Story Bank Collection of 50 Literary Favorites

Story Bank Compiled by: Shaye Howell Collection of 50 Story Favorites Including: Fairy Tales Myths Legends Folk Tales/Tall Tales & other Literary Stories Note: Call numbers, pictures of books, and cultural group represented included when possible. FRIT 7090 Dr. Jones July 2010

The Three Billy Goats Gruff Norwegian Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: : EG Number of pages: 32 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is the traditional story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff that I remember my grandmother telling me as a child. The three goats have to cross the bridge with the troll living beneath. Personal Response : I love this story. As a child, it was one of my favorites. I remember wanting to give them all names because they were all named Gruff with no name of their own. Weird, that I remember that, and I called the little one Billy. This story would be a great collection to add to the other stories of 3’s. It could even be turned into a math lesson.

The Gingerbread Boy Modern Day, New York City Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EE Number of pages: 31 Age Level: 3-7 Personal Response : I have to say that I really like this version. For some reason this was never one of my favorites as a child. I remember my cousin begging for it while I had other preferences. However, I liked how he ran through the city streets and he bumps into construction workers. I thought then that it would be cool to compare both versions in the classroom and talk about how the people dress now compared to the past like the setting of the original story. Summary : This is a modern day version of the classic story. The boy made of ginger pops out of the oven and runs amuck through New York City. His encounters are somewhat different than the usual story which are more New York-like.

Gingerbread Baby Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EB Number of pages: 31 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a story much like the Gingerbread Boy that we all know, and the pictures are set back in time like the first time it was shared with me. The story has a different ending as a boy builds the baby a home. Personal Response: The story was a “sweet” story that allowed a child to be the hero, which is a great ending in any story, in my opinion. Of course, the illustrations were extraordinary because this is a book by Jan Brett. A person can lost in the borders of her books. I really liked the book.

Goldilocks and The Three Bears Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EB Number of pages: 27 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is the traditional story that I heard as a child. The three bears go for a walk while their porridge cools. While they are away Goldilocks comes to visit their home and explores their porridge, chairs, and beds. Sleeping in the wee bear’s bed is where she is found. Upon waking to the bears, she jumps out of the bed and out the nearby window, never to be seen again. Brief Summary: I do not have a copy of this book in my own collection, but I do remember having it in the Little Golden Books I had as a child. Maybe that is where I got the idea that Goldilocks was full of blonde little curls, but regardless I missed that in the illustrations. Jan Brett is one of my favorite authors and she has the most wonderful pictures imaginable, but I missed the curls. Otherwise, her illustrations were beautiful and I loved her version of the story.

Somebody and the Three Blairs Fractured Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: Not available… Number of pages: 24 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a fractured version about a modern day family by the name of Blair. They decide to go for a walk after breakfast. While they are away a little bear enters the house and snoops around. He is the one that falls asleep in the little boy’s bed. Brief Summary: I like this story. It’s a very cute switch. I would love to use this book to compare with the original. I love using Venn Diagrams for this type of activity. I want to add this book to my own collection.

Goldilocks and the Three Hares Fractured Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 30 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a fractured version where hares take the place of bears. The story is told with the usual elements of the original, but there are many twists, including an entirely separate story going on with a family of mice living beneath them. Personal Response: This is a book that is hard fro me to decide how I feel about it. I think you have to read it more than once to be able to enjoy it because there is too much going on in the story. Along with the story is being told, the characters all have conversations going on in speech balloons. In addition to this, mice living below them are also having conversations in speech balloons. It’s a very busy book that I don’t like to read aloud. I let the kids read it on their own.

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig Fractured Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: JUV 398.24 Number of pages:30 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a fairy tale from the perspective of wolf fans. The Big Bad Pig is after the little wolves up until the very end, destroying everything in sight, as you might imagine. However, there is a happy ending that has them all smelling the flowers, literally. Personal Response: This is another favorite of mine. I love fractured fairy tales because I love to see how many different versions can be created out of the stories we all know. From a kid’s perspective, this is a great ending because they learn to live together and get along with each other. That’s a great lesson to share in my second grade classroom.

