Using primary German-language sources, Altmann has gleaned a wonderful assortment of authentic tales to enchant and educate audiences of all ages. The stories are organized in four sections: Animal stories, Comic tales, Fairy tales, and Local legends. Background information on the stories, a description of German life during the 19th century, color photographs, a pronunciation guide for German terms, and traditional German recipes are included. All grade levels. Many people are familiar with the German tales of the Brothers Grimm, but usually in the sugar-coated versions of picture books and Hollywood cartoons. In this book you'll discover some other sides to German folklore. Using primary German-language sources, Altmann has gleaned a wonderful assortment of authentic tales to enchant and educate audiences of all ages. This collection includes many favorite German tales, such as Rapunzel, Snow White, Rumpelstilkskin, Hansel and Gretel, and The Bremen Town Musicians; as well as more obscure tales such as The Seven Swabians and The Master Thief. There are tales for all kinds of listeners and readers—more than 80 stories in all, including tales that may shock you or make your hair stand on end, as well as those that will intrigue or amuse. The stories are organized in four sections: Animal stories (Tiergeschichten, largely fables), Comic tales (Schwanke, which range from the silly to the outrageous), Fairy tales (Zaubermarchen, or wonder tales), Local legends (Sagen, which include stories of ghosts and goblins, and religious legends). Background information and tale type information on the stories, a description of German life during the 19th century, color photos, a pronunciation guide for German terms, and traditional German recipes make this a wonderful resource for introducing audiences to German culture and traditions.

A collection of more than eighty traditional German tales along with sayings, recipes, and pronunciations.

A rich brew of more than 40 traditional Brazilian tales—from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales—draws on the varied cultural traditions of indigenous peoples, people of African descent, those of European (and particularly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. The stories are retold by today's accomplished Brazilian storytellers. Also includes background information on the country and the tales, color photographs, traditional recipes, and children's games. Brazil, the largest country in South America, covers a vast terrain that ranges from the tropical rain forests of the Amazon basin and upland farms, to towering mountains and sandy beaches; from highly populated urban centers to virtually inaccessible interior jungle regions. Its population is composed of indigenous peoples (e.g., Tupy, Kaxinawa, Taulipang), people of African descent, those of European (mostly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. Drawing on the varied cultural traditions and ethnic diversity of the country, this collection offers readers a rich brew of traditional Brazilian tales—from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales. More than 40 stories are included, along with background information, color photographs, recipes, and games. There are very few collections of Brazilian folktales currently available in English, and none with this depth and range. This is a wonderful treasury for storytellers, folklorists, and educators. Also a great resource for educators planning units on the Amazon rain forest! All grade levels.

Looking for fresh ideas to liven up your storytimes? Here you'll find a wonderfully diverse collection of easy-to-tell tales from around the world, along with tips and profiles of the storytellers featured in the book. Ideal for educators and others who work with young children, these stories have been selected because they are easy for anyone to tell, even novices, and they readily engage listeners. Along with each tale, you'll find a profile of the "teller" who provides it, adding a cultural dimension to help you and your audiences better understand the context. There are also tips to improve your programs. In addition to storytimes, this guide can be used for read-alouds, or even silent reading with older children. Whether you are a librarian, educator, or parent, Storyteller's Sampler: Tales from Tellers around the World will help you keep children entertained—all while encouraging their learning and development.

This comprehensive collection of folk hero tales builds on the success of the first edition by providing readers with expanded contextual information on story characters from the Americas to Zanzibar. Despite the tremendous differences between cultures and ethnicities across the world, all of them have folk heroes and heroines—real and imagined—that have been represented in tales, legends, songs, and verse. These stories persist through time and space, over generations, even through migrations to new countries and languages. This encyclopedia is a one-stop source for broad coverage of the world's folk hero tales. Geared toward high school and early college readers, the book opens with an overview of folk heroes and heroines that provides invaluable context and then presents a chronology. The book is divided into two main sections: the first provides entries on the major types and themes; the second addresses specific folk tale characters organized by continent with folk hero entries organized alphabetically. Each entry provides cross references as well as a list of further readings. Continent sections include a bibliography for additional research. The book concludes with an alphabetical list of heroes and an index of hero types.

Faerie Stones explores the Faerielore and Folklore associated with different stones and various crystal formations, from the ancient Neolithic arrows known as Elfshot to magical Faerie dusted geodes known as Fairy Cavern Quartz. It deals with the metaphysical aspects of the stones, their traditional uses and healing qualities, and discusses which types of Faerie and which Deities/Faerie Monarchs are associated with each stone. It also offers practical tips and two meditations for working with Faeries and stones for spiritual development. Aimed at all those who love Faeries and Crystals, it is ideal for the beginner or the more experienced practitioner.

Fairies have been revered and feared, sometimes simultaneously, throughout recorded history. This encyclopedia of concise entries, from the A-senee-ki-waku of northeastern North America to the Zips of Central America and Mexico, includes more than 2,500 individual beings and species of fairy and nature spirits from a wide range of mythologies and religions from all over the globe.