Everyone loves a good story, and fables from around the world are a great way learn about other cultures. As part of the Read around the World Summer Reading Series I am sharing a collection of multicultural tales called Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales To Tell.
This collection of stories from around the world ranges from the serious to the humorous, featuring clever and foolish folk of all ages, supernatural creatures, hearty humor, low levels of violence, and deftly delivered messages. DeSpain has included something for everyone-trickster stories about Coyote and Anansi, Creation stories, and tales of fools. Each selection is short (two to three pages) and is accompanied by a full-page, black-and-white, pen-and-ink illustration. The use of the same simple style from one tale to another tends to blur cultural distinctions, however, so that a story from Korea sounds much the same as one from North America.
I have many fond memories of listening to Aesop’s fables and the many tales of Brer Rabbit. As time went on, I was introduced to the stories of Anansi the trickster spider and other stories from around the world. These stories provide a great way to learn about cultures around the world without ever leaving the comfort of home.
I hope you share fun stories from far away places with your family and friends including Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales To Tell.
Do you like learning about new or far away places? Please share your favorite stories for others to enjoy.
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