Review by Booklist Review
Although some of the stories here were also featured in The Lion Book of Wisdom Stories from around the World (2009), this more compact book has additional selections. The attractive volume compiles 28 global tales, some lighthearted, others dramatic and poignant. In the Ghana/West Indian Spider Learns a Lesson, Anansi wants the world's wisdom for himself, but he comes to appreciate sharing; in Poor Little Rich Girl, from Poland, a spoiled but lonely merchant's daughter learns the rewards of generosity and compassion. Other retellings include Axe Porridge, a Russian variation of Stone Soup ; Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes ; and a suspenseful, slightly edgy Sioux legend about a family's unexpectedly perilous journey. Vibrant, intricately patterned illustrations incorporate exotic and fanciful elements, and the prose intersperses lively touches, including sound effects. Though the stories often feature cautionary and moral elements the consequences of greed or vanity; the value of resourcefulness they're more thoughtful than overbearing. There are a few inconsistencies, including in the identification of tale origins, and the book lacks supporting material, but it is overall a useful addition to collections of international stories and tales..--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Joslin (The Lion Book of Best-Loved Prayers) retells 28 stories from around the world, collected for "entertainment, inspiration, and subtle reproof." Readers may recognize some plots and characters-such as the emperor whose new clothes were no clothes at all-and enjoy less familiar figures, such as the little rich girl from Poland, who had everything she wanted except friends to play with her. These stories are told in straightforward prose; some, such as "The Story That Grew," feel truncated, but others, such as "The Boastful Turtle," trust readers to discover the moral, which is pleasant work. Balit (The Adventures of Odysseus) illustrates every page; purples, greens, and yellow-golds combine in rich, textured designs, reminiscent of cloisonne jewelry or pottery and fittingly folkloric in tone. Parents will enjoy reading these stories aloud, and children will absorb lessons about wisdom, told with kindness, humor, and simplicity. Instructive but not didactic tales, fables, and legends that teach by vivid example are the rule in this collection. Ages 7-9. (May) ? (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 5-A collection of 28 tales from around the world. Readers will delight in some familiar stories ("Under the Banyan Tree," "The Emperor's New Clothes") as well as some lesser-known stories ("Why the Wasp Can't Make Honey"). Some of them lose effectiveness because of their brevity while others are well rounded. The anthology is a great read-aloud to younger audiences, while older children will enjoy reading it themselves. Balit's stylized illustrations retain a folk-art look and reference the origins of each selection through clothing and landscapes. Overall, this is a solid addition.-Tiffany O'Leary, Mount Saint Mary College, NY (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
