Michal-Ann Golay
H-810F
October 2007
Annotated Bibliography
TRICKSTER TALES FOR GRADES K-5
Introduction
Trickster tales come from an oral tradition all over the world. The trickster-tale folklore genre is found in every culture in some form. The trickster usually plays tricks and disobeys normal rules of behavior. It may be a man or woman, god or goddess, spirit or often an anthropomorphic animal. Tricksters often have both good and bad qualities and may be fools, creative beings, destroyers or creators. It is almost always a prankster with a sense of humor. Often the trickster is a cultural hero and transformer who creates order out of chaos. Sometimes he teaches human survival skills, usually by failure to accomplish certain tasks (such as making fire or getting food). Often the trickster is both a prankster and cultural hero such as in Native American trickster tales about Coyote. In some cultures the tricksters are combating subjugation and fighting society’s evils as in African American slaves telling of Brer Rabbit stories. Whether the trickster is a hero or a fool or both, trickster tales are almost always fun to both listen to and read.
AFRICA AND CARIBBEAN
Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile by Won-Ldy Paye and Margaret H. Lippert. Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. 2003, Holt. Folklore Dan, Liberia. Grades K-3.HBG:1. H810F.
In this wonderful trickster tale Mrs.Chicken is captured by a crocodile while bathing in a puddle. While being fattened up to eat by Crocodile, Mrs. Chicken hatches the idea of convincing Crocodile that she is her sister. She proves this by switching her eggs with Crocodile’s eggs and then switching babies. She makes her way to the riverbank and safety in puddles.
Please, Malese by Amy MacDonald. Illustrated by Emily Lisker. 2002. Farrar. Folklore Haiti. Grades K-3. HBG:2. HBGO.
Malese tricks shoemakers into free shoes, a rum seller into free rum and a donkey owner into a free ride up the mountain. When they catch him and threaten him with being locked up for a month, Malese tricks them once again into not only releasing him but doing work for him. The story includes luscious bright colored illustrations and an interesting author’s note.
Sungura and Leopard: A Swahili Trickster Tale written and illustrated by Barbara Knutson. 1993. Little. Folklore East Africa, Tanzania, Swahili. Grades K-3. HBG:2. HBGO.
Sungura, a rabbit and Leopard never see each other as they are both building the
same house in the same spot because they think that their ancestors are helping them. They sleep in the dark and awake to find each other. Sungura then plays two tricks to banish the predatory Leopard. The interesting watercolors depict local scenes.
See Anthology: Why Goats Smell Bad and Other Stories from Benin.
ASIA AND POLYNESIA
Birbal to the Rescue written and illustrated by Anant Pai. 2001. India Book House. Folklore India, Mughal Empire. Grades 4-6. HBG:NA. BPLJ.
This tale from the Muhgal empire court is based on the true adventures of Birbal (real name Maheshdas) in the court of Akbar. He was known as a jester in court and envied by many courtiers because of his success. Coming from a poor Brahmin family he used his gifts to fight the wealthy people of the court from cheating poor and needy people. The tale is drawn in comic book style with exotic costumes and court scenes.
The Magical Monkey King: Mischief in Heaven by Ji-Li Jiang. Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy. 2002. Harper-Collins. Folklore China, Religion, Buddha. Grades 3-6. HBG:2. BPLJ.
The beloved Chinese trickster Monkey King is the main character in 18 stories beginning with his birth. Born from a stone egg and brought to life by forces of nature he always aims to do good but is very full of himself. Monkey King is finally captured by Buddha who gives him a chance to prove his worth and learn to use his power wisely and usefully. Black and white woodcuts illustrate the story.
See Anthology: Land of the Long White Cloud: Maori Myths, Tales and Legends.
EUROPE
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel. Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman,
1985. Holiday. Grades K-3. Folklore Eastern Europe,Yididish. Hanukkah. HBG:2, HBGO.
This Caldecott Honor Book’s hero is trickster Hershel of Ostropol. He vows to save the lighting of Hanukkah candles for the villagers. He occupies the crumbling synagogue where he outsmarts goblin after goblin until finally matching wits with the King of Goblins. Only the menorah remains but Hershel has saved the spirit of Hanukkah for the grateful villagers. The illustrations are dark, vibrant and
wonderful.
The Leprechaun’s Gold by Pamela Duncan Edward. Illustrated by Henry Cole. 2004. Harper Collins. Folklore Ireland. Grades K-3, HBG:3, HBGO.
On the way to compete for the finest Harpist in Ireland at the Royal Palace young Tom breaks the string of the better player, the kind Old Pat. Old Pat helps a leprechaun who is stuck in a log and refuses payment. The leprechaun repays Old Pat and his kindness is rewarded. The watercolor illustrations are interesting and there is a hide-and–seek quest included for finding clovers.