The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs Fractured Fairy Tale Source: Library Call Number: ES Number of pages:28Age Level: 3-8 Brief Summary: This version is from the wolf’s perspective who doesn’t tell it like the pigs, at all. He claims he was only out borrowing sugar, and his huffing and puffing was simply sneezing. Personal Response: This is another favorite of mine. I love how the wolf sounds so convincing until the end of he story when he is seen in a jail cell asking the reader for a cup of sugar. Too cute! I love sharing this book with my pig unit. Comparing all of the pigs and wolf books is such fun! Scieska, J,Smith, L. (1989). The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs . New York, NY: Viking Penguin.

The Wolf Who Cried Boy Fractured Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 26 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This version is a twist with the wolf crying boy, rather than the boy crying wolf. It had been a long time since his parents had boy to eat, and the little wolf badly wanted to taste one so he played a trick on his parents. Like the similar story, he cried boy until they grew tired with disbelief. One day the boy scouts came to camp in the woods nearby their home, and as you can imagine his parents did not believe him. Personal Response: I have now found my favorite illustrator. Tim Raglin featured the most incredible pages of color I have ever seen. The wolves were just too cute! They are that cutesy but real look that I love so much. The color is perfect. I love this book! The story is hilarious as the tables are turned from boy to wolf as he does the crying, and the pictures make it that much better. I love the use of black!

There's a Wolf at The Door Fairy Tale Collection ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EA Number of pages: 6 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a collection of stories in a big book. The first story is The Three Little Pigs that I call the long version. It goes through the apple picking and the fair visit. This leads into the next story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf and then there are even more stories. Personal Response: In my opinion, children’s books are all about the illustrations, and this book aced the ideas. It’s a huge book, as in size, not width. The stories are all about 6 pages with small pictures that have speech balloons. It is wonderful, and I love how one story leads into the next. What a great idea! I definitely want to add this book to my own personal collection! Also includes… The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Little Red Riding Hood The Wolf and the Seven Little Goslings

The Ugly Duckling A Literary Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J398.2 A Number of pages: 37 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : A swan egg misplaced into a duck’s nest. When all of the eggs hatch, the little duck is obviously larger and different from the ducklings, which causes all of the other animals to start calling him “the ugly duckling.” The duckling leaves his family and experiences constant ostracism, but he is also growing into an adult and he soon discovers he is the most beautiful bird of all . Personal Response : I have loved this story since I was a child. I always hated how the other animals treated the poor little guy. This is probably where some of my love and adoration for critters originated from. I have always been angered by the way animals are treated, insisting that they have feelings, too. I share it with my students each year in an effort to promote kindness. We recently tried to save a duckling left behind by its mother and siblings. It lived for a few days and then died. I guess the mother may have known it was not well, but now this story has even more meaning to me. In Memory of Sweet Little Quinn

Little Red Riding Hood A Newfangled Prairie Tale ,[object Object],Source: My Number of pages: 33 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a version that had the grandmother outsmarting the wolf. The grandmother is not the poor defenseless woman like in the usual stories. The ending is quite different as well. The wolf sort of works off his penance. Personal Response : I really like this story. There is added extraneous information that creates humor along the way which is a different take on the story. I like how the grandmother can take care of herself in this story instead of being an “old” woman that can’t fend for herself. With all of the twists in the story there is still a lesson to be learned which is always a teachable moment.

Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story From China Chinese Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: 398.2 Number of pages: 26 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood, as the mother goes out to visit the grandmother (PoPo) and the children stay behind. The sneaky wolf watches the mother leave the house and dresses as the grandmother and convinces the children to let him in. The children take care of him. Personal Response: I really liked this Chinese version of the fairy tale. The change up of the remarks from the children and the responses of the wolf were neat. I’m sure Social Services would have a field day with the children being left at home alone overnight…but I liked the way the children were the heroes of the story. This made the story seem like a wonderful piece of children’s literature.

