Farmyard Tales from Far and Wide
Don’t be deceived by the adjective “farmyard.” This is a sophisticated collection of short stories for children, ages 4 and older. Cooling has retold in plain language five uncommon, and uncommonly clever, folk tales—plus two old favorites—that will captivate the young audience as well as the reader.
Favorites will likely include the eastern European story of “The Straw Ox,” which shows us a poor, tired husband, a poor, frustrated but ingenious wife and the very sticky solution that brings them magical wealth. In “Why Geese Don’t Wear Boots,” the moral of the story is delivered in the best Germanic tradition of a gaping jaw and puff of feathers. The “Right Thing to Do” is a wise and priceless fable from India and can be repeatedly made use of as a teaching vehicle. And the last story, “One by One” from Slovenia, is provocative and creepy because of its lack of an ending, but its prose and subject matter make it a perfect bedtime story. Moran’s illustrations are charming, varied and follow the stories carefully. This is a book that will get read again and again, story by story, to all the children in your family. Includes an interesting source reference.
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