The Merry Pranks of Till Eulenspiegel by Heinz Janisch. Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. 2000. North/South Books. Folklore Germany. Grades K-6. HBG:2.BPLJ.
There are eleven folktales in this book of Till Eulenspiegel, the German trickster, beginning with his baptism and ending with a joke at his own funeral. The book is funny for young readers but also for older readers because it is filled with double entendres. The paintings and borders by Hans Christian Andersen Medalist Zwerger seem very European and delightful.
See Anthology: Trickster Tales: Forty Folk Stories from Around the World.
MESO-AND SOUTH AMERICA
Borreguita and the Coyote: A Tale from Ayutla, Mexico by Verda Aardema. Illustrated by Petra Mathers. Folklore Mexico. 1991, Knopf. Grades K-3. HBG:1. LR.
Borreguita (Spanish for “little lamb”) is far more clever than the drooling coyote
who tries to capture her. She tricks him repeatedly until he gives up and slinks away to leave her frisking on her farm at the foot of the mountain. Included is a short glossary of Spanish words used in the story and colorful Southwestern art and hieroglyphs.
Jabuti’ the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott.. 2001. Harcourt. Folklore Indians of South America. Amazon River Region Grades K-3. HBG:NA. LR.
In this rain-forest tale, Jabuti’ is remembered for his tricks by several animals but is tricked himself by Vulture who is jealous of his voice. Pretending to take him to sing for the King of Heaven, Vulture drops him to earth. This becomes a porquoi tale of why Tortoise has a cracked shell and Toucan, Macaw and Hummingbird have glorious colors. Vulture is punished by staying the same dull color and unable to sing.
Love and Roast Chicken: A Trickster Tale from the Andes Mountains written and illustrated by Barbara Knutson. Folklore South America. Indians of South America, Andes Region. Grades K-3. HBG:1. H810F.
Cuy, a cunning guinea pig, tricks Tio Antonio a fox who wants to eat him and also a farmer. He tricks them three times including a tar-baby like trick. The author’s note is interesting with a map and an explanation of writing the tale. A glossary and pronunciation guide is also included with Spanish and ancient Andes language. The color woodcut and watercolor illustrations are wonderful. American Library Association Notable Children’s Book.
See Anthology: Popol Vuh: A Sacred Book of the Maya.
NORTH AMERICA
Aunt Nancy and the Bothersome Visitors by Phyllis Root. Illustrated by David Parkins.
2007. Candlewick. Folklore United States.Grades K-3, HBG:1. HBGO.
In this set of four trickster tales, Aunt Nancy outsmarts Old Man Trouble, Cousin Lazybones, Old Woeful and even Mister Death. Told in a mild dialect this book is an easy-reader early chapter book which makes it the rare trickster tale that can be read easily by young children. The illustrations are in color along with smaller very interesting silhouettes, especially that of Ezekiel, Aunt Nancy’s cat.
Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl by Virginia Hamilton. Illustrated by James Ransome. 2003. Scholastic. Folklore South Carolina., Gullah. HBG:1. HBGO.
In this Tar Baby trickster tale Bruh Rabbit steals Bruh Wolf’s food without doing any work himself and then gets the better of Bruh Wolf. In this version of the Tar Baby story he once again laughs from the briar bush and leaves when “the day leans over and night falls down”. The book includes wonderful full page or two page illustrations.
Porch Lies: Tales of Slicksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters by Pat McKissack. Illustrated by Andre Cahrillo. Folklore African Americans. 2006. Random House.
Grades 4-6. HBG:1.HBGO.
These ten trickster tales are original “porch lies” that go back to McKissack’s childhood sitting on her grandparents’ front porch in Nashville listening to stories of visitors. Each tale begins with the storyteller introducing himself and leading into the tale. Historical references include Klansmen, segregation, the Depression and runaway slaves. There is only one illustration for each story but they are excellent and fit the book perfectly.
The Tale of Tricky Fox: A New England Trickster Tale. Illustrated by Barbara McClintock. 2001. Scholastic. Folklore New England. Grades K-3. HBG:1. HBGO.
Brother Fox promises to eat his hat if Tricky Fox brings home a pig in his bag. This is a tale within a tale and uses the “trading” motif as Tricky Fox trades up and up. He is thwarted by a teacher who outsmarts him and tells the tale to her students. The illustrations are old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive with both humans and animals.
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens. 1995. Harcourt. Folklore African American. Grades K-3. HBG:2. HBGO.
This Caldecott Honor Book, according to source notes, has roots in European folktales and slave stories of the American South. Hardworking and clever Hare fools lazy Bear through gardening. The book opens top to bottom just like the title and the theme of choosing the top or bottom (or even middle) of the crops. The illustrations are bold and lush and originally done according to the book notes on paper made by hand from vegetables.