Little Red (Late 18 th Century Version) Fractured Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: 398.2 Number of pages: 26 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood, which brings about danger and suspense with the dark setting of the late 18 th century. Ginger Ale and apples, which were popular in this time period were used to bring about a luster of European culture. There is a unique, but very fitting, ending. Personal Response: I was awed by the illustrations, and totally sucked in by the history included in the tale. The powder and wigs were the most wonderful touch. I can’t believe how much history was crammed into one tale. I find it fascinating that the author researched to bring about this product. This is a wonderful story to add to the many variations for compare and contrast activities.

The Wolf's Story: What Really Happened to Little Red Riding Hood A Fractured Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: : JUV 398.2 ROSS Number of pages: 28 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a story from the wolf’s perspective. He does odd jobs for the granny and as she bumps her head one day, so he shoves her into her wardrobe and tries to fool Little Red. It’s very close to the original version with twists and turns and excuses. Summary : I’ve read this story several times just in comparison to the other one, but I had a thought as I read it this time. I could use this story to teach my students how twisting the truth is still being dishonest. Most children will not lie to you because they have been taught it’s bad, but they will twist what happened if it means they do not get into trouble. I will have another use for this book now.

Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood French Acadia “Cajun” Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EA Number of pages: 29 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a hilarious version of Little Red Riding Hood with the twang of that familiar French-speaking voice rolling off your tongue. Petite Rouge makes her way through the swamp to see her grandmother with a bid bad gator after her. Personal Response : I absolutely love this book! At first, I thought I might not be able to read it with the twang, but it got easier and then only laughing interfered as I read it with my li’l one. This is now my favorite version of the story. I want to add it to my own collection of books. This could be a great way to introduce some French words, and there’s even a glossary at the front of the book. With the glossary and a relaxed tongue it’s the best!

Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella Fairy Tale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: 398.2 Number of pages: 41 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a story about Cendrillon. She is in love with a rich man, so her godmother uses her magic wand to give her the gift of love allowing her to go to the ball. The magic wears off and she loses a slipper. The man of her dreams comes to find her. It’s very much like the original with the French words and culture. Personal Response : I really like this story, and the pictures are beautiful. It actually makes me think of my Gram. I wish she was here to share all these different versions with. Oh, how I use to beg her to tell me the story of Cinderella. I know she would love to see the various cultures I have enjoyed learning about with this story bank creation.

Chickerella A Fractured Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EA Number of pages: 31 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : Chickerella was mistreated by her stepmother forced to eat an odd diet that soon caused her to produce glass eggs. Her fairy Goosemother helps her attend the Fowl Bowl. When the magic wore off, she accidentally laid an egg while making her mad dash from the ball. The prince looks for her because he loved her clothes. She and her fairy Goosemother along with the Prince start a fashion line they call Chickerella. Personal Response : This book is a riot! A child of any age can enjoy it, but the older the child , I think the better they would understand the humor and sarcasm. It reminded me of watching a movie, like Shrek, for example. It is filled with comments and underlying humor that adults understand. The pictures are funny, too. The chickens are stuffed mannequins with clay heads hanging from wires with accessories added, and they are hanging from wires.

Little Inchkin A Japanese Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EF Number of pages: 29 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : A Japanese couple pray to Buddha and ask him for a child. As a result, Buddha gives them a boy that is the size of a bean pod and they name the boy Inchkin. Inchkin winds up cleaning the palace for a prince. Inchkin is given a special assignment to protect the princess on her journey to an ancient temple, and after defeating two demons, he grows to full size and marries the princess as a mighty samurai warrior. Personal Response : I think it was a great story that teaches the lesson of appreciating what you have and making the best of it and good things will come to you. This would be great for Character Ed. lessons.

