Traditional literature is a genre that deals specifically with stories that were passed down through oral storytelling from generation to generation. These stories also form the basis for many works of more modern literature.
Town Mouse Country Mouse
By: Jan Brett
Reviewer: Christopher Schiemann
Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: 4.4
In this book, Jan Brett retells the traditional Aesop fable story of the Town Mouse and Country Mouse. Using beautiful collage illustrations, Brett presents the "grass is always greener on the other side" thoughts of these two mice. The Town Mouse thinks it will be so nice to live in the country where life is easy and quiet, and the Country Mouse thinks it will be nice to live in the country where life is exciting and easy. Instead, after living in each other's homes, the quickly realize that they the sudden change isn't so nice, and that they belong back in their actual homes.
The Tall Tale of Paul Bunyan
By: Martin Powell
Illustrated by: Aaron Blecha
Grade Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 2.4
From the Publisher: Uses a graphic novel format to retell the tall tale of Paul Bunyan, the giant man who became the greatest lumberjack that ever lived.
The Lion and the Mouse: a retelling of Aesop's Fable
By: Mark White
Illustrated by: Sara Rojo
Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.4
From the Publisher: In this retelling of the classic Aesop's fable, a tiny mouse is saved by a hungry lion. The mouse promises to return the favor, even though the lion doesn't believe such a small creature could help the king of the jungle.
When Turtle Grew Feathers
By: Tim Tingell
Illustrated by: Stacey Schuett
Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.i8
From the Publisher: Maybe you think you know the story of the big race between Rabbit and Turtle. Think again! In this story from the Choctaw People, Tim Tingle shows that it was not being slow and steady that won Turtle the big race, it was those feathers!!!