ABSTRACT
In an article in Books for Keeps, Brian Alderson reminded us that when first written down, traditional tales were often illustrated by woodcuts with scenes and characters generalized enough to allow the viewer to use their imagination to fill out the picture. There are literally hundreds of books of traditional tales for sale. Jack Zipes’ books are not easy reads, but perseverance is rewarded for he is a scholar who has thought deeply about the meaning and cultural importance of traditional tales. Postmodern fairy stories often challenge traditional gender roles in an entertaining way. When children have a grip on the features and conventions of traditional tales, they will appreciate the idea of Princesses saving Princes from dragons. Folk tales tend to come from a particular culture or community and reveal the values, fears and customs of particular people living in a particular place at a particular time.
