Telling Tales
Storytelling in the family

De Vos, G; Harris, M; Barker Lottridge, C.
Publisher:  University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, Canada
Year Published:  2003
Pages:  204pp   ISBN:  0-88864-402-7
Library of Congress Number:  Z7183.D4 2003   Dewey:  808.5'43
Resource Type:  Book

A guide to the art of storytelling.

Abstract: 
Telling Tales: Storytelling in the Family is a very different and interesting guide to the art of storytelling. The book deals with various aspects of storytelling, like where to start, what kind of body language to use, appropriateness of the story, kinds of stories, how to use stories to bring families closer together and how to extract new tales out of traditional ones. There are examples of things like telling a story behind a special food, the history behind a nursery rhyme, or ways in which children change words in a nursery rhyme to adapt it to their own interpretation. All sorts of stories -- formal, informal, myths, superstitions, folktales, nursery rhymes, family histories -- are covered and there are further resources given at the back. These include: a list of storytelling organizations; events and festivals in Canada, a list of traditional tales retold, recommended picture books and story collections, and a list of other guides to storytelling.

The book itself is written more in the form of a story rather than a traditional step by step guide. It contains many of the authors' personal stories, especially those concerning their own experiences with storytelling. There are relevant quotes given at the beginning of each chapter and every section of the book is interspersed with many folktales, superstitions and nursery rhymes.

[Abstract by Nabeeha Chaudhary]



Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
We Are Made of Stories
Our Stories
Gail, Merle, and Celia

SECTION I:

Once Upon a Time
The Value of Stories

SECTION II:

Stories from the Family Tree

Family Stories

Informal Storytelling
Formal Storytelling
Family History
Migration Stories
Mealtime
Traditions
Superstitions

Stories from Your Life

Story of Names
Personal Timelines
Memory
Artefacts and Photographs

Sharing Family Lore

Identity
Family Communication
Childhood Stories
Permission To Tell
Tape/Video Story Recording
Blended Families
Single-parent Families

SECTION III

Developing and Learning to Tell Stories

Shaping Your Story

What Makes a Good Story
Where to Start
Senses
Using Folktales to Learn How to Shape Family Stories
Outlines
Telling Times

SECTION IV

Universal Tales

Nursery Rhymes

Rhymes for the Very Young
History of Mother Goose
Riddles
Lullabies

Traditional Folklore
Folktales
Myths
Legends
Tall Tales

Folklore in Popular Culture
Contemporary Legends
Family Holiday Celebrations
Popular Literature
Popular Music
Computer Games

STORYTELLING RESOURCES

Storytelling

Family History

Family Stories
Recommended Picture Books

Recommended Story Collections

Universal Tales
Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies

Universal Tales
Collections of Myths and Legends

Universal Tales
Traditional Tales Retold

Portrayal of Storytelling in Literature

Storytelling Organizations, Events, and Festivals

Books Mentioned in the Text

Index

About the Authors

Subject Headings

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