String Stories: A Creative, Hands-On Approach for Engaging Children in Literature (Literature and Reading Motivation) [Paperback]

Belinda Holbrook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1586830635 | ISBN-13: 978-1586830632

This unique and truly special approach to storytelling uses string figures to tell a story. Some of the stories are traditional ones that have been collected over the years. Some are adapted from old tales to become more interesting to current listeners, and some use traditional string figures to tell new, contemporary stories. Learn about the history of string figures, and receive basic string figure instructions, as well as tips for performing string figure stories. Each of the 19 stories is accompanied by step-by-step illustrated instructions for the string figures.

. Add some spice to storytime by incorporating string figures!

. Use this unique and interesting learning opportunity to appeal to students in grades K-8

. Illustrated instructions accompany each of the 19 stories

. The only book in publication devoted solely to telling string stories

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

A fine collection of stories that use the ancient art of string figures to tell the tales. Holbrook opens by explaining how this art has crossed over many cultures from the Greeks in A.D. 100 to Native peoples such as the Navajo, Apache, and Inuit. This first chapter also covers basic string instruction for the uninitiated. Even though the best way to learn is from a personal demonstration, instructions follow guidelines developed by the International String Figure Association and are clearly illustrated, step-by-step, with black-and-white photos. The 19 stories are arranged by level of difficulty, from the easiest (two lines) to the most complicated, "Jack and the Beanstalk," which needs to be memorized exactly. A unique and comprehensive collection for storytellers.
Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Here is a collection of 19 stories that will renew any reader's interest in string stories and prompt him to get some string and begin learning the string figures. Too bad a piece of string can't come with the book! The stories have been collected from around the world and duly credited, including common stories such as 'The Yam Thief' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk,' which is told in rhyme. Stories are arranged from those with few figures to perform to those with numerous figures to create. Readers learn of the International String Figure Association and their activities along with historical information related to string figures. Illustrations of hands accompany the instructions for each step of a figure. Terms related to the placement of the strings on the fingers are included and must be learned to understand directions. Even the type of string is suggested. Get ready to practice, practice, practice! Bibliography. Index. List of figures. Recommended."

-

Library Media Connection

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Linworth (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586830635
• ISBN-13: 978-1586830632
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,991,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to spend time with your kids!, July 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: String Stories: A Creative, Hands-On Approach for Engaging Children in Literature (Literature and Reading Motivation) (Paperback)

Our four year old daughter loves doing the tricks. She always asks us to get involved and it is a great way to spend time together. Great family fun!

4.0 out of 5 stars For stories's lovers, March 10, 2003

By 

Myriam Namolaru (Haifa, ISRAEL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: String Stories: A Creative, Hands-On Approach for Engaging Children in Literature (Literature and Reading Motivation) (Paperback)

In this book you have 19 stories:

"African Bat" by Valerie Baadh, "Anansi the Spider" as told by Barbara Schutzgruber, "Balloon" by Dorothy Gruber,"Cat and the Mice,an Aesop's fable" (as suggested by Gwyn Calvetti)(a string series collected by Axel Reichert),"Clown King" , "a cat's cradle tale" and "Orange Mouse" by Audrey Small, "Going Fishing" by Brian Cox, "Jack and the Beanstalk",David Novak's Rhyme and String version, "Leprechaun", "Mother and the Ogre" and "Park" by Crystal Brown, "Mountains and the sun or moon" a figure collected by Dave Titus and "Women, Two Old" as shared by Dave Titus, "Mouse Family" by Norma J. Livo, "Old Man Coyote and the Little Rabbit" by Esther Martinez, "Sardines", A traditional tale, "Saving the Princess" by Philip Noble with additions by Udo Engelhardt (a figure collected by A. Johnston Abraham), "Tallow Dips",a traditional tale, "Totanguak" by Margareth Read MacDonald.

There are also string figures without stories:My Cow (original string series by Axel Reichert);Crocodile eyes, Cut your hand, Navaho Drum (a figure collected by Will Wirt), Jacob's ladder or the Bridge (with Eiffel Tower,Witch's hat and Grandpa's pants), Sewing machine (a figure collected by H.R. Haefelfinger), Skunk, Striped (a figure collected by Raul Martinez-Crovetto) and Witch's broom.

The photos are not always clear but the explanations are excellents. I very found of "Saving the Princess" by Philip Noble and "Jack and the Beanstalk" by David Novak.Don't miss this book! The book is not hardcover.