Mary, age 10

Responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Mary: They were able to love each other because they were kind to each other and Blond Carrie was always looking in the inside and not the outside as the other people did.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Mary: I love my sister even though she has a big nose because sometimes she is nice.

Comments?
Mary: I think this is a great story because it teaches you that you shouldn't judge a person by the way he or she looks like.

Mandy, age 9

Responds to the story The Princess Amaradevi:

At the beginning of the story, why did the king believe the four prime ministers?
Mandy: The king beleived the four ministers because he thought that they were truthful and not the greedy ministers they really were!

Did you ever believe something about someone and then find out later that it wasn't true?
Mandy: Yes I have. And when I heard that I tried to apoligize and then trick my friend who lied to me.

How can you tell if something you hear about someone else is true or not?
Mandy: I could probably tell by just asking the person or if I know that person I can tell by their characteristics that this person actually did this or not.

Comments?
Mandy: What the king did wrong was not ask the prince that married the princess his side of the story!

Miranda, age 11

Responds to the classic story, Beauty & the Beast:

In five years, do you think Beauty would have been as happy married to the Beast if he had never changed into a handsome prince?
Miranda: Yes, because she loved him when he was a beast, so she would love him if he stayed a beast.

Tell about a time you met someone who turned out to be different from what you expected.
Miranda: When I was five, I tried to make friends with someone, but they turned out to be a jerk.

Comments?
Miranda: This story is the best fairytale there ever was.

Tyler, age 11

Responds to the Russian folk tale Baba Yaga:

Why did the gates, the servant girl, the big dog, and the thin black cat help Natasha escape?
Tyler: The gates, the servant girl, the big dog and the thin black cat helped Natasha because she did them all a nice favor.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Tyler: These small gifts meant a lot because Baga Yaga never gave the servant girl or cat or dog or the gates anything, so they meant a lot.

Comments?
Tyler: I thought the story was brilliant! A spectacular mixture of Cinderella and that one story with the two kids going to the witch's house of gingerbread {I can't remember the name, sorry}. But anyway, great story!

Richard, 15

Responds to the story from the King Arthur days After the Great Fire:

In the battle, why did the man and his wife hide instead of taking sides?
Richard: There was a great fire.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Richard: Because the woman started to plant seeds.

Comments?
Richard: Very interesting of what will happen next.

Eric, age 15

Responds to the story from the King Arthur days Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell:

At the end of the story when Sir Gawain said, "I must put the choice in your own hands," why did that statement break the spell?
Eric: It let Lady Ragnell make her own choice about her fate, giving her free will.

Before you finished the story, what did you think was the answer to the question, "What is it that women want most, above all else?"
Eric: The desire to be married and live happily ever after.

Comments?
Eric: This story is great and gave me a lot of insight as to the Arthur story and how all the knights contributed to Arthur and the well being of his kingdom and his homeland.

Maxine, age 9

Responds to the story Audun and the Bear:

Why did King Harald of Norway let Audun go, when he knew Audun planned to give the treasure of the bear to his enemy, King Sven of Denmark?
Maxine: At first he did not intend to say yes, but in the end he agreed and requested Audun to tell him what King Sven of Denmark rewarded him with.

Tell about a time when you were angry but held back from doing something mean, and then later you were glad you did.
Maxine: There was once a time when I argued with my brother. But I held back from doing something bad. My brother smacked me, and got a spanking from my mom. Boy,am I glad.

Comments?
Maxine: Round of applause for "Audun and the Bear"!

Mayra, age 12

Responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Mayra: They loved each other because Blond Carrie knew that as ugly as Brunnette Carrie could be, she still have a good personality.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Mayra: I love my best friend because even though everyone thinks she's ugly and too skinny, I think she's beautiful.

Comments?
Mayra: I loved it!!

Aaron, age 6

Responds to the African folk tale A Caterpillar's Voice:

How can you tell if something that seems big and scary really is big and scary?
Aaron: If you get very scared.

Think of something you felt afraid of when you were younger that you're not afraid of anymore. What did you do so you wouldn't feel afraid anymore?
Samuel: I was scared of the boogyman. I faced my fear by not thinking about it.

Comments?
Samuel: It was mind changing, it was very emotional.

