Folktales and Tall Tales ~By Suzy Leopold

The following tall tale heroes may sound familiar to you: Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Johnny Appleseed. Tomorrow is the birthday of my favorite tall tale character. 

Happy Birthday Paul Bunyan! 

February 12, 1834

Paul's Birthday Cake

According to a legend from Bangor, Maine, February 12th is the birthday of Paul Bunyan. I know this legendary hero is claimed by and celebrated in several states, across the Northwoods as their hero. Paul Bunyan is celebrated in Minnesota, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Even Oregon and California remember this top "feller" in the woods.

The fiction genre of Folktales and Tall Tales are often stories passed down by word of mouth and have been around for centuries. Kids delight in these exaggerated stories that often times connect them with current books and movies about modern superheros of today.

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Many of the tall tale characters are based on historical events or people. Most of the stories are about fictional heroes and heroines who were brought to life with the retelling and passing down of the stories from generation to generation.

As a kid who grew up in Minnesota, my favorite folk tale hero is Paul Bunyan the Lumberjack. The tall tale that I recall was how Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox stomped across the Northwoods. Babe created many lakes wherever he stepped, thus the nickname for my home state, "Minnesota the Land of 10,000 Lakes". 

On the Left: Picture of Suzy at Paul Bunyan Land Circa 1989
On the Right: A Postcard from Paul Bunyan Land Brainerd, MN

My favorite book about Paul Bunyan is one that I read as a kid. It was purchased from the gift shop at Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Paul Bunyan Swings His Axe

Author/Illustrator Dell J. McCormick 

Stories of Paul Bunyan, the giant woodsman, and Babe the Blue Ox, have been collected and written for many years. This lumberjack is one of the best-loved legendary heroes. The author shares seventeen interesting authentic yarns about Paul Bunyan's adventures throughout the Northwoods. Everyone loves Paul!

Many of us are familiar with the many excellent collections of American folklore and tall tales that are passed down from generation to generation and are shared as literary lessons with students. 

Folktales and Tall Tales are an excellent lesson to introduce the literary device of hyperbole with students. Kids love the humour and outrageous exaggeration of this genre.

Have you ever heard of multicultural folktales and tall tales? There are many beautifully written folktales and tall tales that share stories of people from throughout the world.

The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales

By Virginia Hamilton Illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

The twenty-four American folk tales included in this book are animal tales, cautionary tales and slave tales of freedom. This tale is about slaves who possessed the ancient magic words to fly away to freedom. 

This beautiful book is the winner of numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Award, A Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year and many others. The book meets Common Core State Standards for grades 6-8.

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales

By Neil Philip Illustrated by Jacqueline Mair

Classic themes of fairytale elements are blended with magic  and infused with Roman Catholic imagery to create a distinctive Mexican flavor and flare in this book. The collection of fifteen unique folktales and depict the rich storytelling traditions found in Mexico along with the customs and cultures of the Mexican people. 

The illustrations depict Mexican folk art and whimsical paintings in bright fiesta like colors. The author includes Notes on the Stories and a Bibliography.

There are specific elements that classify a book as a folktale or a tall tale. These stories follow a story arc and include a character, a specific setting and a plot filled with action.

A folktale or a tall tale begins with hooking a reader by introducing the main character along with his/her super powers.

The Character
The main character is bigger than life with super-human abilities and has a problem to solve.

The Setting
The setting is important because the story emerges from experiences of characters who lived at a certain time and place.

The Plot
The plot is funny and impossible beyond belief and has many exaggerations along with action.

The story ending is important as the main character solves the problem, overcomes the obstacle or beats the "bad guy".

Resources

The following links are a source of additional information about Folktales and Tall Tales: 

Tall Tale Elements on You Tube.

Tall Tales T Chart

EDSITEment

Reading Rockets

Do you have a favorite tall tale hero or heroine? 

Share a recommended title or two of your favorite folktale or tall tale.