Snoring Beauty A Fractured Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EA Number of pages: 41 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : The princess is turned into a sleeping dragon that one day will be awakened by a quince. Years later after suitors try all sorts of ideas to wake the dragon with quince, a prince by the name of “Quince” arrives in town. Personal Response : I’m a fan of a story with a prince, so I have to say this is a great story. I love the illustrations and the nonsense that the fairies play a part of for the story. It’s also very cute at the end how she still snores. It actually reminds me of Shrek. It has that beauty within a creature kind-of feel.

Peeping Beauty A Fractured Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EA Number of pages: 29 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a story about a hen that wants to be a ballerina. A fox comes along claiming to be a talent scout. Ignoring the other hens warnings of the fox’s intentions she goes with him to perform. He dresses as the prince to accompany her on stage and tells her that the finale will be a kiss. The hen uses her amazing graceful moves to assist in putting him in his place. Personal Response : I had read this book a long time ago, and I had totally forgot ten how funny it was. I really like this book. It’s just a cute story to include with the other fractured fairy tales.

Dimity Dumpty: The Story of Humpty’s Little Sister A Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EG Number of pages: 37 Age Level: 3-7 Summar y: This is a fairy tale about Humpty’s little sister. She is somewhat of a hero because she is the one that saves Humpty when he takes his great fall. She uses her flute to make a brace for his leg and wraps it with her skirt, and then she runs to the circus where her family performs to get help. Personal Response: This was the cutest story! It was so sweet to see siblings showing affection for one another. The illustrations were hysterical. I loved their egg carton wagon they traveled in and their hen that pulled them. My five year-old even pointed out that they had pictures up in their home of their pet hen. We spent as much time on the pictures as we did the text. I can’t wait to share this story with my students! We could even create our own egg-folks and carton wagons.

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo A Fairytale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: ES Number of pages: 45 Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This is a fairy tale about Little Red Hen’s grandson. Rooster decides to make strawberry shortcake with the help of Turtle, Iguana, and Potbellied Pig. None of his friends can cook, but Rooster helps them. Personal Response : This is the cutest story! It reminds me of one of the stories in our reading series, Hedgehog Bakes a Cake. I’ve never read this one until now, and I plan to use it along with our story this year. It also has counting in it, and the borders have details about the cooking. There are many lessons that can be taught from this cute little story.

[object Object],Borreguita and the Coyote Mexican Folk Tale Source: Library Call Number: J 398.24 AARD Number of pages: 26 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: A little lamb is constantly pestered by a coyote. She devises many plans to escape his intentions of eating her, but he always comes back. Finally, she schemes a plan that will make him never want to bother her again. Personal Response: I had never heard this story before, but I fell in love with it the first time I read it. I love the “cat and mouse” scenarios throughout the story, and the silly tricks are so comical. One of my favorite components to this story is the onomatopoeia. It makes the story come to life when it is incorporated. I was so amused by this story, it’s the first listed in my Story Bank ,and it’s the one I selected for my storytelling experience. It’s my brand new favorite!

The Rooster’s Antlers Chinese Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J 398.24 KIMM Number of pages: 26 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: Dragon borrows Rooster’s antlers because he is embarrassed about his bald head. Rooster is happy to give them up knowing he is the most beautiful animal, regardless. However, when the Jade Emperor chooses before Rooster in line of the animals to represent the calendar, he wants his antlers back. Personal Response: This story was cute story to share because of how the situation has affected all of us before, especially when we were children. Rooster is kind enough to give up his antlers, but he is unhappy when Dragon was chosen for his beauty over the Rooster. He wanted them back. This reminds me of how children give away something and then after a while they want it back which always results in an issue. This story would be good to read to little ones to open up a discussion about sharing. It would be great to elaborate on the feelings of Rooster and Dragon with the students.

