Barefoot Books- LadyD: Japan

Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts

Grandmother's Stories- Narrated by Olympia Dukakis

A beautiful Barefoot Books story that comes to mind is Grandmother's Stories. Here's a little bit about the book.

Grandmothers' Stories

Wise Woman Tales from Many Cultures

Appreciate the gifts of our elders with this collection of wise woman tales. The eight stories in this anthology are each from a different culture and illustrate the finest qualities of the strong women characters. Book with double CDs edition includes stories read by actress Olympia Dukakis.

Ages 7 and up
Retold By: Burleigh Muten
Illustrated By: Siân Bailey
Narrated By: Olympia Dukakis

About The Book:

You will find outstanding storytelling and beautiful artwork by Sian Bailey here. The messages in the book help children to listen to older and wiser people in their lives. Well written, diversity, multi cultural. The stories come from Spain, Germany, Japan, and Senegal to name a few.
With Olympia Dukakis' smooth retelling of many wonderful stories plus gorgeous detailed borders you're in for a quality treat with this selection. Don't you just love her voice?
Barefoot Books Market Place

You might also want to consider the companion book Grandfather Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain takes ancient stories and brings them to life in a style that is both accessible to modern readers and respectful of their origins.
You might want to engage in some "G Activities" on a rainy day! I found some good ones to do:
Mozi Esme
For fun, stop by and pick up some painting ideas for your children.
Painting Ideas
Also, learn the effects of salt water on watercolors:
Painting Lessons for Kids
Thanks for stopping by.
I hope you enjoy your stay at Barefoot Books-LadyD
Take off your shoes and go barefoot!

The Barefoot Book of Knights by John Matthews and Illustrator Giovanni Manna

Such a marvelous turn out we had at the Friday Market. I was pleased to see so many special Grandmother's shopping for books and puppets for their Grandchildren's Easter baskets!

To prepare for an upcoming event, I've already started making bean bags from soft, green corduroy. You know, it's a cotton-filling pile fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges.

Sewing with all different shades of green fabric for book bags reminded me of another Barefoot Book:

The Barefoot Book of Knights

Embark on medieval adventures with the seven stories in this multicultural, knightly collection. The stories emphasize the importance of bravery, cooperation, humor and recognition of weaknesses. Book with CD editions include stories read by actor Anthony Stewart Head.

Ages 8 and up
Retold By: John Matthews
John Matthews Website
Illustrated By: Giovanni Manna
Narrated By: Anthony Head

Wonderfully well written tales about Knights from seven different countries, all linked together by the story of Tom, the Page. As Tom learns the values and skills of the knights, he is mentored by Master William, who tells him the stories in this book. Each story is adventurous, clever and highlights the good values and chivalry of the knights.

Great art by Giovanni Manna... love his work! See more of his illustrations:
You and Me

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Barefoot Book of Knights by John Matthews, illus. by Giovanni Manna, a collection of seven stories from as many nations, is framed as a series of anecdotes told to a young page. Full-page and vignette ink-and-watercolor illustrations resurrect a bygone era, offering a glimpse of landscapes and architecture from Russia to Japan.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-This book introduces Tom, a 10-year-old who is beginning his training at a castle, gives some historical information about knights and knighthood, and then returns to the boy. There is almost no real story line to his experiences. Certain events, such as disliking kitchen work, prompt Master William to tell a story to assist him in understanding the role and behavior of knights. All of the tales are adaptations of knight tales from around the world and all of them teach a lesson. This is not the best introduction to chivalry, knighthood, or the folklore surrounding it. The author does give sources but these are not the best adaptations available. The illustrations are quite stylized. In color, with some good detail, they often have an odd perspective. Characters seem to be always looking out of the corners of their eyes and their faces are a strange shape. Too many angles create an uncomfortable feeling. There are many great books on knighthood and many great collections of folklore representing this period in history, making this one unnecessary in most libraries.
Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Wonderful news regarding the hardcover version of this book: On sale from $19.99 now $4.99
Yes, as you know, I have my own portable book store. I love doing fundraisers for local schools in my community and hosting book parties as well. If you are interested in becoming a Barefoot Books Ambassador, just send me an email. Also, you might want to stop by my market place, click on the pages and order a book. Yes, I will get credit... thank you!
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Watch out for dragons blowing fire. Hide your treasure and lock up your princesses! Wait a second, what are we scared of? Barefoot book of Knights will save us! :)
Thanks for stopping by.

I hope you enjoy your stay at Barefoot Books-LadyD
Take off your shoes and go barefoot!

Barefoot Book of Knights

'Chivalry,' began Master William, 'is the code of behavior by which all knights try to live.'
Not just anyone can be a knight, and this spell-binding collection of action-packed stories from around the world will show you why. From the familiar court of King Arthur to the distant realm of Prince Vladimir of Kiev, this enticing collection reveals that being a good knight is harder than it may seem. Not only are a brave heart and a strong arm required, but it is also necessary to know your own weaknesses, learn to cooperate with others and even, at times, have a good sense of humor!

Giovanni Manna brings his warm, colorful characters to these adventurous tales that are sure to delight young would-be knights across the land.

The Barefoot Book of Knights includes the following stories:

The Knight of the Kitchen
Britain
The Knight of the Swan
Germany
The Three Journeys of Ilya Murom
Russia
Perronik the Fool
Brittany
The Tale of Gushtasp
Persia
Yogodayu and the Army of Bees
Japan
Sir Cliges and the Cherry Tree
France

If you enjoy tales of adventure from around the world, you may like to take a look at The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins. This anthology is also exquisitely illustrated by Giovanni Manna.