RETELLING FOLK TALES & MYTHS

Explore mystical realms, meet tricksters and heroes, and learn how to turn the world's rich treasure of folklore and myth into stories and books that sell.

Almost every children's magazine and book company publishes retellings. In fact, because they combine the sharing of other cultures with the sharing of universal truths, they've become a staple in children's literature. Parents and grandparents love to read them. Teachers and librarians love to introduce them to students. And kids love to enjoy them on their own.

You may not know it, but many authors enter the children's literature field with retellings. And many of the best writers mine the gemstones of myth and folklore for their most successful books. Books such as Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted (Cinderella), Donna Jo Napoli's Zel (Rapunzel), and Nancy Farmer's Newbery honor book Sea of Trolls (Norse myth) represent some of the best works in this genre. Successful picture book authors such as Robert Sans Souci, Aaron Shepard, and John Steptoe have also delved into the treasure trove of myth for work such as The Talking Eggs (Southern folktale), The Sea King's Daughter (Russian legend), and Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (African folktale).

With sixty books in print—ten of those collections of folklore and myth—professional writer, editor, and folklorist Josepha Sherman is the perfect mentor to guide you toward producing successful retellings. Josepha has taught writing and folklore at conferences and workshops across North America. From April 3—6, Josepha will be sharing her wealth of knowledge with an intimate group of writers in the inspiring setting of the home of the Founders of Highlights for Children.

Take a closer look at Josepha Sherman's work at www.sff.net/people/josepha.sherman
Get complete information about Retelling Folktales and Myth at www.highlightsfoundation.org
The Highlights Foundation, 814 Court St., Honesdale, PA 18431. Phone: (570) 253-1192. E-mail: contact@highlightsfoundation.org