New Tales for Old: Folktales As Literary Fictions for Young Adults

by Anna E. Altmann, Gail de Vos

Overview

The timeless themes and versatility of folk tales have helped them survive and flourish over centuries, taking on myriad forms-short story, picture book, film, poem, and novel. This book gathers together a number of popular folktale reworkings (not just simple retellings) in a variety of genres that appeal to young adults. After discussing the nature of folktales, their cultural context, and the characteristics that make them attractive to young adults, de Vos and Altmann interpret specific tales (e.g., The Frog Prince, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin), describing their many reworkings and offering suggestions for using the material with young adults.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781563084478
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/15/1999
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.88(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

GAIL DE VOS is a storyteller and consultant in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the author of a number of books on storytelling.

ANNA E. ALTMANN is Associate Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton.

Editorial Reviews

An extensive study of the nature of folktale precedes chapters on "Cinderella," "The Frog King," "Hansel and Gretel," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Rapunzel," "Rumpelstiltskin," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Snow White." The in-depth analysis of each tale includes the Aarne-Thompson Tale Type and Motifs (explained in the introduction); a history of the tale; critical interpretations; reworkings based on the tale (novels, short stories, films, poetry, picture books, etc.); Internet resources; follow-up classroom exercises; and an extensive bibliography. The text is accessible, the organization of the material is excellent, and the quotations from other scholars illustrate concepts well. There is a wealth of information on which to base a study unit. The works of Jack Zipes and Peter and Iona Opie cover some of the same topics, yet de Vos and Altmann provide a feast for fans of folklore and for storytellers. An excellent resource.-Judy Sokoll, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

School Library Journal

Canadian storyteller de Vos and Altmann (library and information studies, U. of Alberta-Edmonton) explain how eight traditional European folktales can be rescued from the saccharine versions for children to speak to adolescents about such issues as leaving home, finding oneself, and adult sexuality. Among them are Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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