Arrow to the Sun Pueblo Indian Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J 398.24 KIMM Number of pages: 26 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a story about a boy who lives with his father and wants nothing more than to find his father. He sets out on a journey all alone to find him. In the process he takes the shape of many things and finally soars into the sky to the sun to meet his father where he has to prove himself. Personal Response: It almost seems prejudice or rude for me to say that I did not care for the book, but it’s just not one that I prefer. The pictures are vibrant and very geometrical, but the story just seems plain. I can’t describe it any other way than I just do not care for it. Maybe it is the absence of some critters that usually get me all worked up.

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EF Number of pages: 30 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: Mr. McGreely builds all types of fences to prevent three mischievous little bunnies from getting into his garden, but they continue to find a way in. He decides to share instead of keeping his carrots to himself. Personal Response: I thought this was a cute story. I loved how the critters kept outsmarting the farmer. Poor, guy! I saw online where this story was used with a math lesson using math facts. I plan to check into that. It might be useful in the classroom with a math lesson. I also like the ending to the story. It teaches Mr. McGreely not to be so greedy. It also sounds like a “catchy” writing possibility.

Tops & Bottoms Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: ES Number of pages: 31 Age Level: 3-7 Culture Group Represented: Brief Summary: This is a story about lazy bear and a hare that wanted to plant food on his land. In an effort to convince the bear to allow it, the hare promised to give bear a portion of the plant. Each time the hare promised the bear a part that was not edible. Personal Response: This story is great to use with a unit on plants. It can be used to teach the kids about vegetables, and how we can eat different parts of the plants. It is also a story that can be used with the Little Red Hen when discussing how everyone should pitch in, instead of only one doing all of the work and then everyone benefiting.

Abiyoyo Based on a South African Lullaby and Folktale ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 41 Age Level: 3-7 Summary: A young boy and his father, a magician, are forced to leave town because the townspeople get angry at the tricks the magician is performing. However, when the giant Abiyoyo comes to town, the son uses his ukelele and his father uses his magic wand to get rid of Abiyoyo. Then the townspeople all show their gratitude and accept them again. Personal Response: This is a great story. It has suspense and drama and magic that kids love. I like the idea that the kid gets a part in being the hero. This is always great to emphasize when reading it aloud to children. This is also another great experience with culture. The author wrote the story because his children begged for stories at night. The idea actually originated from a song.

The Cat and the Mouse English Folktale ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 41 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This is a very repetitive short story about a little mouse losing his tail to a cat. The cat won’t give it back until he gets some milk from a cow fro him. When he goes to the cow to get milk, the cow wants something, and this continues as he constantly seeks to get his tail back. Personal Response: This story is a great tool to teach fluency because of the repetition of the words in the story. It’s also great for sequencing the order of events. It’s just a simple story with a predictable ending. It’s not a story that I would rave about, partly because my five-year old was not impressed. However, there are some great ways of using it when teaching. Picture of the cover not available…

How Chipmunk Got His Stripes Native American Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: JUV 398.24 BRUC Number of pages: 28 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: A little brown squirrel tricks a bear, challenging him to keep the sun from shining. When the sun rises, the squirrel teases the bear. The bear swats him with his huge paw which created huge stripes along his back and tail. That’s how the chipmunk got his stripes. Personal Response : I really liked this story. I could use it along with one of the stories in our reading series. It’s a Henry and Mudge story that mentions a chipmunk and one of the lessons include comparing and contrasting a chipmunk and a squirrel. This story would be perfect for pointing out the stripes. I can’t wait to use it!