Note to Whootie friends- Discover lots of free materials for the story A Caterpillar's Voice including a complete Reader's Theatre play script.

Samuel, age 6

Responds to the English folk tale A Caterpillar's Voice:

How can you tell if something that seems big and scary really is big and scary?
Samuel: She was a generous old lady.

Think of something you felt afraid of when you were younger that you're not afraid of anymore. What did you do so you wouldn't feel afraid anymore?
Samuel: I was scared of my mum until I found out she was nice.

Comments?
Samuel: I thought it was fascinating and so enjoyable. Highly recommended, I loved the start.

Note to Whootie friends- Discover lots of free materials for the story A Caterpillar's Voice including a complete Reader's Theatre play script.

Grades 6A & 6B, age 11-ish

Respond to the story The Enormous Nose:

Why did the royal court protect the prince from the truth about his nose?
Grades 6A & 6B: They did that to please the King and Queen (and to save their jobs).

When did the prince realize the truth about his nose?
Grades 6A & 6B: He realized it when he tried to kiss the lovely Princess Rosebud. He didn't know it earlier because his kingdom told him lies and prevented him from hearing the truth.

Comments?
Grades 6A & 6B: We thought it was kind of cool, but some of the words were unusual for us. It reminded us of Rapunzel when the enchantress locked the princess in the crystal tower.

Nira, age 14

Responds to the story Susu and the Magic Mirror:

If you had the magic mirror of Paracaca and looked at your own reflection, what are the good things you would see?
Nira: My beautiful hair, my brown eyes, and a beautiful girl in the mirror.

Describe a time you helped someone even though you were scared. What happened?
Nira: I helped my best friend - when a car was coming I grabbed her.

Comments?
Nira: Well, Whootie Owl, I loved it, and I know for the rest they will sound good too.

Holly, age 9

Responds to the English folk tale The Apple Dumpling:

Why did the old woman give away her flowers and her golden chain without asking for anything in return?
Holly: She was a generous old lady.

Why did the old woman finally get her apple dumpling at the end?
Holly: She deserved it because it must have took her a lot of time to exchange what she had for what could be of use to others. Also, the apple dumpling was worth it.

Comments?
Holly: Really great. Hip, hip, hurray for this story!

Note to Whootie friends- Lots of free materials on the story The Apple Dumpling including a complete Reader's Theatre play script.

Lilian, age 9

Responds to the story After the Great Fire:

Why did the old man and his wife hide instead of taking sides in the battle?
Lilian: They wanted peace settled down in the war.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Lilian: He was proven wrong for everything he had done and said. Maybe the man and his wife had broken a spell.

Comments?
Lillian: It was excellent. I really enjoyed it.

Emily, age 9

Responds to the story Androcles & the Lion:

Though the lion could have hurt Androcles, it didn't. Tell about a time when you could have hurt someone smaller than you, but you didn't. Why not?
Emily: I wanted to hurt my younger brother for messing up my room, but I did not. I just clenchend my teeth and reamemberd when I made his room a tip!

Androcles couldn't run from the lion because his foot was stuck in a root. Do you think he would have stayed to help the lion anyway?
Emily: No.

Comments?
Emily: It is a great story and helped me with my homework...Thanks!

Edna, age 10

Responds to the story Susu and the Magic Mirror:

If you had the magic mirror of Paracaca and looked at your own reflection, what are the good things you would see?
Edna: I would see a face of kindness.

Describe a time you helped someone even though you were scared. What happened?
Edna: My best friend hurt her leg, so I had to accompany her down a dark, creepy corridor. I was scared. In the end, I managed it through the corridor and finally got help for my pal.

Comments?
Edna: It was interesting. I really liked the story.

A Whootie friend, age 9

Responds to the story The Tiger's Whisker:

How can Yun Ok help her husband??
Whootie friend: Yun Ok can treat her husband the same way she treated the tiger. Therefore, her husband will realize how much she wants him to change.

Comments?
Whootie friend: It was super! I really really enjoyed it. In fact, my whole family took turns to read it. They said it was great!

Naomi, age 8

Naomi, age 8, responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Naomi: Blond Carrie knew that Brunette Carrie was good-hearted, despite her ugliness. Brunette Carrie knew how much her sister cared for her, and and loved her back.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Naomi: My grandfather is very clumsy and careless. He makes people upset at times. But I still love him. I appreciate his kind actions for me. After all, he is my grandfather.

