School Library Journal
Gr 3 Up-Nine folktales from different cultures, grouped by type: creation tales, hero tales, moral tales, and a silly selection. Each one is introduced with a bit of background on the genre of the story and the culture it comes from. Frequent questions (''what [creation] stories have you heard? Do you believe them?'') and exclamation points (''she allowed the beast to swallow her whole!'') make for a condescending tone at times. Sherman's voice extends into the selections; although they are from different peoples around the world, her narrative levels them to a common style. Having said all that, the stories are unusual and interesting and their grouping could spark classroom discussion.-Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public Library