How Rabbit Tricked Otter Native American (Cherokee) Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: JUV 398.2 ROSS Number of pages: Chapter 2, 6 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: The animals were going to have a dance for the animal with the best coat. A mischievous rabbit tricked Otter into removing his coat and snatched it to attend the dance. Bear discovered it wasn’t otter at all. He swatted at rabbit, snatching his tail off, except for the little puff of cotton they still have today. Personal Response: I liked this story, and I especially liked the part when Rabbit was found out. First of all, it would be a good lesson to teach right from wrong, and it would also be a way to teach how wrongs usually have a way of being revealed, like in the story. Another idea that struck me is to use this story for Reader’s Theatre. The students could act out the story to express the feelings.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears West African American Folktale ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: : JUV 398.2 ROSS Number of pages: 287 Age Level: 3-7 Summary: A mosquito tells a lie to an iguana to upset him which causes one mishap after another until a monkey accidentally kills a baby owl. This intern prevents the mother owl from waking the sun. When they figure out that it’s the mosquito that started it all, they are angry with him. So, according to the tale when a mosquito is buzzing around your ear he is asking if we are still angry with him. Personal Response: I have to admit that the first time I ever heard this story I was concerned about sharing it because of the monkey killing the owl, but then I found out that other teachers were sharing it. The kids are really not that bothered by the baby owl being killed and are more interested in the tale itself. Maybe it helps that they know its not real.

One-Minute Greek Myths Myth ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J292.13 Number of pages: Age Level: 3-8 Summary: This book contains a compilation of many Greek myths told in very short summative stories. It includes Apollo, Hercules , and other stories like Medusa and Perseus . Picture of the cover not available… Personal Response: This book is amazing! It contains short stories of some of the greatest mythology stories we all know. This is a great way to share the stories with children because let’s be honest…it’s hard for an adult to understand all of the information in the original context. This way children can enjoy the stories, too. I really like the book.

African Myths Myth ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J299.6 Number of pages: Age Level: 3-8 Summary: This is a collection of African myths. It represents a culture that we know very little about except what we hear. Until the nineteenth century, nothing was written. It is mostly a culture of storytelling. It gives an explanation of how the world was created according to them and shares many stories and trickster tales. Personal Response: I had no idea there were any other mythology stories out there than Greek mythology. I learned a lot from my research on myths. This particular book was very unfamiliar to me except I did recognize Anansi because I have read those stories. It was nice to read about the origin and to learn so much about these types of myths. What a cultural experience!

Mesoamerican Myths Mexico and Central America Myths ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J299.7 Number of pages: Age Level:7+ Summary: This is a collection of short stories based on the Mayan mythology and cultures of the Toltec, Olmec, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations. Descriptions of the Gods are presented along with stories about them. The stories are short and to the point. It’s a whole other version unlike Greek mythology. Personal Response: To be honest I had never heard of these myths, and I chose to read this book for that reason. It’s just what it sounds like. It’s based on their beliefs and stories that reinforce some of their beliefs. It’s very informative about their culture. It gives explanations of sacrifice and their opinion of hell. It’s written like comic strip with speech balloons to include the thoughts of the people, and it even includes talking animals. I really enjoyed reading it.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow English Legend ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: J292.13 Number of pages: Age Level:7+ Summary: Ichabod Crane, a poor schoolteacher, falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy farmer. He attends a party at her house. At the party, Brom Bones, his rival, is entertaining some others with a story about a headless horseman. Strangely, as Crane heads home he sees such a horseman. Then he is hit in the head. The next morning he is nowhere to be found. Personal Response: I am quite fond of this story, possibly because I am particularly fond of horror movies. I also have a particular interest in Johnny Depp which made the movie that much better to watch. I like the dark, suspenseful, creepy feel of it. It’s the kind of horror story that goes back to when things had less color and creepy loomed when you heard a scary story. It also involves the love trio that baits the reader.

The Banshee Irish Legend ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EB Number of pages: 29 Age Level:3-7 Summary: A little boy hears wailing noises while he is in bed half asleep and he thinks it is the Banshee that everyone talks about He takes his peacock feather as an offering to make her go away goes to find her. Instead of finding the banshee, he finds an old tin bucket. As he turns to leave the bucket he hears the wailing again. He sticks the feather into the bucket and runs back to the house telling her that it is for her. Personal Response: This is a story that every kid can relate to. At some time or other, I think most kids have been afraid while nestled deep in the covers of their bed. I thin it’s interesting that the little boy thought to give something in exchange for the scary thing to go away. It’s a very fun story! Maybe I can tell it in the dark with a flashlight around Halloween.

