Book details
Tales of Tricksters (Books of Nine Lives Book 1)
Description
A collection of short folktales from Europe, Asia, and the United States recounts the antics of Reynard the fox, Rabbit, and other versions of the weak but clever character who outsmarts the bully. Nine short traditional and very entertaining folktales about tricksters, featuring selections from around the world. Trickster is a marvelous, mischievous, and energetic character found in various disguises in folktales from all around the world. Tricksters do things that are both foolish and wise, often at the same time. Best of all, a trickster's adventures can inspire us to use our own cleverness to outsmart the bullies of the world while creating some fun along the way. The nine tricksters in this volume come from all points of the globe, Persia ('The Smuggler'), India ('The Alligator and the Jackal'), Poland ('The Court Jester'), and France ('Reynard and the Fisherman').
Age
8-11
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
77 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Storytelling: Pleasant DeSpain is known for his ability to weave captivating stories that keep readers engaged from start to finish. 'Tales of Tricksters' offers a collection of tales that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a delightful read for people of all ages.
- Cultural Enrichment: The book explores trickster tales from various cultures around the world, providing readers with a rich tapestry of folklore and mythology. This exposure to different traditions and narratives is a wonderful way to gain insight into the values, humor, and wisdom of diverse societies.
- Moral Lessons: Trickster tales often come with underlying moral lessons that can be both instructive and reflective. Readers will find valuable life lessons about human nature, consequences, and the importance of wit and intelligence, which are conveyed through the mischievous and clever characters in the stories.
- Literary Appreciation: 'Tales of Tricksters' is part of the 'Books of Nine Lives' series, which is well-regarded for its contribution to children's literature. Reading the first book in the series can foster an appreciation for storytelling and potentially lead to an interest in exploring more of the series and other works by Pleasant DeSpain.