A collection of children's books on the subject of fables, folk and fairy tales.

Encourage children to become lifelong readers by exposing them to a variety of genres: biography, mystery, drama, fairy tale, romance, mythology, and science fiction. Each unit includes helpful background information, key vocabulary words, activities, and a bibliography of suggested books. An introductory unit teaches students to recognize propaganda and bias, while a concluding unit walks them through the steps of writing a research paper. Grades 4-6. Resources. Illustrated.

A fascinating survey of the entire history of tall tales, folklore, and mythology in the United States from earliest times to the present, including stories and myths from the modern era that have become an essential part of contemporary popular culture. Folklore has been a part of American culture for as long as humans have inhabited North America, and increasingly formed an intrinsic part of American culture as diverse peoples from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania arrived. In modern times, folklore and tall tales experienced a rejuvenation with the emergence of urban legends and the growing popularity of science fiction and conspiracy theories, with mass media such as comic books, television, and films contributing to the retelling of old myths. This multi-volume encyclopedia will teach readers the central myths and legends that have formed American culture since its earliest years of settlement. Its entries provide a fascinating glimpse into the collective American imagination over the past 400 years through the stories that have shaped it. Organized alphabetically, the coverage includes Native American creation myths, "tall tales" like George Washington chopping down his father's cherry tree and the adventures of "King of the Wild Frontier" Davy Crockett, through to today's "urban myths." Each entry explains the myth or legend and its importance and provides detailed information about the people and events involved. Each entry also includes a short bibliography that will direct students or interested general readers toward other sources for further investigation. Special attention is paid to African American folklore, Asian American folklore, and the folklore of other traditions that are often overlooked or marginalized in other studies of the topic.

A comprehensive guide to multicultural literature for children, this valuable resource features more than 1,600 titles—including fiction, folktales, poetry, and song books—that focus on diverse cultural groups. The selected titles, pubished between the 1970s and 1990s are suitable for use with preschoolers through sixth graders and are likely to be found on the shelves of school and public libraries. Topics are timely, with an emphasis on books that reflect the needs and interests of today's children. Each detailed entry includes bibliographic information. Use level is also included, as are cultural designation, subjects, and a summary. The invaluable Subject Access section incorporates use level culture information.

While storytelling is a great favorite of preschoolers, many elementary age children are more drawn to crafts and other activities. StoryCraft is an award-winning library program that combines storytelling with crafts in an exciting and engaging activity for children in first through third grades. Each one-hour program includes storytelling, a craft, movement, activities, music, and discussion. This collection of StoryCraft programs presents 50 fun and educational theme-based sessions. Each includes suggestions for promotion, music, crafts, activities, and stories. The sessions also include bibliographies to help direct young readers toward additional reading, as well as diagrams, detailed instructions, and supply lists for the crafts. The themes range from a Jungle Safari to Math Mayhem to a Western Roundup, all encouraging children to enjoy reading in a variety of ways. Each session has plenty of suggestions, so that the program can be customized. Helpful Hints for implementing the program can help any librarian, volunteer, or parent turn a ho-hum storytime into a dazzling StoryCraft time.

Massachusetts—a New England state with a proud history and a vibrant culture. But there is more to this place than white church steeples and town greens. In the forests, meadows, and beaches surrounding quaint, colonial towns lurk screeching ghosts, cursed treasures, sea serpents and other strange creatures, and even the Devil himself, all awaiting the next hiker to stumble down the trail… For years, tales of these mysterious beings and places existed only in whispers and campfire tales, but now for the first time these legends have been collected and retold in one volume: Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Massachusetts. Alongside each of these captivating tales is the necessary route and trailhead information brave readers will need to go beyond their town lines and test their nerve. With dozens of stories and hikes throughout, readers will discover and explore the legends and forgotten histories from the Berkshires to the Bay.