For centuries, people around the world have been telling stories about tricksters—characters who solve problems by using their wits to fool others. Sometimes, these tricksters want to help people. Other times, they use their cleverness for selfish reasons. Occasionally, they aren’t as clever as they think and are themselves tricked. Although trickster tales from different countries are similar in many ways, story details, problems to be solved and the personalities of characters reflect the beliefs and values of the culture from which they come. Not only are trickster stories entertaining, they also teach readers things about themselves. And they show how, through wit and inventiveness, unlikely or underappreciated characters often can succeed.
In A Book of Tricksters, Jon C. Stott has collected traditional trickster tales from 14 different countries, including “How Anansi Brought Stories to the People” (Ghana), “How Zhao Paid His Taxes” (China), “How Kancil Built a Crocodile Bridge” (Indonesia) and “How Maui Discovered the Secret of Fire” (Hawaii).
p class=review_text>”The stories, themselves, are told with enthusiasm and include back story information where needed. There is plenty of dialogue and action in all of these tales, and the tricks and tricksters are not always obvious, making this a delightful voyage of discovery. —Gail de Vos, CM Magazine
In Stott’s original retelling of 14 tales of tricksters from around the world, the traditional plot of the wise preying upon the foolishness, arrogance and weaknesses of others, prevails. Brief introductions to the traditional tales sets the context for his retellings. Readers will be familiar with original tales such as “How Brer Rabbit Got Out of Big Trouble” and “How the Billy Goats Gruff Got Across the Bridge.” Includes a glossary of terms and a listing of various sources consulted in the creation of the author’s retelling of each tale.
Stott, a retired University of Alberta English professor, is the author of five children’s literature books. He co-authored The Harbrace Anthology of Short Fiction.
Caution: Some descriptions are quite violent but not graphic.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2011-2012.