Wonder Tales from Around the World

By Heather Forest
Illustrations by David Boston
August House, $26.95

ISBN 087483421X

Also available on audio from August House, $12

Audio ISBN 0874834279

Review by Michael Williams

Heather Forest is a world-renowned storyteller who is also a very fine writer of tales. Her new collection is Wonder Tales from Around the World, illustrated by David Boston. Again the sources of the stories included in this volume are many and varied and notes on each tale are included. In fact, you may wish to compare Forest's version of the Midas legend with McCaughrean's.

The sense of enchantment is strong in these "wonder tales," and Forest's deft phrasing and strong narrative sense sweep the reader along. Remember these stories are meant to be read aloud.

An added attraction is that six of the 27 stories from the book are included on a tape with the same title featuring Forest's own considerable talent as a storyteller along with her musical accompaniment. Forest's fans will be delighted to know that August House is issuing her new Wisdom Tales in November. I know I can hardly wait.

Michael Williams is a storyteller, author, and United Methodist pastor in Nashville, Tennessee.

www@bookpage.com

Buy or borrow this book!

Support your local independent bookseller

Find it in a WorldCat library