African Legends, Myths, and Folktales for Readers Theatre
This collection of scripts begins with an introduction that defines readers theatre as "a storytelling device that stimulates the imagination and promotesallof the language arts." The four pages of presentation suggestions that follow include script preparation, starting out, staging, props, delivery and post-presentation. Brief notes on the 20 African countries from which the 22 folktales are taken, as well as a map of Africa, serve as a good backdrop for the scripts. The plays themselves are grouped by region. Many of them, based on traditional folklore, are pourquoi stories, trickster tales, and stories that have a moral. Each one includes a drawing of the stage indicating where the characters and narrators are positioned, as well as any movements on stage. The selections range from 3 to 6 pages in length, with 4 to 10 performers. For the most part, the stories, some simpler than others, are short, lively, and often humorous. The volume ends with source notes for each legend; a listing of readers theatre books; contact information for the Institute for Readers Theatre, and a list of additional resources for teachers and librarians. A valuable volume for teachers working with students in grades 4–8.—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.