Comments?
Naomi: It was a wonderful tale! Also, it has a valuable message.

Winnie, age 10

Responds to the story from the King Arthur days Anait:

Why was it important to Anait that Prince Vatchagan know a trade?
Winnie: She had sworn not to marry anyone who does not know a trade.

What kind of trade appeals to you?
Winnie: She had sworn not to marry anyone who does not know a trade.

Comments?
Winnie: I thought the story was really nice. I was so engrossed in reading it, I didn't even know my mom was calling me for dinner even though it was my favourite homemade pasta!

Claire, age 12

Responds to the story from the King Arthur days Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell:

Tell about a time when you regretted something that you did.
Claire: I didn't practice my instrument and told my teacher that I did.


What did you do to make up for it?
Claire: no comment

Comments?
Claire: no comment

Taylor, age 12

Responds to the Flemish story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Taylor: They comforted each other.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Taylor: I love this person because even though she is mean and conceited, she always cares about me.

Comments?
Taylor: The story was ok and we all learned a lesson.

Kirby, age 10

Responds to the Danish story Greyfoot:

Why did the princess love Greyfoot?
Kirby: Because Greyfoot gave the princess a lot of gold and thought he was kind for that and she enjoyed his funny questions because they were quite obvious to everyone. So the princess decided to marry him. Little did she know, Greyfoot was actually the prince of Denmark, but she still loved him anyway.

How did learning to love Greyfoot change the princess?
Kirby: She became more caring to everyone and learned how to use resources without having anyone else do it for her.

Comments?
Kirby: It was pretty good. And why does Whootie need to know? I mean seriously. Can't anyone have privacy? WHAT?! This is going to be displayed online? Hey. DON'T CLICK SEND! Hey!

from a Whootie friend

Responds to the story The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
Whootie friend: He wanted his wife to be truthful to him as the wife should always remain truthful to the husband.

Tell about what happened when you knew someone was lying to you. Tell about another time when you knew someone was telling you the truth.
Whoootie friend: I knew someone is lying by the look of their faces and the look of their eyes and feeling I know they are telling the truth.

Comments?
Whootie friend: I find the story fantastic as it is very detailed.

Balbi, age 5

Responds to the Russian folk tale Baba Yaga:

Why did the gates, the servant girl, the big dog, and the thin black cat help Natasha escape?
Balbi: The gates, the servant girl, the big dog and the thin black cat helped Natasha escape because Natasha fed the cat, the servant girl, and the black cat cheese bread and meat, compared to hardly anything at all.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Balbi: The story was, in my opinion, was very funny and is good for all readers.

Comments?
Balbi: It was good.

Brendan, age 9

Responds to the English folk tale The Apple Dumpling:

Why did the old woman give away her flowers and her golden chain without asking for anything in return?
Brendan: Because she didn't want the family to starve.

Why did the old woman finally get her apple dumpling at the end?
Brendan: Because she gave the old man the dog.

Comments?
Brendan: It was a good English story that made me hungry.

about "Baba Yaga"

A Whootie friend responds to the Russian folk tale Baba Yaga:

Why did the gates, the servant girl, the big dog, and the thin black cat help Natasha escape?
Because the girl respacted them and gave them something to use.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Because they never had anything to eat or drink in a while and she gave it to them.

Comments?
I liked the story, it was awesome.

Claris, age 7

Responds to a story about the Spanish peasants rebellion of 1474 - The Village of Fuente Ovejuna:

Do you think the people of Ovejuna Fuente were justified in rising up against the commander and his men?
Claris: Yes, because they they were tortured by them.

Comments?
Claris: It was very interesting and I felt like I was there.

Ashley, age 11

Responds to the Russian folk tale Baba Yaga:

Why did the gates, the servant girl, the big dog, and the thin black cat help Natasha escape?
Ashley: They helped because Natasha gave them food and a kerchief.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Ashley: Because they had not had something to eat or use in a long time.

Comments?
Ashley: The story is funny and sure to get a laugh out of it!

Stephanie, age 10

Responds to the story from the King Arthur days Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell:

At the end of the story when Sir Gawain said, "I must put the choice in your own hands," why did that statement break the spell?
Stephanie: Because he let the Lady Ragnell have her own choice of will.

