Traditional Literature

 

Dembicki, Matt, and Joseph Bruchac. Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection. Chicago Review Press, 2021.

Dembicki's purpose of Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection was to provide a new way for readers to experience these stories, with an added visual element. A note from the editor states, " I hope this book serves as a bridge for readers to learn more about the original people of this land and to foster a greater appreciation and understanding among all inhabitants." The range of tales do meet this purpose, by working with a group that has the authority to tell these tales - indigenous storytellers. There is significant evidence of the scholarship and attention to authenticity. You can easily find background information about each person that provided a story, including where they first heard it and how they adapted it to this book (if at all). There is a clear attempt to preserve the originality of these stories. The tales sound as if they are being told, and they grab your attention quickly! While this book is geared towards older children (12+), adults will certainly enjoy reading this, especially adults that enjoy graphic novels! Age appropriate language is used throughout the book. While I think this book is better suited for independent reading, it certainly can be read aloud to a group. The images are smaller, being a graphic novel, which is why I would lean more towards this being a book for reading independently.There are 21 tales, mostly with an animal as the lead trickster character. The tales are very nature forward. There is a lot of sound effects and some humor, which helps keep the attention of young readers. I appreciate that the stories are clearly defined through their art style. There is a clear separation of one story to the next. That being said, you can certainly read this continuously, with the theme of a trickster being carried throughout. Being a graphic novel, the images are a standout feature throughout the read. The artwork is expressive, colorful, and reflective of the story's origin. They are an integral part of the story, driving the plot and bringing you deeper in to the story. This was a wonderful read, and I enjoyed learning more about the stories of the people that have lived in my country for centuries!

Campoy, F. Isabel, et al. Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006.

Upon opening this book, you are greeted with a short welcome section, telling you the history of these tales and a short, age appropriate history of Hispanic culture, so you have a great grounding point for these tales you are about to encounter. The purpose of this collection is clearly stated, bringing you stories from previous generations and teaching you more about the people who created the tale and the journey it traveled to end up in your book! The tales are carefully curated and meet the purpose laid out. The re-teller has related these stories to one another through the short history lesson provided throughout the book. There is clear attention to authenticity with complete sources and background information following each tale. You can easily find more information about each tale. The tales sound as if they are being told, and you can easily picture your abuelita telling you these tales. The stories were selected for a younger reader (5+), however it has a nostalgic feel throughout, which would draw in older readers wanting to reminisce about their childhood. The selections are appropriate for the intended audience. This book would be a great choice for reading aloud with a group. There are 12 stories included, many being magical an whimsical! The stories are broken up as if each tale is its own chapter. The organization does help you clearly move from one tale to the next without confusion. While you can read this continuously, I would recommend reading them independently, especially when reading to a younger audience. The illustrations are vibrant, eye catching, and an enjoyable addition to the stories! They are reflective of the tales' origins. I do not consider them to be an integral part of the story, however the certainly enhance the tale being told. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book of tales, and I appreciated the history micro-lessons that were dispersed throughout!