Tales of the Shimmering Sky: Ten Global Folktales with Activities (Williamson Tales Alive Books)
Grade 3-6.  Beautifully illustrated and organized, this collection of 10 folktales concerns the "one aspect of nature that is shared by (all) people...the sky." The themes include the wind, the seasons, colors, and weather, and they are explored through related historical, scientific, and geographic tidbits. In addition, activities and craft suggestions that correspond well with the elementary school curriculum are included. The easy-to-follow directions are clarified by simple illustrations. The stories are nicely retold with clear and descriptive language. Patterned borders based on designs familiar to the cultures from which the tales are taken surround the pages, and the full- and partial-page illustrations are brilliantly colored and appealing. The different elements of the book are brought together through an attractive layout and easy-to-read text type. Useful for teachers and accessible to children, this book would be an excellent addition to any library.?Sabrina L. Fraunfelter, Kings Glen Elementary School, Springfield, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.