The Monkey’s Paw Short Story Legend ,[object Object],Brief Summary: This is a short story that can be summed up by saying, “be careful what you wish for.” A man has three wishes from the monkey’s paw. His first wish is fulfilled after a tragic accident. The second wish is made to try to right the first, and the final wish is one that the listener determines. Age Level: Young Adult Culture Group Represented: Personal Response: I found this story and read it because I remembered it from my childhood. I am a horror movie buff, so of course, I liked it. I love the exciting feeling when your hair stands up on the nape of your neck. I t was full of suspense even though it was short. I can still remember when I heard it the first time, one Halloween night sitting around a campfire. How fitting!

The Korean Cinderella Literary Story ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number: EC Number of pages: 40Age Level: 3-7 Summary : This story is much like the one we are all familiar with. The poor girl has a wicked stepmother that makes her do chores before the crack of dawn, and there are critters that assist her. She loses her straw sandal and it is fished out of the stream. The handsome magistrate comes calling to her house and chooses her to wed. Summary : This story is full of culture. The animals that assist her and the chores she is asked to do are parts of her culture. It ends with the sparrows saying, “Ewha! Ewha!” This means Pear Blossom which is her name. It was very neat to read the story I know so well but for it to be filled with things that aren’t the ordinary for us.

Pink and Say Literary Story (somewhere in Georgia during the war between the states) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 45 Age Level: Recommended for grades 4th and up Summary: This is based on a true story about a man named Say getting shot and being saved by a man of color, as they would say back in the time of the war between the states. Pink, the man of color, took him back to his house where his mom took care of him. A bond was created between them, one like brothers. They were later separated at Andersonville where Say was imprisoned and Pink was hung. Personal Response: This is a great story to use when teaching about the war between the states. I’m not sure it has a place being taught in my social studies curriculum, but it could certainly show how two people of different races can still be friends. There is a part in the book that is very touching where Say begs to touch his hand once more, almost as if he knows it will be the last. It’s heart wrenching.

Some Birthday Literary Story (Realistic Fiction) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 26 Age Level: recommended for grades 4th and up Summary: This is a story about a little girl who can’t wait to celebrate her birthday, and she thinks her father has forgotten. Her father suggests they going to the lake to take a picture of the monster that supposedly lives there, and then they return home where her grandmother has her surprise birthday party waiting. Personal Response: I loved this story because the little girl’s parents are divorced , which I can totally relate to. Also, it’s very endearing how she looks out for her father, who is color-blind. It’s just a very sweet story about family and the things you do together as a family.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle Literary Story ( Modern Fantasy) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: Chapter Book Age Level: 7+ Brief Summary: This is a story about a mouse befriending a boy. The mouse wants badly to have a life with more excitement which he gets when the boy’s mother discovers a mouse at the Inn. He and the boy wind up at odds when he loses the motorcycle. In the end the mouse saves the day. Personal Response: I really like this story. It’s one of the chapter books that I sometimes read to my class. Of course, for them it’s a little tiring after a while, but I read small portions and I purposely stop at a suspenseful moment so that the next day they can hardly wait to read more. I point out the fact that they are friends even with their differences which is great for our multi-cultural classrooms.