Before you finished the story, what did you think was the answer to the question, "What is it that women want most, above all else?" If you answer was different, which was the better answer?
Stephanie: Mine.

Comments?
Stephanie: I think it was a very good story because kids can learn about the generosity Gawain gave to the Lady Ragnell.

Stefania, Italian teacher

FANTASTIC SITE!! Hi! I'm an Italian teacher. I teach English as a foreign language.
I was looking for intercultural stories for my pupils and, thanks to you and your generosity, I've found lots of them. I'm going to tell them about your site. I know that many of their parents can read and speak English. All the best!!!

Max, 11

Responds to the Russian folk tale Baba Yaga:

Why did the gates, the servant girl, the big dog, and the thin black cat help Natasha escape?
Max: She gave them food, water, meat, cheese, a handkerchief and a few drops of oil.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Max: The witch never gave them good, hearty things like the girl did.

Comments?
Max: I think it was a real good story.

Betty, age 11

Responds to the Russian folk tale Baba Yaga:

Why did the gates, the servant girl, the big dog, and the thin black cat help Natasha escape?
Betty: They helped Natasha because, for all the years they served the witch, she didn't give them anything back and Natasha gave to them so they helped her.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Betty: Such small gifts meant so much because they didn't not get anything good for all those years, they had been starved.

Comments?
Betty: It was good.

Liniza, age 8

responds to the Russian folk tale Altyn-Argh

What did the Tsar think was the most important quality in a ruler? Do you agree?
Taylor: The Tsar thought the most quality in a ruler was being a boy. I do not agree because this story shows that girls are as strong as boys are and we should not judge people for what they look like but judge people for who they are.

Comments?
Taylor: I think this story is one of the best stories a child or someone would like to read and I say to Whootie Owl, well done.

Asleigh, age 11

responds to the story The Talking Eggs. It's a story from the American South about two different sisters, a magical old woman, and her talking eggs.

Ashleigh: I think The Talking Eggs was trying to show us that even if there are talking eggs, you need to be nice to other people's differences.

Note to Whootie friends- Hear a quick sound demo of the The Talking Eggs. Or the complete 9-minute tale.

Alexis, age 9

responds to the story The Talking Eggs. It's a story from the American South about two different sisters, a magical old woman and her talking eggs.

Alexis: There are rewards for being polite and nice.

Note to Whootie friends- Hear a quick sound demo of the The Talking Eggs. Or the complete 9-minute tale.

Caitlin, age 11

In response to the story Susu and the Magic Mirror:

If you had the magic mirror of Paracaca and looked at your own reflection, what are the good things you would see?
Caitlin: I would see me looking like a princess.

Describe a time you helped someone even though you were scared. What happened?
Caitlin: I had to help my brother get out of this deep dark cave at the Great Escape at the Frite Fest.

Comments?
Caitlin: I thought it was really good because you can imagine yourself in a folktale. It's a lot of fun!

Class 5, age 9

Class 5, age 9, responds to the story The Enormous Nose:

Why did the royal court protect the prince from the truth about his nose?
Class 5: Because they didn't want him to be left out or to feel bad.

When did the prince realize the truth about his nose?
Class 5: When he couldn't kiss the princess. He never listened to people.

Comments?
Class 5: It was good and funny. It was a brilliant "nosey" story.

Julia, age 10

Julia, age 8, responds to the story Audun and the Bear:

Why did King Harald of Norway let Audun go, when he knew Audun planned to give the treasure of the bear to his enemy, King Sven of Denmark?
Julia: I think he was a nice man and didn't want to hurt Audun.

Tell about a time when you were angry but held back from doing something mean, and then later you were glad you did.
Julia: I didn't say somthing mean to my sister when she did something wrong because then we played a fun game.

Comments?
Julia: I think it was good story. I think Audun should have kept the bear as a pet though.

Taylor, age 8

Taylor, age 8, responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Taylor: No matter how ugly they were they still loved each other.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Taylor: I love my sister even though she has a big nose because sometimes she is nice.

Comments?
Taylor: I loved the story. It teaches you that it doesn't matter how ugly people are, you should still be nice to them.

