Reading Diary B: Jewish Fairy Tales

Myth-Folklore Unit: Jewish Fairy Tales

The Sleep of 100 Years

Illustration of The Sleep of 100 Years. Source: The Untextbook.

I enjoyed this story, because in the end, Onias had the sense to leave the world he did not belong in. That would be such a difficult decision, especially surrounded by his family, but he did it anyways. He was able to see the rise of the town he so adored and see that it did not perish, even though he slept through his entire life.

King For Three Days

I really appreciate that Rashi's words came true. The 'King' (for three days) was an awful person and ruler. He got what he deserved. I don't like reading violent stories, so I didn't much care for this one at all.

The Fairy Frog

I enjoyed this story because of the kindness of Hanina and his wife. I would not have been able to keep my sanity for that long. I did not like this story because of the frog. Although he was a great character, I don't really like frogs, so an over-sized one that talks kind of freaked me out.

Reading Diary A: Jewish Fairy Tales

Myth-Folklore Unit: Jewish Fairy Tales

The Quarrel of the Cat and Dog

This story was compelling to read. I enjoyed the writing style and how it carried from one idea to the next. However, it was extremely sad to read about Doggie. In the end, I wanted Father Adam to keep the dog and let Pussie leave because of how rude she was. Pussie was an awful friend and did not deserve what she was given. Doggie was faithful and kind, but got nothing in return.

(etching by Hendrik Hondius)

From Shepherd-Boy to King 

I liked this story because of how David was saved. The deer was called to save him, and he was saved. To trust in God against an animal that would surely kill you and be extremely dangerous is a great feat. David was courageous and ready to fight and knew that he had God on his side, but instead God had a different plan for him. I also like that it is the story behind one of his Psalms.

The Beggar King

I really enjoyed this story because of the ending. The King (who began as an ungrateful, awful ruler) became kind and noble. He earned his spot as a ruler that the people deserved. He learned from his sin and helped those less fortunate. I enjoy stories with uplifting endings, and this one was definitely that. I liked the King's character development and the genie's willingness to give the throne back once he learned his lesson and became the ruler he needed to be.

Brainstorming Storybook Topics

Topic: Wolf Fables 
Comments: I really enjoyed reading the children's fables during this week's storytelling assignments. I think that it'd be interesting to really dive into the wolf stories that are featured. Wolves have always fascinated me, and I really appreciate the morals in each of the wolf fables.
Possible Stories: There are a lot of fables about wolves when I searched, even on the Untextbook! This is exciting because if I choose this topic, I will have a lot to take from and use.
Sample Story: The Wolf and the Kid - I chose this story because of the moral. "Do not let anything turn you from your purpose." This is a very wise and thought out moral that fits with the story. I love morals that can fit with my everyday life.

Bibliography Information:
Sample Story: The Wolf and the Kid.
Book Title: The Aesop for Children
Book Author: N/A (Illustrator: Milo Winter)
Year: 1919

 Image of The Aesop for Children book. Source: The Untextbook.

Topic: King Arthur
Comments: I chose King Arthur because his story has always fascinated me. From the Sword in The Stone to him in general, I have always loved reading and learning about King Arthur.
Possible Stories: Anything from the Untextbook unit about King Arthur. This has information and stories about his background, himself, and his life in general. There is a lot to choose and use from this unit and leaves a lot of options open for my storybook.

Sample Story: King Arthur: The Sword Excalibur. I like this story because it talks about the sword and the scabbard.  It is also an interesting look on Merlin and Arthur's relationship.

Bibliography Information:
Sample Story: King Arthur: The Sword Excalibur.
Book Title: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table
Book Author: Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford
Year: 1902


Topic: Celtic Fairy Tales
Comments: Fairy tales have always interested me. I would love getting to search and research more into them and what and how many different types there are.
Possible Stories: Anything from the Untextbook. There are a lot of stories to read and take from, especially in the Celtic Fairy Tales unit.
Sample Story: The Tale of Ivan. I really enjoyed the happy ending to this story and how captivating it was to read. Ivan slipping out of trouble because of the advice and in the end, receiving the advice and the money was wonderful. I would love to incorporate this and other happy tales into my storybook.
Bibliography Information:
Sample Story: The Tale of Ivan.
Book Title: Celtic Fairy Tales
Book Author: Joseph Jacobs with illustrations by John D. Batten
Year: 1892

Topic: Disney-related Stories
Comments: I love everything Disney! Since I was a child, I was always fascinated with the stories and the magic behind them. It would be interesting to dive into the stories that inspired them to be as we know them today.
Possible Stories: They are mostly from the Untextbook, but there are a plethora. Snow White and Rose Red from the Brothers Grimm (Hunt) unit, Rumpelstiltskin from the Brothers Grimm (Ashliman) unit, and many more.
Sample Story: Rapunzel. I chose this story because I remember it being read to me as a child. I also enjoy the recreations that Disney has made over the past 20-30 years.

Bibliography Information:
Sample Story: Rapunzel.
Book Title: Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm
Book Author: Translated by Edgar Taylor and Marian Edwardes, with illustrations by R. Anning Bell
Year: 1912

Extra Reading Diary: Aesop's Fables (Jacobs)

Myth-Folklore Unit: Aesop's Fables (Jacobs)

Jacobs 38. The Fox and the Cat (Perry 605): This fable's theme was: "Better one safe way than a hundred on which you cannot recon." It is better to go with the way you trust and know that works then spend time debating how to deal with a situation. Just because you have many different ways, does not mean that they are better. Sometimes the simple way is the best way.