Where The Wild Things Are Literary Story ( Modern Fantasy) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: Chapter Book Age Level: 7+ Brief Summary: This is a story about a kid, while dressed in a wolf suit, wreaks havoc throughout the house until he is finally sent to his room, without his dinner. While he’s in his room, it transforms into forest, and then he is provided with a boat to sail away to where the wild things are. Personal Response: I had to include this book because it is my favorite children’s book and always has been. I must say that I was disappointed in the movie even though I’m not a critic on movies. I usually find the good in them when everyone else dislikes them. My problem with it was that I couldn’t enjoy it as an adult. It’s my all-time favorite and the wild things were awesome to look at, but the story was barely interesting enough for my five year-old. I still love the story, and it’s the first book I share with my class each year. It’s the way I extend the idea that we can make the year an adventure together. It all comes together naturally with the vines that fall from my ceiling and my classroom full of critters.

The Chocolate Wolf Literary Story ( Modern Fantasy) ,[object Object],Source: Library Call Number:EC Number of pages: 29 Age Level: 3-7 Brief Summary: This story is about a chocolate wolf made in a candy store that nobody wants, but when he discovers he has been made to eat he runs away. He is nearly eaten by a family of rats, but he is saved by a dog. The boy that owns the dog discovers him and they live happily together. Personal Response: I chose this book because it was about a wolf, and I thought it would go nicely with the other books that I have selected fro this story bank. I have tried to have all of the books have some sort of connectedness about them. I really liked this story. It’s ironic how the little boy that saves the wolf is on the porch listening to his mother read him fairy tales. It has a very “sweet” ending.

Going Home Literary Story (Realistic Fcition) ,[object Object],Source: Library Call number: EB Number of pages: 29 Age Level: 4-8 Brief Summary: This is a story about a family living in California going home to their roots of Mexico. The children are not as excited as the parents, but they soon learn a lot about the other culture that makes them who they are. Personal Response: I really enjoyed reading this book. It has that same feel of going home to Gram’s house that I use to feel except this is a whole other array of experiences because they get to be “in” the other culture with sheep crossing the street and burros walking with people carrying their belongings. The children get to speak English for their family members, and they watch as their parents come to life in celebration of being home.

Yum! Literary Story (Fantasy) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 24 Age Level: 3-7 Personal Response: I like this story. It’s a cute addition to my pig books. It ends with the father pig dropping a pot on his head which reminds me of the pot of boiling water at the end of one of the versions of The Three Little Pigs. I like it because it has so many teachable possibilities. It includes contractions, onomatopoeia, and quotation marks. It also includes different things kids want to be when they grow up. It’s a cute story! Brief Summary : This is another story that involves a pig and a wolf. The setting takes place outside the little pig’s window. They are having a conversation about what the wolf could be and he continues to think of pigs…

Pigsty Literary Story (Modern Fantasy) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: 24 Age Level: 3-7 Personal Response: I love this book, and it does teach a lesson, even though I really just like the story. This book doesn’t have the power to influence my own children. They would be fine living in the barn with the pigs. The best part is when he has to clean up after the pigs because it’s his room. This is a lesson in itself. I am dealing with that right now with my youngest. I remind him that what he and his friends destroy, they have to clean up. This works with the classroom, too. They have to clean up after each other in centers, lunch, activities, etc. Summary : This is a wonderful lesson about keeping a clean room. The little boy has such a messy room that pigs start appearing as they feel right at home in the “pigsty” his room is becoming.

Charlotte’s Web Literary Story (Modern fantasy) ,[object Object],Source: My collection Number of pages: Chapter Book Age Level: 7+ Personal Response: I have always loved this book. I love animals and have a hard time with the realism that they are butchered for food, anyway. Too much thinking about it sends me on a vegan diet for a few weeks. I connected with Fern instantly. I love the friendship that Wilbur and Charlotte share, and I love how the adults in the story are affected by animals. Brief Summary : Charlotte is a spider that befriends a lonely pig, Wilbur. Wilbur was the runt of the litter and is taken care of by a little girl named Fern. Fern makes sure he is not slaughtered, and Charlotte makes it known that Wilbur is a special pig.

Story Bank Collection of 50 Literary Favorites

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Story Bank Collection of 50 Literary Favorites

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