Sir Gawain and the Green Knight a new verse translation by Simon Armitage*

 I loved reading this poem not only for the story but also for its poetic and stylistic devices. Each line contains a lot of alliteration-what word choice!! and after each stanza, is a "bob and wheel"-a very short line followed by a quatrain.

The Green Knight barges into King Arthur's castle during Christmas and asks for a man to behead him, with the promise to find him at the Green Chapel a year later to be beheaded also. Gawain volunteers. He beheads the Green Knight. The Green Knight still lives, holds his head in his hand, and the head reminds Gawain that he must keep his promise. A year later Sir Gawain rides off, knowing he will die. After riding for days, he discovers a castle where the host is merry and welcoming. The host allows him to lounge inside while he hunts all day with his men. A deal is struck. Sir Gawain must resist incredible temptation and yet remain courtesy. Then the New Year's Day approaches . . .Sir Gawain knows he must keep his vow to the Green Knight.

*Highly recommend for high school & older. See warning.

Warning: The host's wife tries to seduce Sir Gawain throughout the story. He allows her to kiss him. She dresses scantily one time, but he resists. Descriptions of the butchering of deer and boar are quite graphic. Other descriptions of violent fighting-the beheading

-Borrowed from the library. I loved this translation. My son read a different translation that was a lot more difficult!

The Bremen Town Musicians text set

 The Brothers Grimm recorded this fairy tale. It takes place during the medieval era. 

1. The Bremen Town Musicians retold by Louise Simonson illustrated by Lisa Weber

A donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster are no longer useful to their owners. Fearing that their owners will put them to death, they leave their homes, meet each other along the way, and form a band. On their way to Bremen Town, they encounter a group of bandits rejoicing over their recent thievery success. They scare the robbers out of the house & secure a home for themselves.

Warnings: People believe the house is haunted. The thieves think ghosts,monsters, a witch, and a werewolf chase them out of the house.

2. The Musicians of Bremen retold & illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat

The illustrations in the retelling are beautiful. 

Warning: The one robber reports that a witch scratched him, a troll stabbe him in the leg, & a demon hit him with a club.

-Borrowed both from the library.

Seven Ways to Trick a Troll by Lise Lunge-Larsen illustrated by Kari Vick

 Ms. Larsen explains that according to the ancient Norse story,  our world was created from the enormous frost giant, Ymir, the father of all trolls. Even though trolls are extinct, she claims that you can find parts of them in creation. The bulk of the book is dedicated in sharing how one can trick a troll through old Nordic tales retellings. 

Kids will love hearing these short, clever stories. My oldest son would have loved this book as a preschooler/early elementary student!

Considerations/discussions: How was the world truly created, Did trolls ever exist?

-Borrowed from the library.

Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife A Giant Tale of a Tale from Ireland by Robert Byrd

 I own Tomie dePaola's version of this legend. 

The giant Finn MacCoul lives with his wife Oonagh on Knockmany Hill. As a chieftan of the Fianna, the Irish people respect him. While building a bridge to Scotland, Finn encounters a fierce Scots giant, Cucullin. Cucullin's plan is to "make paste of" Finn. Thankfully, Oonagh creates a clever plan to subdue Cucullin.

I love the big vibrant the illustrations.  

Read also Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola to compare. 

Consideration: Fairies and magic are the source of strength and aid in this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

A few books recommended in Soul School by Amber O'Neal Johnston

 Below are a few books featured/recommended in Soul School, which I recently reviewed. I borrowed all these books from the library.  I do not "highly recommend" all of these books. Please read carefully.😀

1. Saving the Day by Karyn Parsons illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

In rhyme, Ms. Parsons shares Garrett Morgan's childhood and his idea for the traffic signal. She imagines a story to highlight his invention. She also reveals he that invented many other helpful objects but only shares one other device-a gas mask.

2.  The 1619 Project-Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

A young girl needs to research her heritage. When she asks her grandmother about her ancestors, her grandmother reveals her family's rich West Central African heritage (Ndongo Kingdom) and then how they were captured, sold, and shipped across the Atlantic to Virginia to work the tobacco fields. Unique format: poems 

Considerations/discussions: I found it  one-sided-they only state about the whites capturing and selling them. Black Lives Matter is mentioned. Because of the cruel nature of slavery, I would read this book with older children, who are ready to discuss the many facets to this part of history (& be prepared as a parent to disclose how whites were not the only ones selling the Blacks into slavery).

3. The Roots of Rap -16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston-Weatherford Art by Frank Morrison

The history of rap/hip-hop  I did not really learn about it through the main text. The glossary and list of  who's who of Hip-Hop taught me the most. I do not have much schema for it! 

Consideration: Some of the groups and artists may have questionable lyrics. Graffiti is one of the four pillars of hip-hop. So this book will promote discussions! 😉

4. Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham illustrated by C.G. Esperanza

*Highly recommend!

A family gathers each Sunday to make and eat "soul food". For the first time a young boy helps his Granny prep each item on the menu. A great book about family and working together  A recipe for mac/cheese is included! I loved the author's note where she explained how she learned to cook!

