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....

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...

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.

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...

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....

From tall tales, trickster tales, and noodlehead stories to hoaxes, urban legends, riddles and songs-here are more than 70 stories from around the world and across the centuries that 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, and a discussion of the healing power of humor.

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.