Looking at Literature

Fairy tales are beloved stories for our youngest readers for a reason: they're magical. Often that magic is in a character, such as a fairy or witch. Sometimes it's just woven through the story. Even though some fairy tales are hundreds of years old, they continue to appeal to new generations. This fascinating look at fairy tales helps young readers recognize a common theme or purpose in fairy tales. It will introduce them to famous fairy tale authors, such as Hans Christian Anderson. Accessible text and beautiful images make this high-interest topic an entertaining and educational experience.

Speeches, autobiographies, diaries, letters, and similar nonfiction resources are essential materials that speak to the human experience. The primary source is an indispensable concept as students hone research skills in the elementary classroom. With this important introduction to primary sources, early readers will discover how these first-hand accounts help them learn about people, events, and time-periods. They'll realize they can create their own primary sources to share their experience with future generations.

The fables of Aesop are over 2,500 years old, yet we still recount them and ponder the lessons his animal characters deliver. Humans have found fables to be an effective way to reflect on people's behaviors and suggest wiser ways of behaving. Readers of this beneficial and accessible book will learn about this genre of literature and its writers. They'll examine the elements of fables and be invited to demonstrate their knowledge by writing their own.

People have always wanted to know why certain things happen. Before science had developed, myths provided answers, comfort, and guidance. Diverse cultures around the world treasured their own myths, passing them down to new generations. Readers of this valuable book will love learning about different myths, perhaps recognizing familiar characters still used in today's entertainment. They'll discover the important role myths had in answering people's essential life questions. Stunning artwork accompanies the accessible at-level text.

Perhaps the best way to develop a love for language is to read it and hear it in the form of poetry. Rhythm, repetition, alliteration, and other literary devices can hone readers' ears to appreciate this beloved genre and open their minds to reading and writing poems themselves. At-level examples of poetry and simple explanations are presented through comprehensible text, perfect for emerging readers. Poetry is an aid to language development and an outlet for creativity and self-expression. Your readers will appreciate this volume and what it can do for them.

Folktales are stories that have been passed down for generations. Many of the most treasured tales have survived because of the oral tradition. This practice existed across many cultures. Readers of this informative and comprehensible book will learn what makes a story a folktale. They'll be introduced to famous folktales they should know, such as the Arabian Nights from the Middle East and the Anansi tales of western Africa. Beautiful imagery from these stories help support the information and will make readers excited to explore more about this genre of literature.