5. John Henry by Julius Lester illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

**Highly, highly recommend.

Award-Caldecott Honor Book

One can hear Mr. Lester tell this story-the words have so much voice! I especially delighted in the figurative language-hyperboles, similies, personifications etc. My favorite line-"Dying ain't important. Everybody does that. What matters is how well you do your living."

Consideration/discussion: Spoiler Alert- John Henry dies at the end.

6.  Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese -A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom by Glenda Armand illustrated by Steffi Walthall

As a young girl assists her grandmother in the kitchen prepping and making food for the extended family's New Year's Day dinner, she listens to stories why each of the foods are significant and the history of her ancestors. Learning about the food history was interesting. I love how the book celebrates grandparents and extended family. A recipe for pralines is shared!

7.  My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa M. Mollel illustrated by E.B. Lewis

*Highly recommend!

Award winner- Coretta Scott King Award

Each market day in Tanzania a boy helps his mother. If it is a good market day, she gives him a few coins for him to purchase something. Instead, he saves the coins. He longs to buy a red, white, and blue bicycle.  A sweet story with a surprise ending

8. Black Cowboy Wild Horses  A True Story by Julius Lester illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

**Highly, highly recommend!

What a fascinating tidbit of history! Mr. Lester elucidates how Bob Lemmons, a former slave, tracks wild mustangs and captures them. He was a legendary Texan cowboy! Of course, Mr. Lester utilizes beautiful language (figurative) to narrate this unusual piece of history.

The Golem's Latkes retold by Eric A. Kimmel illustrated by Aaron Jasinski

 Rabbi Judah creates a golem who will do any task when told. One problem-he will keep doing the task until someone says, "Golem, enough!". When Rabbi Judah visits Emperor Rudolf in Prague, he leaves his new housemaid, Basha,  in charge. Against his better judgment, he permits her to use the Golem. 

Pair with Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola & Sweep: The Story of a Girl & Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier (for older kids-grades 4 & older) to make T-T connections.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Enchanted Book A Tale from Krakow by Janina Porazinska Translated by Bozena Smith illustrated by Jan Brett*

 A fascinating folk tale/fairy tale with rich illustrations by Ms. Brett

The miller's three daughters are beautiful. The eldest loves pretty things and looking at herself.  The middle daughter spends her days dancing. The youngest daughter is industrious and kind. When an elderly woman stays with them for the winter, she gives each of the daughters the opportunity to learn to read. Only the youngest daughter seizes the opportunity. An evil enchanter hears about the lovely daughters. He captures all three daughters. The youngest daughter, because of her ability to read, frees herself, her sisters, and seventeen other young ladies from a spell.

I borrowed this book because I wanted to view Ms. Brett's earlier art work. Her art has evolved. Contrasting this book with her more recent publications would prove to be an interesting activity.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway by Lari Don illustrated by Emilie Gill*

 I bought this Celtic folktale for my nephew and niece while visiting Scotland. I own a version of this folktale retold by Tomie DePaola and was delighted to discover a version written by a Scot. 

Two giants agree to fight it out to prove who is the mightiest. Of course, an intelligent wife saves the day! An entertaining tale!

 Unfortunately, our group was unable to visit Fingal's Cave and Staffa where this story takes place because of high winds.

*Highly recommend.

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis*

 An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival

Ms. Wallis relates a story her mother shared with her when she was a youth. Ms. Wallis views stories from elders to youth as a gift. In her introduction she laments how television has stolen these opportunities to sit with elders and hear their stories. This book was published in 1993 before smart phones, tablets etc!

The People, part of the Gwich'in band in Alaska, were suffering from malnutrition and starvation during this hard winter. Food was scarce. Sometimes The People would leave behind the weak, elderly people for "the good" of the rest of the tribe. The chief decided that they must leave behind Ch'idzigyaak (in her 80s) and Sa' (in her 70s). The two women are shocked. They are not weak (although they have complained about their age and their inability to do work like they used to) and know they would not hinder the group. 

The women set out to prove The People wrong and discover they are still strong and capable of survival. An amazing story of survival and forgiveness.

A good book to stimulate thoughts about complaining, aging, how to view and care for the elderly, and the importance of remaining physically active.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

 

Stories from the Billabong by James Vance Marshall illustrated by Francis Firebrace

My boys and I really enjoy reading folklore/stories from other cultures. 
When we studied Australia, we began reading a story from this collection a few times a week.  I liked how after each story the author provided facts about the animal, plant etc the story featured.  The glossary and Aboriginal symbols in the back were very  helpful. 
The illustrator is from an Aboriginal tribe.
Warning: Some of the border illustrations depict a silhouette of a naked woman with her breasts exposed. 
-Borrowed from the library.

