Britannica Common Core Library

Fairy tales have existed in every culture around the world, teaching children stories of characters in imaginary worlds who undergo hardship but learn to overcome their difficult circumstances. This compelling book covers the basic components that make up fairy tales, as well as the purpose these fantastic tales serve in culture. Some of the most famous fairy tales are retold in varying versions, unique to different cultures, followed by activities that help readers identify what these tales share in common and what sets them apart. After learning the key elements of fairy tales, readers are given a step-by-step guide to plan out their own magical characters, setting, and plot.

Included in the Common Core standards, poetry was one of the earliest genres of literature and remains one of the most important today. Rhythm, word stress, and the other central elements of poetry are explained, as well as themes that are common in this sensory-based form of writing. Many examples of short poems are featured, including samples of the haiku form that originated in Japan or the Irish limerick known for incorporating humor, among others. After reading this guide, readers will feel confident in understanding many types of poems and may even try writing some verses of their own!

With bright photographs and illustrations, this volume explains the concept of a fable-defining the genre, detailing its characteristics, and reproducing some of the most famous examples of these stories from cultures around the world. Included in the Common Core Reading standards, the fable is an irrefutably fundamental genre that allows young readers to learn universal morals by using animals to teach them important lessons. After learning all about fables, a hands-on, guided activity at the end helps readers go through the steps necessary to write their very own.

Every culture in human history has created its own myths to describe how the natural world works. These stories that explain the cultural lessons, values, and religious beliefs of a specific group of people are a prime component of the Common Core Reading standards for grade levels 2 and 3, and within this book some of the best-known myths are reproduced in a way that readers can grasp and interpret their meanings. Norse, Egyptian, and Chinese myths are among those included-each told in a way that prompts cross-cultural comparisons and awakens an interest in exploring more myths.

Legends are riveting tales that are based on real events, but exaggerated so that they are not completely true. In this book, readers will learn the most important aspects of what defines a legend, as well as how to tell fact from fiction in these semi-historical tales. Famous legends, such as those of Robin Hood and El Dorado, are presented in abridged versions that help anybody identify what various legends have in common and what is unique to the culture where the tale originated. Well-known classics are paired up with legends from various other cultures, including the Native American tribes of the Americas, encouraging readers to open their minds to stories from all around the globe.

This enchanting book delves into the history of folktales, or stories made up by peoples around the world to teach important values to their children. Traditional folktales from a variety of Native American communities and distant countries such as India and Botswana are all presented to show the commonalities shared by such diverse cultures in their classic stories. Artwork and paintings illustrate the tales, while textboxes explain important terms that are also defined in the glossary. As a part of the Common Core standards, understanding folktales is an essential skill for students-one they can develop with the help of the narrative and examples herein.