The Story About Ping, Flack & Wiese / Traditional Literature

Title: The Story About Ping

Author: Marjorie Flack
Illustrator: Kurt Wiese
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
Ping was an adventurous duck who lived on a boat on the Yangtze River. He liked his life on the riverboat just and liked his large family and his kind master. He didn't like to be the last in line to board the boat at night, because that duck got a loud spank. So Ping set out on his own to explore the fascinating world of life on the Yangtze River.

Illustrations:
This story is filled with lovely illustrations all in a sepia or yellow toned colors. Smith's illustrations capture the comedy of the story and help the reader to see things in a new point of view by showing Alexander's side. 

In the classroom:
This book is one of the best traditional children's books because of its spirited hero and portrayal of a distant land and way of life. Every child can sympathize with a dawdling duck who wants to avoid a spanking, and share his excitement and wonder as he sails down the river.

The Story of Ferdinand, Leaf & Lawson / Traditional Literature

Title: The Story of Ferdinand

Author: Munro Leaf
Illustrator: Robert Lawson
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: 
Ages: 2nd grade and up

Summary:
All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. And he does just that, until the day a bumblebee and some men from the Madrid bullfights took him away to fight in bull fights. However, Ferdinand didn't want to fight, he wanted to sit and smell the flowers. So, he did just that until the matador got fed up and they took him back home. 

Illustrations:
Lawson's detailed drawings are wonderful. They capture the spirit of the culture and set a mood for the story. His depictions of Ferdinand sitting beneath the tree create a vivid character without having to make the animals too cartoon like. 

In the classroom:
Readers of all ages will enjoy Ferdinand. He is a classic character with a huge personality. The story itself holds a clear message that its important to be who you are. He never tries to be anything he is not and neither should the students. 

Twas The Night Before Christmas, Moore & Kirk / Traditional Literature

Title: Twas The Night Before Christmas

Author: Clement C. Moore
Illustrator: Daniel Kirk
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
This classic christmas tale is well known as the Santa Clause story. It follows a family as they lay down for bed until the father hears something outside. He rushes to the window to check it out. When he does he sees Santa and his sleigh with all the reindeer waiting. Santa appears inside and gives them their presents before getting back in his sleigh and moving on to the next house. 

Illustrations:

Daniel Kirk illustrates this classic tale with his own style. A sweet doll like Santa in modern clothing like a hat and scarf greet the readers. He portrays the tale with colorful vibrant drawings and accent coloring on important words throughout the story. 

In the classroom:
 This would be a wonderful seasonal book to have in the classroom. Most students have probably heard the story from family or friends. It would be nice to have them be able to read it for themselves in the classroom. 

The Mud Pony, Cohen & Begay / Traditional Literature

Title: The Mud Pony

Author(Retold): Caron Lee Cohen
Illustrator: Shonto Begay
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Ages: 2nd grade and up

Summary:
This is the story of a young Native American boy who makes a pony from the mud around his home because he does not have a real one. One day while the boy is away, his parents cnnot find him and leave him alone. The boy is so sad and he dreams that his pony comes to life so he won't be alone. The mud pony does come to life and helps him find his parents. Then there is a war and the boy and the pony become great warriors and eventually the boy becomes chief. When he does not need the pony anymore, she is washed away except for the mud from which he made her as a sign that she will always be with him. 

Illustrations:
This book is beautifully illustrated by Shonto Begay. Shonto uses native american artwork to bring this story to life with the watercolor like paintings. The visuals help readers to better understand what is happening in the folk tale as sometimes it can be hard to follow. 

In the classroom:
Readers will enjoy reading this folk tale. It is a moving story about the Mother Earth spirit guiding the life of a future chief with his wish of a mud pony. It contains many elements of native american culture and is entertaining to read. 

Mole's Hill, Ehlert / Traditional Literature

Title: Mole's Hill: A Woodland Tale

Author/Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
Journey with Mole as she discovers, with the help of her friends, that there is more to life than one can see at first glance and that our dreams are within reach if we believe.

Illustrations:

These beautiful collage style art illustrations reflect the hispanic culture that the book is based upon. The art is beautiful and follows Mole as she encounters her friends and her dreams.

In the classroom:
A fun and entertaining book full of hope and inspiration. This book would be great for students in the classroom. They can encounter another culture's folklore, see a new art style, and experience the message that our dreams are always within reach. 

The Legend of the Poinsettia, dePaola / Traditional Literature

Title: The Legend of the Poinsettia

Author(Reteller)/Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Ages: 1st Grade and up

Summary:
In Mexico, the poinsettia is called 'flor de la Nochebuenao' or 'flower of the Holy Night'. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the beautiful red stars lighting up the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. 

Illustrations:
His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

In the classroom:
This is a beautiful and fun seasonal book for a classroom. This is based on the Mexican legend of the poinsettia and how it came to blossom. It is a story of sacrifice and kindness. This is great for young readers to be entertaining but to also teach them a valuable lesson about giving. 

Paul Bunyan, Kellogg / Traditional Literature

Title: Paul Bunyan

Author(Reteller)/Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: N/A
Ages: 1st grade and up

Summary:
A traditional folk tale about an American legend, Paul Bunyan. It is said that he was the biggest baby ever to be born in Maine.As he grew up big and strong he began to help shape this country. He dug up all the great lakes. He dug out the grand canyon and formed all the mountains. He did all this with the help of his trusty blue ox, Babe. 

Illustrations:
Kellogg creates a joyful and dun illustration pattern throughout the book. He really helps to set the mood of the story by using such fun color and texture in his illustrations that bring the characters to life.

In the classroom:
Paul Bunyan is a classic american story. It is a part of the history and culture of the United States of America. It is good for students to be exposed to folktales, especially ones that reflect the country that they live in.