Fancy learning a bit more about fairy tales, myths & legends
before our amazing extravaganza on this year’s World Book Day after half term. Look
no further as here are a selection of books containing those stories for you to explore. You
might even get some inspiration for your costume, and you will certainly be
prepared when it comes to the World Book Day library quiz!
Grimm tales for young and old by Philip Pullman.
This is a collection of 53 Western fairy tales taken from the
Brothers Grimm Collection. Each fairy tale is followed by an explanation
including its source and similar stories that exist like it. Philip
Pullman explains what he thinks of the story and why he has changed it, if
indeed he has. If you want to find out how Disney has changed the original fairy tales –
read this book!
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (book
or audiobook)
Charlie is attending his estranged father's funeral when he
discovers that not only was his father the god Anansi (a
trickster and the master of mischief and social disorder) but also,
he has a long-lost brother called Spider. His life takes a turn for the worst
as Spider comes to visit and wreaks havoc firstly with his fiancée and then
with his job. Can the brothers work together to right the wrongs and save
lives? The story travels from London to Florida and to the Caribbean with some
weird mythical places in between. I loved this story especially as I listened
to our audiobook which was a BBC Radio 4 play complete with some very loud
sound effects!
African & Caribbean Folktales, Myths & Legends by Wendy
Shearer
This is a collection of stories from Africa and the Caribbean.
There are trickster tales, magic & mystery spirits, shapeshifters, and
legends galore, all enthused with warm sunshine and exotic fruits. My favourite
was the The Headless Dance which
is an origin story which explains what happened at the beginning of the world.
It involves Cuban music, dancing, and devils....and an ingenious idea mixing
all three!
Mythos by Stephen Fry (book or audiobook)
Ever wondered how the Greeks explained the beginning of the world and how all their gods came into being. This book and audiobook will answer all your questions and more! Lose yourself in the wonder of Greek myths in the author’s vivid retelling of these ancient classics. I learnt so much listening to this audiobook!
Enjoy!
Mrs Godden