Traditional Lit

 The Juniper Tree

Grimm, J., Grimm, W. K. (2003). The Juniper Tree: And Other Tales from Grimm (L. Segal & R. Jarrell, Trans., Sendak, M., Illus ). Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR).

This collection of translated German folktales purpose is to provide a “restorative view, one that combines authenticity, and fresh artistry and leads us to renewed admiration for this ancient folk literature” (Grimm et al., 2003, dust jacket). The description provided on the dust jacket states that this collection is a translation and compilation of traditional tales, and specifically not a retelling. The translators and illustrator worked to keep this collection as a faithful adaptation of the source material, rather than a retelling with creative liberties. Though the tales are not necessarily connected, they were selected by Lore Segal and Maurice Sendak and were largely translated from the Brothers Grimm versions. It is clear that the translators were striving to keep this collection as a fateful translation to their source material rather than a retelling. However, source notes are brief, just a page at the start of the collection that notes that all tales were translated from German, and lists where the tales were compiled from. It is clear that the tales in this collection came from other written records, not from being heard. 

The narrative style is preserved, they do sound as if they are being told, many have full and rich descriptions, and have a combination of dialogue and narration, which captures the narrative style of folk and fairytales. The tales in this collection are mostly for adult storytellers rather than children readers. Given that, the selections are appropriate for that intended user. There are tales in this collection that offer opportunities for an adult teller to tell these tales to a group of older children, as they could be worked for a middle school range by the teller. 

 There are 27 stories in this collection, and are a combination of folk and fairytales, as they have origins in oral tradition and while some contain elements of magic. The stories in this collection are not connected, they can be read independently or continuously, but are not interwoven tales. The illustrations do enhance the tales, however they are more reflective of Maurice Sendak's art style than specifically the culture of origin. Having illustrations by Maurice Sendak makes this collection different from other collections, and in that way they enhance it, but they are not integral to the comprehension of the stories. 

Trickster: Native American Tales- A Graphic Collection

Dembicki, M. (Ed.). (2021). Trickster: Native American Tales, a Graphic Collection, 10th Anniversary Edition. Chicago Review Press.

The “Meet the Trickster” section and back cover provide context for the collection that explain its purpose. There is even a sentence that clearly states that there are at least 2 purposes for the traditional tales from across Native American tribes. Each person who contributed a story to this collection has direct ties to Native American heritage. While the editor does not, per their note, they did ample research in and consultation with different community members in the curation and compilation of this book. Source notes are brief, with each tale coming from Native American Nations, but not much other information is provided beyond that. It is not clear whether the stories were found in books or heard. 

In the editors note, it explains that edits were only made for the sake of spacing and with the approval of the storyteller. Due to this collection being made up of many different storytellers, style is not consistent across tales. Some read very much like they are being told, some not as much. The stories in this collection are selected for a multi-age audience, not an adult storyteller. Different stories are suited to different ages. Due to the graphic novelization of these tales, while they could be read aloud, the format does not lend itself as naturally to the read aloud setting as a more traditional format. 

There are 22 traditional Native American tales in this collection. This collection was specifically arranged to offer these tales in a sequential format. They can be read either independently or continuously. Due to this retelling being a graphic novel format, the illustrations not only enhance the tales but they are integral to them. The artwork is reflective of the graphic novel style as well as depicting many different aspects of Native American life. Artwork is not the same from story-to-story as each was illustrated by a different artist. There are notes about each contributor in the back of the book.