Of Kings and Fools: Stories of the French Tradition in North America »

Bubbling with beautiful princesses, dragon-slaying underdogs, and crafty tricksters, these Franco-American stories explore a heritage that has become known as a quiet presence in the United States. Parent and Olivier recount the lutin's tricks on farmers, the Jack-like adventures of Ti-Jean, Pierre and his modern-day chainsaw, a beautiful princess conquering an evil witch, and family stories passed down from generation to generation. Meet Michael's grandfather, HonorA(c) Fournier, who spoiled his ....

VOYA

Of Kings and Fools is a collection of family stories and folktales told by French settlers in the northeast United States. Both of the authors' families immigrated to New England from French Canada. In their introduction they explain their heritage and how it has affected the stories they retell here. Trickster stories, tales of the lutin, or mischief makers, Ti-Jean tales similar to Jack tales, stories of heroes, magic, the loup-garou, and tall tales are shared with the reader. Some of the stories are variations on familiar tales such as "Snow White" or the "Bremen Town Musicians." They are sprinkled with French words and phrases, but most are translated in the glossary. A pronunciation guide in the glossary would have been helpful for readers with no knowledge of the French language. Notes on most of the stories give the origin and a bit of background to aid the reader in understanding each one. This addition to the American Storytelling series would be most welcome in libraries that serve a large French population, but the stories will appeal to others as well. The folktales in this collection would be great for storytellers to share, but the authors ask that the personal and family stories be left for them to tell. This book will be used more by storytellers, teachers, and librarians than by the students themselves. Glossary. Source Notes. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M J S (Readable without serious defects, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).