Customer Reviews

The Adventures of Mouse Deer: Tales of Indonesia and Malaysia (or Indonesian and Malaysian Folktales)

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The Adventures of Mouse Deer: Tales of Indonesia and Malaysia is a retelling of some of South Asia's most popular folklore, about Mouse Deer, a creature who is small but brave and cunning - in many ways similar to the trickster fox of other mythologies, or Brer Rabbit of more contemporary children's literature. Simply narrated so that young people who are just graduating from picturebooks can easily follow the text, The Adventures of Mouse Deer is witty and steeped with the power of myth, as well as high-spirited determination. Black-and-white illustrations intersperse the text in this delightful introduction to an enduring legend.

This book is a gold mine of resources for teachers! The Adventures of Mouse Deer has classic folktale characteristics which lend perfectly for teaching this genre. The entertaining storyline is highly motivating for the most reluctant reader. The simple, yet exciting plot make it perfect for practicing retelling, sequence, cause and effect. Because this is a folktale from Malaysia and Indonesia, readers have an authentic reason (and interest!) for research and practicing nonfiction reading strategies and atlas/map-reading. The book has three "stories" which are the perfect length for small group reading. The downloadable scripts from Mr. Shephard's website are ideal for the Fluency Station post Guided Reading Group.

Ingenious! I am thrilled with the storyline. I plan to use this book in teaching character education or the rainforest.