Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection
by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada
Atheneum. Simon & Schuster
Book overview: Once upon a time, in a land far away…
These stories have journeyed far—over mountains, deserts, and oceans—carried by the wind, passed on to us by our ancestors. Now they have found their way to you.
A sly fox, a bird of a thousand colors, a magical set of bagpipes, and an audacious young girl… A mixture of popular tales and literary lore, this anthology celebrates Hispanic culture and its many roots –Indigenous, African, Arab, Hebrew, and Spanish.
F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada have retold twelve beloved stories that embody the lively spirit and the rich heritage of Latino people.
This unforgettable collection is highlighted by the work of four leading Latino artists: Felipe Dávalos, Viví Escrivá, Susan Guevara and Leyla Torres.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Kirkus Reviews Best Books
A Parent’s Choice Recommended Book
Best Books of the Year, Notable Books for a Global Society – American Library Association
Best Folklore in Best Books of the Year, Nick Jr. Magazine
Featured Book of the Month, Colorín Colorado Website, American Federation of Teachers
List of Best Books for 2006, New York Public Library
The introduction to this delightful collection explains clearly how stories develop and change over time; in fact, the two storytellers heard most of these amusing tales when they were children and have retold them many times since in their own unique styles. … Children will relish their humor, especially if read aloud, and teens will also enjoy this lively presentation. Traditional story beginnings and endings are provided in Spanish and translated into English … . Make room on your shelves for this excellent book. ~ School Library Journal
The authors celebrate Hispanic culture and its many roots–indigenous, African, Spanish, Arab, Hebrew–assembling tales from as far afield as Spain and Idaho, and showing how the tales have transformed and influenced one another, and even how Ada and Campoy have changed them. … The spacious book design will work well for both independent reading and reading aloud, and each story is illustrated with one or more full-page pictures in styles that match the stories–from busy and filled to bursting to light and airy. ~ Booklist
An illustrated collection of lively stories – reflecting elements of Spanish, Arabic, Celtic, African, Jewish, and Mexican roots – retold by the dynamic Ada and Campoy duo. … The selections hold universal appeal, employing themes common to many folklore collections. Accompanying the entries are captivating illustrations from four outstanding artists, each using his/her unique artistic style to capture the reader’s attention. The authors’ historical knowledge of the stories is evident in the notes that introduce this volume. ~ Reseñas/Book Reviews Berkeley Public Library
I have gone into the studio to begin recording what is most likely to be called “More Second-hand Tales.” I know, amazingly original, isn’t it? For those who saw me over this summer, you might remember me telling the story ‘The Goat from the Hills and Mountains.” This tale was new to me this year and I have fallen in love with it. It is based on an Hispanic tale I found in a marvelous book called TALES OUR ABUELITAS TOLD by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada, published by Atheneum. I could not find an original source for the story, or any other version of it, so I approached the authors for permission to continue telling the tale and also for permission to record it, on this soon-to-be-made second CD. After a few emails with both writers I have permission to continue to tell the story AND record my version of Alma Flor Ada’s version of this story which appears in the book. The book is wonderful, and there are many other great stories in there. If you are looking for a holiday gift to give someone this coming winter season, be it Christmas, Chanukah, Quanza, or any other holiday, or birthday even, then look this book over. It is not a ‘dry’ folklore book, but a book filled with the life and vitality which makes Hispanic stories so wonderful. It is also illustrated in a style that captures the tales in a unique way that kids love. I know this as we have a copy of it at my library. Many thanks to Isabel and Alma for graciously allowing me to take this tale and put it on my second CD. ~ Simon Brooks
Add this book to your collection: Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection
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