A World Full of Nature Stories
This is the ninth volume in this fabulous series by Angela McAllister and like its fellows, is sure to tempt a wealth of readers to explore the stories within. Gathered into seven sections, the theme of this collection of 50 folk tales and legends from around the world is nature in all its glory.
Each story is retold with great care and attention to detail, staying true to the original whilst making them accessible for a modern audience. Some of these tales are no doubt familiar- ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and ‘The Little Fir Tree’- but the collection casts its net wide, gathering stories from all over the world. Children will enjoy locating the country of origin for each story and will, no doubt, exclaim over the similarities between versions of folktales they know and those they discover here.
Many of these tales seek to explain natural phenomenon. The reader learns how lightning began in the Khasi story from India, how the sun was made according to some First Nation’s Australians and why the Giant of the Rain showers the Earth with tears in the story from Brazil. Many of the stories have a strong message about respecting, and living in harmony with, nature.
Perfect for dipping in and out of and sharing at home, this series is also invaluable in school. The range and variety of stories, their length, the care with which they are told, make them an excellent resource for guided reading, both for guided and independent sessions. Children love these books with their beautiful illustrations- in the case the work of Hannah Bess Ross- and wealth of storytelling delights. ‘A World Full of Nature Stories’ is also brilliant for story times, perhaps lending a touch of story to another area of the curriculum.
An absolute ‘must have’- like the whole series! Angela McAllister is my guest on the Bookshelf tomorrow -find out more about her and her work then!
A World Full of Nature Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends
Angela McAllister, illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross
Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711266452