Huda, age 14

(Huda, age 14, responds to the story Fur & Feathers, an African folk tale about Mama Ostrich, whose two dear chicks are stolen by Mama Lion.)

Comments?
Huda: Wow, it's such a beautiful story. Seriously, I like it sooooo much, it's about how to be a great person..

Whootie friends- you can also hear a quick sound demo of Fur & Feathers or the complete 4-minute tale, both narrated to enchanting original music.

Mrs. Stauss' 3rd grade class

Mrs. Stauss' 3rd grade class responds to the story The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
Mrs. Stauss' class: It is important to tell the truth.

Comments?
Mrs. Stauss: Thumbs up. We liked the story.

Jonathan, age 8

Jonathan, age 8, responds to the story A Caterpillar's Voice:

How can you tell if something that seems big and scary really is big and scary?
Jonathan, age 8: The Komodo Dragon was big and scary.

Think of someone you felt afraid of when you were younger that you're not afraid of anymore. What did you do so you wouldn't be afraid of it anymore?
Jonathan: A ghost scares me, and I turn a nightlight on.

Comments?
Jonathan: It was fantastic.

Eimear, age 10

Eimear, age 10, responds to the story The Magic Tree Trunks:

If you were Prince Sigurd or Princess Sophie hiding in the tree trunks, would you have helped Lineik?
Laura: Yes...because she is my stepsister...and she needs are help...

Did you ever forgive someone who did a bad thing? Tell about it.
Laura: No...because I can't remember.

Comments?
Eimear: The story was brilliant...it was exciting...

Nikole, age 11

Nikole, age 11, responds to the story The Magic Tree Trunks:

If you were Prince Sigurd or Princess Sophie hiding in the tree trunks, would you have helped Lineik?
Nikole: Yes...because she needs our help....and I feel so sorry for her...

Did you ever forgive someone who did a bad thing? Tell about it.
Nikole: No...because nobody has ever done anything bad to me...

Comments?
Nikole: THE STORY WAS GREAT!!!!!! It was soooo interesting and exciting...!!!
I liked the part where they were in Greece...

Amy, age 8

Amy, age 8, responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Amy: I think thay are sisters no matter what thay love each other.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Amy: My sister is not perfect, but I still love her.

Comments?
Amy: It was great.

Hannah, age 9

Hannah, age 9, responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Hannah: There were sisters, no matter what.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Hannah: I love my mammy because she is nice and kind.

Jade, age 5

Jade, age 5, responds to the story The Princess Amaradevi:

At the beginning of the story, why did the king believe the four prime ministers?
Jade: Because they begged and begged for him to believe him.

Did you ever believe something about someone and then find out later that it wasn't true?Jade: I can't really remember.

How can you tell if something you hear about someone else is true or not?
Jade: I don't know.

Comments?
Jade: I liked it because she showed that they were plotting not the man that she chose. Because he liked her and he wanted to live with her and she saw that he looked really kind and nice and would not do anything bad.

Laura, age 10

Laura, age 10, responds to the story The Magic Tree Trunks:

If you were Prince Sigurd or Princess Sophie hiding in the tree trunks, would you have helped Lineik?
Laura: I would because if I didn't she could be killed for lying and it wasn't even her fault - it was her mom's.

Did you ever forgive someone who did a bad thing? Tell about it.
Laura: A girl in my class and I once were always fighting and we wouldn't talk to each other so we both decided that we would both be friends and that's it, really.

Comments?
Laura: It could have done better, but it had a good plan behind it.

Jade, age 7

Jade, age 7, responds to the story The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
Jade: He wanted the truth because he didn't want to marry someone who was untruthful in case they told the wrong answer when he asked a question.

Tell about what happened when you knew someone was lying to you. Tell about another time when you knew someone was telling you the truth.
Jade: Never known anyone to lie to me.

Comments?
Jade: I liked it because she told the truth.

Carrie, age 8

Responds to the Finnish story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

Comments?
Carrie: It was the bestest story ever. It has my name.

Camille, age 9

I did a play called Girl Fish. It was awesome. I hope the person makes another one like that. I like a bunch of sports, and I like to direct plays!

