TALES OF THE FAR NORTH

by Eva Martin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1987

Adaptations of a dozen folk tales from the French and English Canadian traditions, with source notes. The attraction of these tales is their accessibility--although Canadian insetting, their European origins, along with the universality of the folk tale structure, make their plots familiar and recognizable. Readers acquainted with the ""Jack"" will easily recognize the French-Canadian Ti-Jean, along with the Canadian versions of""The Devil with Three Golden Hairs"" (""Three Golden Hairs""), and ""A Thousand at One Blow"" (""Ti-Jean and the Unicorn""). But while valuable as a study in comparative folk tales, the retellings lack spark, and the writing style is occasionally uneven and choppy. The first and final three tales of this collection are stronger in structure and style than the middle six. Although some motifs and plot elements are ""understood"" in folk literature, these middle tales rely too heavily on the belief that these motifs/elements are universally comprehended. That should not be assumed. Visually promising, with handsome book design, pleasing color paintings and black-and-white line drawings, this is a serviceable first collection.

Pub Date: April 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 124

Publisher: Dial/Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S