From: Fred Henry <fhenry>
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 22:10:06 -0600

My third and fourth graders are working on folktales so Old Lady was already in my lesson plans the week the awards were announced. I included it mainly because of the note explaining the folklore origins of the story/song. It was a perfect example of the working definition of folklore we had been using. As I read it aloud, both classes began to join in, but I did share the "extra" words between verses, and they enjoyed them. I don't think I would do that with younger children, though. Is it distinguished? The art certainly enhances the text, which I believe is one of the criteria. I was impressed by the broad age range appeal of the book. For art to appeal on so many levels I think makes it distinguished. I showed the Rapunzel as well, and summarized the information in the author's note about the history of the story, as it also supported our lesson. (I notice LC gives it a German folklore subject heading anyway) About student's reactions: one well-read girl saw a facial resemblance between Rapunzel and Swamp Angel.

Jean Ducat Woodlands School Milwaukee, WI
Received on Mon 26 Jan 1998 10:10:06 PM CST