Dempsey age 8

About the story The Fairy of the Woods and the Fairy of the Waters, an Italian folk tale about a grandmother who conveys a powerful secret to her grandson:
Dempsey: This story was telling you that parents would never leave you.

Note to Whootie friends- Hear a quick sound demo of the The Fairy of the Woods and the Fairy of the Waters. Or the complete 9-minute tale.

Jess, age 11

Jess, age 11, responds to the story The White Tiger:

Tell about something you practiced for a long time. What did you achieve?
Jess: I practiced horse riding for a long time, now I'm way better at it than I was.

If you practiced something you wanted for a long time and don't achieve it, was it worth it?
Jess: Yes, because you can still keep practicing.

Comments?
Jess: I thought the story was very interesting and different.

Jess, age 11

Jess, age 11, responds to the story The Enormous Nose:

Why did the royal court protect the prince from the truth about his nose?
Jess: The queen ordered them to because she didn't him to be left out.

When did the prince realize the truth about his nose?
Jess: When he was 20. Because everyone had told him it was great wisdom and tried to hide it from him.

Comments?
Jess: I thought the story was good and interesting.

Dannielle, age 13

Dannielle, age 13, responds to the story The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
Danielle: BECAUSE TRUTH IS EVERYTHING.

Tell about what happened when you knew someone was lying to you. Tell about another time when you knew someone was telling you the truth.
Danielle: WELL, MY BOYFRIEND TOLD ME HE WASN'T CHEATING BUT HE WAS.

Comments?
Danielle: WHATEVER.

Shannon, age 11

Shannon, age 11, responds to the story The Enormous Nose:

Why did the royal court protect the prince from the truth about his nose?
Shannon: They wanted him to believe he was perfect.

When did the prince realize the truth about his nose?
Shannon: Everyone told him he was perfect, so he believed it and was conceited.

Comments?
Shannon: It was a really good story, with a good message. I think they should make a version of it in a novel.

Sanna, age 13

Sanna, age 13, responds to the story The Enormous Nose:

Why did the royal court protect the prince from the truth about his nose?
Sanna: His mother wanted him to think he was perfect.

When did the prince realize the truth about his nose?
Sanna: When it was in his way.

Comments?
Sanna: Loved it.

New Story - "The Epic of Siegfried"

From Norway as well as from other parts of Scandinavia, Iceland & Germany, comes "The Epic of Siegfried" - a medieval tale of the adventures of the hero Siegfried. Stories- "The Hoard of the Glittering Heath," "The Original Sleeping Beauty," and "How Siegfried won the land of Nibelungen." Themes in this epic are courage, creative thinking, and helping.

Click here to view The Epic of Siegfried.

from Lorraine, age 15

Lorraine, age 15, responds to the story Androcles & the Lion:

Though the lion could have hurt Androcles, he didn't. Tell about a time when you could have hurt someone smaller than you, but you didn't. Why not?
Lorraine: Because I think that even though they are small, they have the right to live in this world.

Androcles couldn't run from the lion because his foot was stuck in a root. Do you think he would have stayed to help the lion anyway?
Lorraine: No.

Comments?
Lorraine: It's good and has a moral lesson.

from Jess, age 11

Jess, age 11, responds to the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie:

How were the two sisters able to love each other when everyone else favored one over the other?
Jess: Because Blond Carrie was the only person who loved Brunette Carrie for who she was.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Jess: My mum, because she loves me and I love her.

from Thao, age 14

(Thao responds to the story Fur & Feathers, an African folk tale about Mama Ostrich, whose two dear chicks are stolen by Mama Lion.)

Thao:
You need to care for each other.

Whootie friends- you can also hear a quick sound demo of the story or the complete 4-minute tale, both narrated to enchanting original music.

Thanks so much.

from Doree Despiarn, teacher:

I just like reading the stories that you provide.

Hey, what's up?

I like soo love this site, it's great!!! Ok, well gotta go, love you.

-from Taylor, child under 13

You are so cute

from Bailey, child over 13 years old

from Eileen Geiger, parent/caregiver

Great selection of stories!

WELL, HEY MAN

I SEE THAT U HAVE A STORY FROM TURKEY, MY LAND, WOW SO INTERESTING. HAHA

-from Syn, age 23, about the story A Turkish Judge.

from Catherin Vinson, teacher:

I just wanted to write and let you know how much I LOVE this website. I was looking for some straight-forward scripts to teach my 6th graders the elements of drama. Your stories and scripts were perfect. They are fun yet not too childish. I love having all of the extra resources, too.

