Folktales - tales of the folk - are crucial, living, vital stories found worldwide that are testaments to personal heritage and cultural identity. Originating from those who lived with Nature as guide, parent, friend and provider, folktales communicate kinship and intimacy between humans, animals and the land, an eternally intricate bond born from love and respect. Specific details, locales, characters and flavors may vary, but the intent of folklore is universal: to awaken, entertain, instruct and balm the hearts of listeners of all ages. Tricksters and heroes, animal and human, unselfishly perform and endure many hapless adventures so that we may choose to join or avoid their fates as we walk our own paths. Answering the why, how and when questions children ask and wonder, folktales are joyous gifts from the elders helping us on our way.
Folktales offer a wonderful, fun way for children to learn about animals, places and people. When studying a particular theme or unit, search for that subject and see what folktales surface to enjoy. Below are a few tales to get you started in addition to authors who create original stories or share retellings of classic and lesser known but magical folktales. I have also included Tall Tales, embellished folktales focused on the heroic accomplishments of real, and sometimes, imagined peoples.
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The People Could Fly: The Picture Book by Virginia Hamilton
illus by Leo and Dianne Dillon