Jacobs 11. The Lion and the Mouse (Perry 150): "Little friends may prove great friends." I liked this fable because I had heard the story growing up. I also appreciate the message. No matter what your size, how little you think you are (mentally or physically), you can always be a great friend and help those around you. It is always important to help others and be a great friend, no matter who you are. We all need a friend sometimes, too.

 Trapped lion. Source: Wikimedia.

Crane 54. The Hares and The Frogs (Perry 138):"Our own are not the only troubles." This means a lot to me, because I strongly believe and know that everyone has a story. Everyone has their struggles and what holds them back in certain situations and in life. Everyone goes through tough times, mentally, physically, or both.

Storytelling for Week 2: A Mother's Love

 A Mother's Love

One day, late in the summer, a group of monkeys gathered to celebrate the birth of the newest addition to their family; baby Justin. There was much joy, love and partying, but no one's excitement compared to that of Mother Monkey's. Everyone at the gathering could feel the amount of love Mother Monkey had for her son. She thought he was the absolute prettiest, sweetest, dearest darling in the entire world. Her affection showed through everything she did. From her holding him, to bathing him, to simply being around him. Mother Monkey never let baby Justin out of her sight.

A few weeks after baby Justin's birth, Mother Monkey went to town to get her family bananas. While in town, she stopped to talk with her best friend, Tina.

"Have you heard about the contest Jupiter is holding?" Tina asked.
"No...what are you talking about?" Mother Monkey inquired.
"Jupiter is awarding a prize for a baby show," Tina replied.
"Oh, I must enter! Justin will win for sure," Mother Monkey declared.

With that, Mother Monkey began planning her trip to the competition. She absolutely adored her baby and knew the rest of the world would, too.


"Jupiter will be so impressed by baby Justin," Mother Monkey said to herself.

The day of the contest finally came. Mother Monkey and Justin made the long trek out to the city very early that morning. Mother Monkey was so excited that she could not wait any longer to leave. They were the first to arrive, getting there 2 hours earlier than any other contestant.

As others started arriving, Mother Monkey noticed how the other contestants were looking at her dear baby Justin. They were laughing ad giggling. Pointing and gawking.
"Surely that's not at my baby," Mother Monkey thought to herself.

Just then, she overheard the other parents talking.
"How ugly!" One exclaimed.
"Agreed. That baby has such a flat-nose," another said.
"He's such a hairless, pop-eyed little creature," chimed in another.

Mother Monkey was hurt. How could someone treat young Justin in such a way? She had had enough. Mother Monkey turned around, looked the parents straight in they eye and said, "Laugh if you will. Though Jupiter may not give him the prize, I know that he is the prettiest, the sweetest, the dearest darling in the world."

The other parents quickly shut their mouths and walked away embarrassed. Though baby Justin did not win the prize from Jupiter, he would always have his mother's love.

Monkey and his mother. Source: Wikimedia.

Author's Note:
Jupiter and the Monkey
My main goal for this story was to show the mother's blind and absolute love for her son. My mother loves me unconditionally, which is why I became attached to this story and wanted to write about it. I changed the original to create my own version by expanding the original story. I also added the unconditional love to the story. I feel as though the original story only had blind love and not unconditional love, but sometimes they go hand in hand.

Bibliography:
This story is part of the Aesop (Winter) unit. Story source: The Aesop for Children, with illustrations by Milo Winter (1919).

Reading Diary B: Aesop for Children (Winter)

Myth-Folklore Unit: Aesop for Children (Winter)

The Fox and the Leopard: I like the fox in this story. Even though his looks might not measure up to the leopard's, he is still smart and witty. Personality can add to the level of attractiveness, while being smug and cocky can detract from it. This story has a great theme and lesson; to never judge a book by its cover and "a fine coat is not always an indication of an attractive mind." The leopard was rude and snarky, even though he was beautiful, which was unfortunate for himself.

Image of the Fox and the Leopard. Source: The Untextbook.

The Wolf and the Shepard: This story is interesting because it shows how hypocritical man can be. I saw a quote recently that said something along the lines of we hold others to a high standard with little to no slack and give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. I see myself doing this from time to time. Being hypocritical is extremely disrespectful and frustrating, but it is something that is also difficult to battle. This story perfectly exemplifies this behavior.

Jupiter and the Monkey: This story was important to me because my mom is one of my best friends and I know that she'd do the same for me. I love how unconditional the mother's love is, no matter how others are acting toward her baby. The mother is a very likeable character that displays copious amounts of affection and love.

Reading Diary A: Aesop for Children (Winter)

Myth-Folklore Unit: Aesop for Children (Winter)

The Wolf and the Kid: I enjoyed this one because I did not understand the point until the end. The phrase, "Do not let anything turn you from your purpose" spoke to me and it made me think of what that meant in regards to the story. Instead of the story being focused on the Kid who thought he was grown up and mature when he was not, it focused on the wolf and his desire to eat the Kid. Though it was a little morbid, I appreciate the overall message.

The Wolf and His Shadow: I thought about the growth mindset during this story. How you can always grow and always get better and not to let where you are now stop you from that. I think that the wolf allowed himself to think he could not get bigger or better, when in reality he needed to in order to survive. Just like how we as humans need to keep growing and evolving our mental and physical capacities throughout life.

The Wolf and His Shadow. Source: The Untextbook.

The Dog and His Master's Dinner: I like the phrase, "do not stop to argue with temptation," because that is what I fight with every day. Temptation is something that is hard for me to deal with and difficult for me to resist and after reading this story, I realized that it is because I stop and let myself argue with it. I like how the dog in the story would faithfully carry the dinner and protect it.