I am the author of two folktales in addition to several other fiction stories for children and an early childhood educator. I taught kindergarten and first grade for over twenty years. As part of our state standards, we must do a yearly unit of study on folktales. Folktales deliver universal messages to children in a non-didactic way. We can use them to address issues that young children face while also using them as resources to teach students about faraway places, customs and cultures. Folktales are in integral part of an early childhood education and it’s a unit of study that I always looked forward to. Immersing myself in them was the catalyst for recreating my own.
By Annemarie Riley Guertin, Helena Pérez García
"Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves is a timeless story about kindness and why the fir, spruce, and juniper trees don't lose their leaves in winter, with its beautiful art and unforgettable characters (Cardinal, Jack Frost, and the Frost Queen), this tale will warm readers' hearts." - Starred Review
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By Pete Seeger, Michael Hays
This book has been a class favorite for many years. I always use this book when opening our folktale unit of study. The children are enamored by the storyline and by the musical component embedded in the text. They love to sing the song that accompanies the story.
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By Demi
Oh, this book is one of my all-time favorites. This amazing folktale has such a powerful message about telling the truth and being true to who you are. I cannot say enough good things about this text. I have read this story every single year and it is one that my students have asked that I re-read-which doesn’t happen all that often. The storyline, the art, and the message make this folktale one of the best out there.
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By James Bruchac, Joseph Bruchac, Jose Aruego
I love this Native American folktale because it is a lesser-known one, and its message is appropriate for young children. Chipmunk, the main character, learns a great lesson about bragging. Folktales are an excellent resource for teaching children lessons without being preachy. This one has messages about kindness, bragging, and friendship. The illustrations are amazing too!
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By Tomie dePaola
This book is a classic. Strega Nona—"Grandma Witch"— leaves town for a few days leaving a curious Big Anthony alone to watch over her house and her magical pasta pot. Big Anthony decides to try one of Strega Nona’s spells to make pasta, but it has a disastrous outcome because he didn’t listen to instructions. Anthony learns the importance of listening carefully and following directions- a lesson that children of all ages could certainly relate to!
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By Stephanie Campisi, Madalina Andronic
This is a stunning, beautifully illustrated Russian folktale. I love that folktales come from all over the world and that I can share these beautiful stories with my students. It introduces them to customs and cultures they may otherwise not get to experience. In this one, a great white oak gifts an old man a branch imbued with magic. The old man takes the branch and carves five matryoshka dolls, “each smaller than the last.” The wooden dolls come to life bringing the old man and his wife (who are childless) endless joy. Who doesn’t love a tale about love and happiness?
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