Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
An Ocean Full of Stories
The latest in this wonderful series celebrating traditional tales from around the world, ‘An Ocean Full of Stories’ offers a wealth of water related folklore. Thoughtfully retold by Angela McAllister, the fifty stories have been gathered into six sections: Fishy Tales; Crossing the Water; Pools, Lakes and Rivers; Tricks and Trials; Oceans, Gods and Water Spirits; and Beside the Sea, Beneath the Waves.
The book holds an inspiring range of tales, including familiar favourites like Dionysus and the Pirates and The Fisherman and his Wife and those which are possibly less well-known such as Tambanokano or The Octopus and the Whale. There are trickster tales, pourquoi stories, fables and creation stories- something for everyone- and all inspired by the ocean.
Like the others in this series, this book is a real gift for teachers- or anyone working with children. For an assembly or a story time, they are perfect for enriching the curriculum, perhaps linked to a ‘watery’ topic, for discussing and above all, for enjoying. But this collection is also perfect for families to share and enjoy, discovering story telling traditions across the world.
Each story is expertly and carefully retold and accompanied by colourful, detailed illustrations. An absolute treat for everyone!
An Ocean Full of Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends from Around the World
Angela McAllister, illustrated by Sally Agar
Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711295896
You can read my review of ‘A World Full of Nature Stories’ here, ‘A World Full of Winter Stories’ here and ‘Once Upon a Hillside’ here.