See Anthology: How Animals Saved the People. Animal Tales from the South.
NORTH AMERICA – NATIVE AMERICAN
Coyote and the Fire Stick: A Pacific Northwest Indian Tale by Barbara Diamond Goldin.
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. 1996. Harcourt. Folklore Indians of North America, Northwest, Pacific. Grades K-3. HBG:1, HBGO.
The People are cold and hungry and ask Coyote to capture fire for them. Coyote uses his wiles and gets fire away from the evil spirits and to his People. Coyote is a hero and also a vain trickster with a swollen chest but he gets the job done. This is also a porquoi story.The oil and oil pastel paintings are warm and funny and enhance Coyote’s charming and funny character.
Iktomi and the Ducks: A Plains Indian Story written and illustrated by Paul Goble. 1990. Orchard. Folklore Indians of North America, Great Plains. Grades K-3. HBG:2. HBGO.
Iktomi goes out well-dressed to impress the girl and takes time out to fool, capture and roast some unfortunate wild ducks. But there is a surprise in store for Iktomi who is then successfully tricked twice by Coyote. There are interesting asides, from Iktomi expressing his often laughable feelings, and the thoughts of the possible audience. This would make a very good read aloud book.
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest by Gerald McDermott. Illustrated by Gerald McDermott 1993 Harcourt. Folklore Indians of North America, Northwest Pacific. Grades K-3. HBG:2. HBGO.
Raven, a shape-shifter trickster, finds his people living in darkness and sets out to bring them light. He goes to the house of the Sky Chief, becomes a pine needle and then a baby crying for the golden ball. He reverts to raven form and flies off bringing sun and light to the people. The illustrations depict the clothing and interiors of the houses of the people of the Northwest Pacific tribes.
UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Mule Eggs by Cynthia DeFelice. Illustrated by Mike Shenon. 1994. Orchard. Folklore farm life. (Origin unknown). Grades K-3. HBG:2. HBGO.
A mean farmer sells Patrick, a city-slicker and new farmer pumpkins, convincing him that they will hatch into mules. After some misadventures Patrick realizes that he has been fooled and plays his own trick. He pays him back with practically the same method in convincing the farmer to buy his transmogrifying potion. The bold oil-pastel illustrations show an amusing pink-faced farmer.
Possum Come a-Knockin’ by Nancy Van Laan. Illustrated by George Booth. 1992. Random. Folklore. (Origin unknown).HBG:1. HBGO.
Trickster Possum knocks at the door in his top hat driving the family cat and dog wild. The red-headed boy narrator tries to tell his family members about the possum but the possum hides. This is a cumulative tale told in lilting rhyme and would be a good read aloud book. The cartoon-like illustrations are fun.
ANTHOLOGIES
How Animals Saved the People: Animal Tales from the South by J.J. Renaux. Illustrated by James Ransome. Folklore United States, Southern States. Harper. 2001. Grades 4-6.
HBG:2. HBGO.
This anthology from the Deep South includes trickster tales, tall tales, ghost stories and porquoi tales from cultures including Cajun, Creole, African-American, Appalachian and Native Americans. The trickster tale “How Miz Gator Lost Her Pea-Green Suit (African American) is both a trickster tale and a porquoi tale. “Bouki and Lapin Divide the Crops” (Creole ) is a trickster tale in which Bouki the Wolfe is tricked out of his crops by Lapin the Rabbit.
Land of the Long White Cloud: Maori Myths, Tales and Legends. Written by Kiri Te Kanawa. Illustrated by Michael Foreman. Folklore New Zealand, Maori. 1997. Pavilion. Grades 4-6. HBG:3. BPLJ.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the opera singer, retells traditional Maori literature. Nineteen trickster tales, myths, fairy tales, porquoi stories and fairy tales are included with information about the role of the stories in her New Zealand childhood and Maori life is described. “Birth of Maui” describes the trickster demi-god Maui’s birth when he was found wrapped in seaweed, jellyfish and a coil of human hair, found in the top-knot of Taranga. Cloudy watercolors illustrate the book.
Popol Vuh: A Sacred Book of the Maya by Victor Montejo. Illustrated by Luis Garay. Folklore Central America. Maya, Guatemala, Native Americans. 1999. Groundwood. Grades 4-6. HBG:2. BPLJ.
This collection of trickster tales, porquoi stories and creation myth describes the creation of the Maya universe and humans. The Popul Vuh is the essential text of Mayan culture equivalent to Greek and Roman mythologies and the Bible. The stories have interesting characters include birds, jaguars, humans, gods and giants. The lush illustrations depict real scenes in Guatemala.