More than 70 humorous stories, riddles and verses represent cultures from around the world and across the centuries. From tall tales, trickster tales, and noodlehead stories to hoaxes, urban myths, verses and songs; these are stories you can pull out of your story bag at a moment's notice-to read aloud or re-tell before, between and after daily activities; or integrate into lessons and learning opportunities. Most take just minutes to read. The country or culture of origin is noted for each story, and there is a detailed bibliography, introductory notes on humor and folklore, a list of educational activity ideas, and a discussion of the healing power of humor.

Invite young readers to observe, explore, and appreciate the natural world through engaging activities. Livo shows you how to use folk stories, personal narrative, and a variety of learning projects to teach students about amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, constellations, plants, aquatic creatures, and other natural phenomena. Designed to build a Naturalist Intelligence in young learners and give them an appreciation of and respect for the natural world, these stories and activities are packed with scientific information.

Insightful commentary, suggestions for discussion and activities, and a bibliography of further resources accompany Livo's innovative collection of stories that deal with children's most common fears. A specific fear is dealt with in each chapter, which begins with one or more relevant tales. Livo shows you how to invite children to listen, share, respond to the stories on their own terms, and manage and overcome their fears through her powerful but nonintrusive approach. All Levels.

Hmong culture has had an oral tradition for millennia, but the language itself did not even exist in written form until the 1950s. Compiled by famed author and storyteller Norma Livo and coauthor, Dia Cha, this is the first collection of authentic Hmong tales to be published commercially in the English language. Beginning with a description of Hmong history, culture, and folklore, the book includes 16 pages of full-color photographs of Hmong dress and needlework and 27 captivating tales divided into three sections: beginnings; how/why stories; and stories of love, magic, and fun. Appropriate for high school and adult readers, with selected stories appropriate for younger children, this collection is an important addition to multicultural units.

Packed with folktales, poetry, aphorisms, songs, and legends, this comprehensive sourcebook is appropriate for use with upper elementary and secondary students or as a resource for the professional storyteller. The source material covers costumes, customs, dances and drama, food, games, and legends, as well as forms of oral literature (music, proverbs, rhymes, riddles, tales, beliefs, and superstitions). An extensive guide to the world's folklore, it is ideal as a resource for creative writing projects.

Teach students about Hmong culture, build appreciation of diversity, and extend learning across the curriculum with engaging activities based on Hmong folktales and traditions. After a fascinating overview of the history and customs of the Hmong, Dia shares her experience of emigrating from Vietnam to the U.S. The book also offers a profusion of lively activities and project ideas, covering themes of Farming and Food, Stories and Storytelling, Writing and Illustrating Stories, Hmong Folk Arts, and Customs. Students will enjoy learning about Hmong traditions such as their musical instruments, the beautiful Pa Ndau story cloths, and more. Many projects relate directly to Hmong folktales, making this a wonderful companion to Folk Stories of the Hmong.

Experience the extraordinary potential that stories hold-the power to heal, calm, and rejuvenate. This magical collection of more than 40 tales from around the world brims with wise words that illustrate many mysterious and sometimes simple ways to wellness and happiness. Through introductions, comments, and discussion starters, Livo provides guidance for reading and reflecting on each tale. The stories are organized into four main areas: healing the self, healing relationships, healing the community, and healing the Earth. In addition to an extensive bibliography, Livo offers a treasure trove of traditional proverbs and old-time herblore. An absolutely wonderful reading experience and resource for educators, parents, students, librarians, folklorists, storytellers, medical professionals, therapists, and anyone interested in folktales and healing. All Levels.

Here are more than 60 tales that exemplify, support, and promote the strong values and character traits that we wish to instill in our youth today. They also support the character education that is being mandated in state after state throughout the country. Grouped into 12 sections based on specific values, such as love, perserverance, fairness, and cooperation (with a separate chapter on dealing with bullies), these tales have been passed down through the ages in diverse cultures and traditions from all over the world--from Japan and India to Greece, Scotland, Africa, and the Americas. There are folktales, fables, Zen Buddhist tales, stories from the Judeo Christian Bible--even true historic tales. At the end of each section, educator and storyteller Norma Livo offers activity ideas and suggestions for discussions pertinent to specific stories and values. In addition, there is an appendix of general activity ideas that can be used in character education.