Tales from a Finnish Tupa
Alberto's Adventures Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
Back in print, 'Tales from a Finnish Tupa' by James Cloyd Bowman and Margery Bianco, translated by Aili Kolehmainen and illustrated by Laura Bannon, is a delightful collection of Finnish folklore. First published in 1936, it features stories of magic, like 'The Mouse Bride' and 'Antti and the Wizard's Prophecy,' droll tales such as 'The Pig-Headed Wife,' and fables from the collections of Eero Salmelainen and Iivo Härkönen. These tales share Finnish wisdom on various topics, from the end of the world to how the Rabbit earned his self-respect. This book, presented in a paperback copy with hand-rendered, full-color illustrations, is a gem for readers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
280 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the different characters and their adventures in the stories?
How do the tales from Finland compare to other folk tales or stories you know?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How did the characters solve their problems and what can we learn from them?
What emotions did you feel when reading the stories? Can you relate them to any of your experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the stories and discuss how that would change the message or moral of the tale.
Ask your child to pick a favorite character and describe why they liked them. This can lead to a deeper understanding of character traits.
Relate the stories to personal family heritage or cultural tales, if possible, to provide a personal connection.
Create a fun activity such as drawing scenes or characters from the book to help visual learners engage with the content.
Use the stories as an opportunity to teach about different cultures and geographical locations, enhancing global awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: The stories in 'Tales from a Finnish Tupa' often depict characters who achieve their goals by working together, emphasizing the power of unity and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn to engage in teamwork at school or in sports, understanding that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Value of Resourcefulness
Explanation: Characters in these tales often use their wits and resources available to them to solve problems, demonstrating the effectiveness of using one’s intellect and what’s at hand to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by creatively using the tools and knowledge they have to navigate homework or resolve conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, protagonists face various difficulties but manage to persevere and thrive, showcasing the importance of resilience and not giving up.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that despite challenges in school or in personal relationships, persistence and courage can help them prevail.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Several tales highlight how the characters’ choices lead to specific outcomes, teaching children that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices affect not only themselves but also those around them, encouraging them to think before they act.