Tajar Tales [Hardcover]

J. S. M. Ward (Author), Herman Lui Drucklieb (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

Treasured by children and storytellers for over 75 years, Tajar Tales has delighted many generations of children. First published in 1924, author Jane Shaw Ward created the stories about Tajar in a children's camp in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Retold in camps and family circles ever since, these delightful folktales remain rich in fantasy and imagination.The story takes place in a forest camp near the end of camping season. The whimsical Tajar is "something like a tiger, something like a jaguar, and something like a badger." He loves to dance in the moonlight, but must not be seen by the campers, because "if you see him once, you would forget what he looked like, but if you should see him twice you would forget to forget what he looked like and that would be quite fatal." His forest friends include charming old Madam Witch,who makes her home in a magic tree, and the Range Ranger who "ranges the ranges in that region" and is responsible for the forest and its creatures.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Some stories do not translate into print with the same grace and verve that they have when told orally. Tajar tales, which originated as spoken tales at a camp and were first published in 1924, fall into that class. They feature a creature said to be "something like a tiger, and something like a jaguar, and something like a badger," who definitely cannot stay out of trouble, plus an old witch and the authority figure, the Range Ranger, a vindictive character who metes out punishments in every chapter. There is a lot of nonsensical double talk that just doesn't work. The characters lack depth, and the plots wander aimlessly, only occasionally stumbling onto something interesting. The watercolor-washed ink illustrations have an old-fashioned quality that is very charming. The pages have plenty of white space, and the overall look is attractive. Tajar appears to be an engaging character. Too bad he doesn't get support from the text to prove it.
Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jane Shaw Ward entranced children of all ages from the Rocky Mountains to China, from Paris to California, with her unique and delightful Tajar Tales. By popular demand they were written down in the 1920's and they have delighted more than four generations of children. Miss Ward grew up in Colorado where the Tajar was born in a childrens camp. For two decades, Miss Ward worked in China with the YWCA. She then studied social work in Paris and in Pittsburgh. Before retiring, she was a member of the faculty of the School of Social Work at UCLA. A copy of the very first printing of The Tajar Tales can be found in the UCLA reference library. It was published in 1921 (without illustrations) in Shanghai, China, by Mrs. William Shaw Ward

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Classic Works (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883338018
• ISBN-13: 978-1883338015
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,265,460 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tajar and Teacups and the Range Ranger and More, July 16, 2002

By 

Nancy R. Edwards "restingrabbit" (Philomath, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tajar Tales (Hardcover)

This is a classic camp tale told each summer throughout the USA. At Clearwater Camp... it continues to be an annual event that campers and counselors looked forward to. Flying teacups and that wicked Tajar offer opportunities for the imagination to run wild and campers still initiate their own stories upon hearing the wonderful tale of this mythical animal. A story that can be enjoyed by one and all - this edition has wonderful illustrations that should not be missed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most imaginative kids book ever!, April 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tajar Tales (Hardcover)

I received a copy of Tajar Tales in 1967 when I was 9 years old. It was, and continues to be my favorite kids' book. I've read it to my own childrens' classes over the years. I am tickled to find that it is back in print!! Now MY copy (a first edition) can have a rest!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3 completely original stories to tell at summer camp., July 31, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Tajar Tales (Hardcover)

If you ever see a tajar once you forget what it looks like. But if you see a tajar twice you forget to forget what it looks like, which can be very dangerous.

First published in 1924, Tajar Tales are the completely original
adventuresof Tajar and the Range Ranger. Lucky summer campers have already heard these unique, funny (and not-at-all scarey) stories
told round the campfire by enlightened camp counselors.

If you are looking for something different, I recommend this book. ESPECIALLY for jaded, kids-of-the-world, who think they've seen and heard it all.