East Asian Folktales, Myths and Legends
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A beautiful new edition of retellings of classic folktales, myths and legends from China, Korea, Japan and beyond. Follow the journey of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac, explore the history of major festivals and meet legendary figures - such as the famous Hua Mulan - in this beautifully illustrated collection.
Age
7-10
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lesson do you think this story is trying to teach us?
How would you feel if you were in the place of the main character?
What do you think makes this folktale special or different from other stories you know?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Can you think of a similar story from a different culture? How are they alike and how are they different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral of each story by asking them to summarize what they believe the story is about in their own words.
Relate the themes of the folktale to your child’s everyday experiences to deepen their understanding and make connections.
Discuss the different characters and their actions, asking your child how they might behave differently in the same situations.
Use a globe or a map to locate East Asia and discuss the cultural context of the stories to add an educational dimension to the reading experience.
Invite your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the story, then describe why they chose that particular element.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for elders
Explanation: This book often highlights the wisdom and guidance that older characters provide in the stories, emphasizing the importance of respecting and listening to elders.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing the advice and experiences shared by grandparents or older mentors in their lives, fostering a sense of respect and gratitude.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Several tales showcase characters who face difficult challenges yet achieve their goals through determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of adversity, whether it's solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters who demonstrate honesty are often rewarded, while those who deceive others face consequences, teaching children the value of truthfulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can incorporate this lesson by being honest in their daily interactions and understanding that honesty builds trust and reliability.
Example Lesson: Harmony with nature
Explanation: Many stories incorporate elements of nature, with characters that either thrive by living in harmony with their environment or face peril when they disregard natural laws.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and protect the environment, recognizing their role in maintaining the balance of nature's ecosystems.
Example Lesson: The strength of teamwork
Explanation: Characters often overcome obstacles by working together, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperation and helping each other in group activities at school or during team sports.