silver Moon, 1993) includes celebrations in Japan, Pakistan, Namibia, Canada, and Mexico, but the stories deal with contemporary children. A good addition to folklore and holiday sections, and especially valuable for the less-familiar festivals included."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/edholiday.htm#multiple