Archetypes and Motifs in Folklore and Literature: A Handbook

This is an authoritative presentation and discussion of the most basic thematic elements universally found in folklore and literature. The reference provides a detailed analysis of the most common archetypes or motifs found in the folklore of selected communities around the world.

English Folktales (World Folklore Series)

This enchanting collection of traditional English folktales reflects the depth and diversity of the folk heritage of Britain, and illustrates the ties between stories, land, and people. The editors present an enticing assortment of more than 50 tales, gathered from practicing storytellers and organized into sections based on broad themes: The Fool in All His Glory, Wily Wagers and Tall Tales, Holy Days and Days of Heroes, and so forth.

Children's Folklore: A Source Book

A collection of original essays by scholars from a variety of fields--including American studies, folklore, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and education. Children's Folklore moves beyond traditional social-science views of child development. It reveals the complexity and artistry of interactions among children, challenging stereotypes of simple childhood innocence and conventional explanations of development that privilege sober and sensible adult outcomes.

Growing up, Paul Bunyan was always too big. Too big for the furniture. Too big for regular clothes. Too big to play with the other kids. But out among the tall trees in the great northern forests, Paul felt at home.

Children have their own games, stories, riddles, and so forth. This book gives students and general readers an introduction to children's folklore. Included are chapters on the definition and classification of children's folklore, the presence of children's folklore in literature and popular culture, and the scholarly interpretation of children's folklore. The volume also includes a wide range of examples and texts demonstrating the variety of children's folklore around the world.