Book: Three Tales of Turtle: Ancient Fold Tales from the Far East
Author: Ruth Tooze
Characters: Turtle and other animals of the Far East
Setting: Forests/ jungle
Theme: Tale of love between a Monkey and Turtle, how the turtle got cracks on it’s back
Genre: Folk tale and Fable
Audience: ages 6 and up
Curriculum: Cute tales to be told during reading time and use to explain why turtles are the way they are. Could be used in conjunction with some science classes to connect literature and nature of animals.
Summary: One tale that I enjoyed reading was the admiration between a Monkey and Turtle who seemed to love each other but because of their “life-styles” could not have their lives together. In the end we find out why turtles have the designs on their shells.
Personal Response: Very cute tales on the nature and look of turtles. I think if some science teachers wanted to include these stories it would be a great way to connect real facts with fiction. There were some interesting undertones of how two different “species” can also relate to the differences between people and the barriers that some couples encounter when trying to have a relationship.

Ancient Folk Tales