Tom Thumb (The Oryx Multicultural Folktale Series) [Paperback]

Margaret Read MacDonald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0897747283 | ISBN-13: 978-0897747288

The famous tale from the Brothers Grimm included in this book is only one of the stories from around the world about a very diminutive but resourceful character trying to earn his or her place in the world. This international collection of stories revolves around a surprisingly frequent theme: an extremely tiny child who starts out in life either unwanted or humorously accident prone. A quest begins, often initiated by one of these accidents or by a spectacular event that could only befall someone two inches tall. The character must use wit, heroics, and even trickery, to survive a series of adventures that are sometimes exciting--sometimes harrowing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Not only are the stories fascinating, but despite their origins, each one will be familiar to everyone, for they contain elements of the individual tales that we are most familiar with. The books are efficient in explaining where the stories come from and their mutations over time and land....a section, entitled, "Essays, Activities and Resources," which encourage a fuller understanding of a world which is both foreign and familiar. These books are definitely an asset to multicultural literature and makes the comprehension of other cultures that much more accessible.”–MultiCultural Education

“Teachers, librarians, storytellers and readers will want to read this book.”–Territorial Tattler

“This is still another excellent addition to a Series which has maintained a high professional quality for students of comparative folklore, storytellers, teachers and librarians, who will all find this a most useful addition to their collections.”–Come-All-Ye

“Teachers seem to be looking for prepackaged sources that do a lot of the work for them. This series fits that criteria well....Two more worthwhile titles cutting corners for those of us looking for variants and for educators looking for alternative teaching tools.”–Off-the-Loom

About the Author

MARGARET READ MACDONALD is a children's librarian with the King County Library System, Seattle, Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Oryx Press (April 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897747283
• ISBN-13: 978-0897747288
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,678,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald travels the world telling stories....always on the lookout for more great folktales to share. She shapes these found stories into tellable tales which anyone can share with ease. Filling her folktale collections with these delightful tales, she creates perfect read alouds for you and your family. MRM wants everyone to experience the joy of a beautifully told tale. She hopes you will read them a few times...then put down the book...put down the electronic device...and just TELL the story to your children!

Some of her favorite folktales she expands into picture books...hopefully with delightfully readable language while will roll right out of your mouth. Share them with your children and then....act the tales out! Revisit the tales by TELLING them! At bedtime. While on the road. Fill your pockets with great stories to share wherever you go.

Joining her Folklore Ph.D. with her 30 plus years as a children's librarian, Margaret brings folktales to life in playful, lilting language which should delight both reader and listener.

See her performance schedule at: www.margaretreadmaconald.com