Grade 4-10-In this series title, Crossley-Holland has collected 34 tales spanning 6 continents. The stories are diverse not only in terms of origin, but also in their style and content. They include classics such as "The Tongue-cut Sparrow" (Japan) and "Vasilissa the Fair" (Russia), as well as more contemporary selections like "One Night in Paradise" (Italy). While many of these stories will be familiar, such as "The Forty Thieves" (Iran) and "Zlateh the Goat" (Poland), a greater number, such as "The Bones of Djulung" (South Seas), are not as likely to have been encountered by young readers. The compiler's introduction is a bit heavy-handed as he drives home the point that collections such as this emphasize both our differences and our similarities. Also, the locale headings are not clearly marked; there is no indication that the stories have switched continents until readers glance at the headings two or three pages into the tales. Black-and-white line drawings are sprinkled throughout. This anthology would be most useful for libraries in need of culturally diverse folktales or where the series is popular.
Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
"Once upon a time what happened did happen, and if it had not happened this story would never have been told," begins the wonderful Romanian story about Stan Bolovan and his 100 children. There are stories that are slyly funny, such as Brer Rabbit's not getting the better of God in "Hankering for a Long Tail" or mysterious, such as the Welsh "Three Blows." The 40 thieves of Ali Baba are here, along with the sober "Magic Mirror" of Africa, and a tragically romantic Zuni story, with echoes of Orpheus and Eurydice. The stories have their origins listed in footnotes, and are enlivened with black-and-white illustrations; the language is properly cadenced, and occasionally sings. Sections cover the world: Asia and India, the Near and Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, Central and South America, and North America. The book ends with a marvelous little storytelling trope, "And then, Bhurrah!" Libraries probably can't have too many of these collections. GraceAnne A. DeCandido
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