A Loop of String: String Stories & String Stunts / Traditional & Original String Figures & Stories [Paperback]

Ruth Stotter (Author), Kevin Coffey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009

The history of string figures shows them to be an important accompaniment to stories and chants in many cultures, especially in Pacific Rim countries. ''A Loop of String'' carries on this tradition, providing  stories that accompany directions for making string figures. In addition, Stotter includes string stunts and tricks that have been passed on in the oral tradition for hundreds of years. This how-to book for all ages is a valuable contribution to the folk art of making string figures and will be cherished by teachers, librarians, storytellers, summer camp counselors, and, of course, children. It also contains many original string stories. A loop of string is easy to travel with, affordable, and provides hours of creativity and fun. ''A Loop of String'' won Best How To Book at the 2010 Beach Book Festival Competition in Hollywood, California.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Perhaps many of us have, as children, made string cat's cradles. In perusing Ruth Stotter's wonderful and intriguing book I have learned that string art is, indeed, an amazing art form, and even more importantly, a wonderful way by which to tell stories. I am truly amazed at the variety of string forms and related stories that she has collected and researched. From the well-known 'Cat's Cradle' to 'The Prodigal Frog,' which takes nine feet of string to perform, there are 16 other string figures ranging from the simple to the more challenging that will no doubt delight children and adults. There are also three string stunts, a string joke, and a string game. Some of the stories, e.g. 'Cutting the Finger,' use the same basic string figure movements with only minimal variation. This device increases the string teller's repertoire considerably! Anyone familiar with Ruth Stotter will know that she is highly organized. The string figure diagrams are clearly defined and large enough for ease of following. The accompanying stories, many written by Ruth, are blocked out for easy viewing as are the sources for each figure and story. Specific directions guide the performer through each movement. The novice String Art Performer might want to become familiar with Ruth's 'Terminology and Basic Moves' guide before experimenting with a story form. In today's visually oriented world, string art supplies an added dimension to storytelling. Ruth Stotter has provided us with an excellent, clear, and concise guide to this art. She knows and practices the art. Like Professor A.C. Haddon (1855-1940) who said, ''You can travel anywhere with a smile and piece of string,'' she has found this to be absolutely true. She has traveled with string on five continents! We can travel with her vicariously by savoring, ingesting, and applying the fascinating art at which she excels! --Reviewed by Gwendolyn Jones, Garden State Storytellers' League

About the Author

Ruth Stotter, folklorist, storyteller, author and teacher travels the world with origami paper, a loop of string, and stories. She has performed and taught storytelling workshops on five continents.

Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Regent Press; First edition (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587901706
• ISBN-13: 978-1587901706
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,171,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars String Theory - according to Ruth!, October 4, 2011

By 

Jackie Baldwin - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Loop of String: String Stories & String Stunts / Traditional & Original String Figures & Stories (Paperback)

Ruth Stotter has written another fascinating book - A Loop of String. This time she investigates the use of string figures, designs and games from around the world - figures that accompany stories, sometimes during the telling and other times preceding or following the story. Especially helpful are the clear illustrations. Also included is historical information about the development of string figures. The stories offer oppotunities to interact with an audience. Many are written by Ruth in her chatty, light-hearted style. Others are myths and legends collected from many cultures. Some figures are tricky and fun. "Cheating the Hangman" allows us to escape a noose around our neck. This is one of my favorite kinds of books because in addition to the string figures and stories, Ruth includes information on basic terminology and moves, where to find DVD and VHS string figure information, purchase strings and links to websites that feature string figure art. A Loop of String is a must have for storytellers, teachers, librarians, parents and grandparents who want to bring something new into the stories they tell others. It's a book that enriches, educates and entertains - all at the same time.

Reviewed by Jackie Baldwin, Story Lovers World, www.story-lovers.com