On August 22, 1846, a British man named William G. Thorns published an article in a London magazine named “Atheneum”. In this article he mentioned the term folklore for the very first time. So, every August 22, people all over the world celebrate the culture and importance of these stories and art forms.
You’re probably wondering what exactly folklore is. Well, folklore is defined as oral stories passed down from generation to generation that teach wisdom and values. So, if you want to celebrate folklore on August 22 this year, I’m here to give you some book suggestions! Also, feel free to celebrate folklore all year long. It is truly fascinating!
Children’s Books:
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin (2017), 40 pages. (eBook on Libby) (Movie on Hoopla) (Read Along Movie on Hoopla)
This picture book reimagines the phases of the moon as a mother bakes a Big Moon Cookie and, despite Mama’s request to wait, Little Star begins nibbling at it every night.
Folktales for Fearless Girls: The Stories We Were Never Told by Myriam Sayalero (2020), 212 pages.
A collection of folktales from around the world in which girls and women save the day!
The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes by Duncan Tonatiuh (2016), 4o pages. (eBook on Libby) (eAudiobook on Hoopla) (eBook on Hoopla) (Movie on Hoopla) (Read Along Movie on Hoopla)
Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico’s cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. Theemperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side.
Moon Rope: A Peruvian Folktale = Un Lazo a La Luna : Una Leyenda Peruana by Lois Ehlert (1992), 40 pages.
An adaptation of the Peruvian folktale in which Fox and Mole try to climb to the moon on a rope woven of grass.
Party Croc! A Folktale from Zimbabwe by Margaret Read MacDonald (2015), 32 pages. (eBook on Hoopla)
In this retelling of a Shona folktale from Zimbabwe, a girl promises a crocodile he can come to a party in exchange for a favor, but since crocodiles aren’t allowed in the village, she doesn’t expect she’ll have to keep the promise.
Jack and the Beanstalk: An English Folktale by Melanie Joyce (2019), (Board Book).
This board book presents the classic story of the boy who trades the family cow for some magic beans that produce a beanstalk reaching into the sky, and leading Jack to the home of a giant.
Adult Books:
Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola (2021), 290 pages.
In her debut collection, internationally acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola retells the most beautiful love stories from history and mythology with incredible new detail and vivacity. Focusing on the magical folktales of West Africa, Babalola also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places.
The Women We Become : Myths, Folktales, and Stories About Growing Older by Ann G. Thomas (1997), 288 pages.
In many cultures, women are revered as they grow older. Their wisdom, insight, and strengths are recognized as treasures to be shared. Our Western culture is different—as women age they are frequently ignored and cast aside by a youth-oriented society. For millions of women facing midlife, the prospect of getting older is intimidating, bleak, and anything but a source of power. Now, in this magical new book, author Ann Thomas uses myths, folktales, and stories to help women get in touch with their spiritual selves as they move into and through the second half of life.
A Treasury of North American Folk-tales Edited by Catherine Peck and Introduction by Charles Johnson (1998), 380 pages.
This book’s contents range from Native American love stories to Davy Crockett’s account of killing a bear with a knife, from Brer Rabbit’s mischief to Johnny Appleseed’s good deeds, from hilarious yarns about mosquitoes to eerie encounters with the devil.
Favorite Folktales from Around the World Edited by Jane Yolen (1986), 498 pages.
A one volume collection of 160 tales from over 40 cultures and traditions, containing both classics and lesser known tales.
I hope you enjoy these suggestions of folktales from all around the world!
Have fun reading!
Ashley Martin, Children’s Librarian
