The Lion Storyteller Book of Animal Tales

October 24, 2011
Hartman vibrantly retells and updates 36 animal fables hailing from ancient Greece, Africa, Japan, India, and other world cultures. The selections include trickster, morality, and animal-origin tales—such as “The Tortoise and the Fox,” “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” and “How the Rabbit Lost Its Tail”—along with a few original stories. Nagy’s bright and friendly illustrations mimic Hartman’s descriptive but accessible tone. A thoughtful collection that might inspire some readers to create animal stories of their own. Ages 5–7.

November 1, 2011

K-Gr 3-This British import is a reissue of the author's 2002 title, with new illustrations. The 33 retellings include Aesop's fables, trickster tales, and animal stories from around the world, as well as three original tales. The storyteller's voice is evident in these chatty retellings, which tend to go on longer than necessary and are loaded with exclamation points. The diversity of countries represented is commendable, but the selections are all told in the same breezy manner and lack any cultural flavor. Hartman's original stories include one about a dragon, the only tale about a mythical beast. Nagy's colorful illustrations of cute animals and smiling humans are squeezed in around the wordy text. Storytelling tips and source notes are included. While it is helpful to have so many animal stories in one volume, this book is supplemental at best.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

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