From the Winds of Manguito/Desde los Vientos de Manguito: Cuban Folktales in English and Spanish/Cuentos Folkloricos de Cuba, en Ingles y Espanol (World Folklore Series)
World folklore series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
As intoxicating as the traditional music of Cuba, and as delicious as picadillo and plantains, storytelling is alive and well on the beautiful island of Cuba. Cuban folklore is particularly rich, drawing from both Hispanic and Afro-Cuban traditions. Elvia Perez, a practicing Cuban storyteller brings you 21 tales of delight and wonder-from engaging animal stories and tales of the fantastic to Afro-Cuban patakies and side-splitting tall tales from the Cuban countryside. All stories are presented in English and Spanish, making this a great resource for ESL and Spanish language classes. In addition, you'll find all the popular World Folklore series extras-a brief history of the island, traditional recipes, color photographs and drawings, even directions for Cuban children's games. A versatile book with many educational applications, this collection is a must for the library's folklore and children's collections, as well as for storytellers, teachers, and anyone else interested in learning about the traditions of Cuba. All levels.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
184 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What similarities and differences do you notice between the folktales from Cuba and those from other cultures?
How do the characters in the stories show bravery or wisdom?
Which folktale was your favorite and why?
How do you think the setting of Cuba influences the stories told?
What lessons can we learn from these Cuban folktales?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a storytelling atmosphere by reading in a cozy, relaxed place. Encourage your child to imagine and describe what Cuba might look like. Discuss the moral of each folktale and relate it to daily life scenarios that your child might encounter. Use the bilingual aspect of the book to explore Spanish language, asking your child to find words they recognize and understand. After reading, ask your child to retell their favorite story in their own words, which enhances comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and diversity
Explanation: The dual language presentation of Cuban folktales offers a window into Cuban culture, traditions, and values. By presenting these stories in both English and Spanish, it exposes children to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate different cultures and languages, fostering a sense of global citizenship and open-mindedness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of storytelling
Explanation: The book uses the folktales to keep the rich oral tradition of Cuban storytelling alive, showcasing the importance of stories in preserving cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to share their own stories and listen to others', enhancing their communication skills and understanding of personal and cultural histories.
Example Lesson: Moral values
Explanation: Each folktale embeds lessons on morality, like kindness, honesty, and courage. These values are illustrated through the actions and outcomes of the characters within the stories.
Real-World Application: Children can draw parallels between the characters’ journeys and their own experiences, applying these moral lessons when facing similar dilemmas or choices in life.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Many tales involve characters who face challenges or conflicts that require clever and thoughtful solutions, demonstrating the effectiveness of critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and creatively when they encounter problems, helping them to develop effective problem-solving skills in real-world situations.