The Mysterious Giant of Barletta adapted and illustrated by Tomie DePaola*

An Italian Folktale
In southern Italy, in Barletta, a giant statue of a man stands outside a church.  No one knows who he represents or how he got there!  The residents tell stories about him, and Mr. DePaola shares a delightful story how the statue saves the town in the eleventh century.
An army is marching towards peaceful Barletta.  Zia Concetta and the giant statue confer and come up with a plan to intimate the army.
A wonderful story that will delight readers-old and young alike!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Sarah Mackenzie on Read Aloud Revival featured this book as "book of the week" recently.  It is being reissued.  I read the 1984 version. 
Link to Read Aloud Revival:
https://readaloudrevival.com/botw-030-2/

Golem by David Wisniewski *

Caldecott Medal Winner
In 1580, in Prague, the Jews were segregated to a Ghetto.  Lies were being spread about their Passover ceremonies, so people despised them.  The chief rabbi, Judah Loew ben Bezalel, creates Golem to help protect the Jews.  When Golem fulfills his purpose, he will return to the earth.
Quickly the reader will sympathize with Golem and be heart broken when he must die.
After reading Sweep A Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier,  I was curious about this Jewish creature.  Mr. Auxier recommended this specific book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: The Golem dies, crumbling to the earth.  May be really sad to sensitive readers.

The Korean Cinderella by Shirley Climo illustrated by Ruth Heller

Pear Blossom is loved by her mother and father.  When her mother dies, the father marries a widow who has a daughter, Peony.  Of course, the stepmother and stepdaughter are cruel to Pear Blossom like  the typical Cinderella story. A magical animals assist Pear Blossom throughout the story.  When she walks to a festival, she loses her straw sandal.  The magistrate sees her fleeing and retrieves the sandal.  He seeks the owner and all ends happily.
Beautiful illustrations (well researched-Ms. Heller visited Korea in order to accurately depict the Korean culture). 
Warning/point to discuss: I thought that the stepmother and stepdaughter were especially cruel to Pear Blossom.

Sootface An Ojibwa Cinderella Story retold by Robert D. San Souci illustrated by Daniel San Souci

This story was primarily a tale of the Northeast and Great Lakes tribes, although there is a variant in the Southwest. 
A widely traveled tale among the Native Peoples.
When the mother dies, the two older sisters abuse the youngest sister and make her do all of the work. 
When the sister of a mighty warrior from across the lake announces that her brother is looking for a woman to marry, young women are full of hope and glee.  The catch?  No one had ever seen him except for his moccasins hanging by the wigwam.  The woman who can see him and who can describe his bow and bow string may marry him. 
A typical Cinderella ending.
-Borrowed from the library.

Vasilisa the Beautiful A Russian Folktale illustrated by Anna Morgunova

The reader learns a lot about the Russian culture through this folktale.

A Russian Cinderella

-Borrowed from the library.

The Gift of the Crocodile by Judy Sierra illustrated by Reynold Ruffins

A Cinderella Story which takes place in the Spice Islands, Indonesia
Damura endures the scorn and abuse from a stepmother.  When she loses her sarong in the river, a crocodile retrieves it and thus begins a special relationship between the two.  Little does Damura realize that her kindness and respect that day will save her life in the near future.
A very unique Cinderella story with an interesting twist.
I appreciated Ms. Sierra's Folklore Note in the background.
-Borrowed from the library.

Tales from Africa retold by Kathleen Arnold*

My boys absolutely love this book!  We have been reading a tale in the mornings (2-3 days /week) for a couple of months now.  I plan to buy this book since they like it so much, and I have to return it to the library!
Short, traditional African tales -entertaining, amusing.
Some of the stories end in a somewhat shocking manner! Justice is often served-unabashedly!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library (but on my list to buy so we can finish it and enjoy again!).
We are on pg. 86.

Basho and the River Stones by Tim Myers illustrated by Oki S. Han*

Although Mr. Myers created this story from his own imagination about Matsuo Basho, he took some elements from folklore.  Matsuo Basho, a Japanese poet, made the the hokku (haiku) into the beautiful art form it is today.
Basho lives near the Fuka River where a cherry tree produces an abundance of cherries.  Being generous, he agrees to share the cherries with the local foxes.  Over time, however, the foxes became greedy, especially one fox.  He uses his magic to trick Basho.  The deception, however, back fires and, the fox and Basho learn to respect one another.
A sweet, fun book!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning illustrated by Kate Greenaway

Beautiful Victorian illustrations
The format and word choice make this poem a bit difficult to understand, but once we started reading, we found the rhythm.  A glossary in the back defines some of the old-fashion words.
This poem shares how the town of Hamelin was over run with rats and the consequences of the leadership not paying the Pied Piper.
The topic may freak some kids out.
-Borrowed from the library.

Anansi the Spider by Gerald McDermott*

Award winner- Caldecott Honor Book

The people of Ghana love sharing the story about Kwaku Anansi the spider and his six sons.  Each son has a special gift and utilizes his gift to save his father when he is in danger.

A very fun, creative story!

Both of my boys read this book to themselves during our study of Ancient Africa.

It reminds me of The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop (text to text connections)-we own this book plus The Seven Chinese Brothers.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.