How & Why Stories (World Storytelling from August House)
Grade 4-8-A collection of 25 pourquoi tales intended for young storytellers. The authors address readers' possible feelings of apprehension, but encourage them to at least try storytelling-for most satisfying rewards. The selections span the globe, with general notes identifying their origins and more detailed source notes provided in the bibliography. The format is consistent: the story is presented, followed by a brief explanation of the scientific process that the tale explains, and some helpful tips for telling it. Suggestions include tone of voice and specific gestures to use. The majority of the stories deal with explaining certain animal behaviors, but other subjects are included. The book concludes with general tips on selecting, learning, and telling a story. Each tale has at least one black-and-white line drawing. Similar in scope to Ann Pellowski's The Storytelling Handbook (S & S, 1995), which has more information about getting involved with storytelling, as well as selection and preparation, Hamilton and Weiss's book provides more assistance for telling the individual tales included. A useful book for anyone eager to learn the storytelling process.Elizabeth Maggio, Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, CACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.