What a great resource!

-N. McLeroy, teacher

from Faye, age 9

(Faye responds to the story Fur & Feathers, an African folk tale about Mama Ostrich, whose two dear chicks are stolen by Mama Lion.)

Faye: Honesty is the best policy.

Whootie friends- you can also hear a quick sound demo of the story or the complete 4-minute tale, both narrated to enchanting original music.

from Nithya, age 8

(Nithya responds to the story Fur & Feathers, an African folk tale about Mama Ostrich, whose two dear chicks are stolen by Mama Lion.)

Nithya: They are trying to show me you have to be smart!!!!!!!!!

Whootie friends- you can also hear a quick sound demo of the story or the complete 4-minute tale, both narrated to enchanting original music.

Love your site.

From Ruhy Dawe, teacher:
Love your site. It's a great educational tool. I am a student/teacher right now and also a mom. I was reading one of the stories to my 8 year old daughter, and she loved it!

also from Ann, age 11

(Ann responds to an audio story from Whootie Owl, "Mousey the Merchant." You can hear a quick sound demo of this folk tale from India. Or you can hear the complete 3-minute story, narrated to enchanting original music.

Ann says this is the theme of the story- "To start simply and build up slowly then you will get rewarded."

also from Ann, age 11

(Ann responds to a question following the story A Turkish Judge, a folk tale about a ruler who disguises himself as a commoner to find out how justice is administered in his kingdom.)

Question- Did you ever have to find out the truth about something when you didn't have enough information? How did you do it?
Ann's response to Whootie Owl - My brother blamed me for breaking the clock, but he had cut his hand picking up the bits of glass that he threw in the bin. The story was very good because it makes you have to listen to the story and not decide before you have all the facts. I liked it.

from Ann, age 11

(Ann responds to questions following the story The White Tiger, a folk tale from Korea about a boy who practices marksmanship for years so that one day he can defeat the terrible White Tiger who, years before, had captured and carried away his father.)

Question- Tell about something you practiced for a long time. What did you achieve?

Ann's response to Whootie Owl - Riding my bike because I could take the stablerizers off it after awhile. I think this is the best story because he keeps practicing while growing up. This is like going to school and getting all your grades to get a good job.

The site looks great!

from Morgan, child over 13:
"Thanks for all your help (past, present and future!)

from Lugdo, child over 13

Whuzzup? Whootie's stories ROCK! YO!

Whootie Freebie - Happy birthday giftwrap

Just print & wrap!
Whootie's Happy Birthday Giftwrap

Hear Whootie Owl's theme song

Click here to enjoy Whootie Owl's awesome theme song (give the song a moment to load).

from Aish, age 10

(Aish responds to a question following the story The Merchant, the Tiger and the Six Judges, a riddle story from India. The story is about a merchant, moved by pity, who releases a tiger from its cage and the tiger promptly announces its intention to eat him. Question: How to contain an evil once it's released?)

THIS STORY IS FANTASTIC AND IT IS VERY INTERESTING. I LEARNED THAT WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE PEOPLE BY THEIR FACES AND WE SHOULD THINK BEFORE WE DO ANYTHING.

also from Chichi, age 10

(Chichi responds to the story The Prince and His Three Fates, an ancient Egyptian story about a prince, tragically born under a spell that he must die young, and his young wife, who refuses to accept the fate.)

Chichi - I think this story inspires people to always believe that they can do anything. You CAN be stronger than your fate all the time.

Treat from Whootie Owl:
"The Prince and His Three Fates" is one of Whootie Owl's audio stories that's available online for you to hear.
For a quick sound demo of the story, click here.
To enjoy the full 12-minute story, click here

from Chichi, age 10

(Chichi responds to a question following the story Blond Carrie & Brunette Carrie, a folk tale from Begium about two sisters, one fair and the other homely, who stay true to one another while the world treats them very differently.)

Question- Tell about someone you love even though the person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?

Chichi's response to Whootie Owl - My friend was the ugliest girl in school. But she was also the nicest. I think that you shouldn't judge people on how they look but judge them on their character. I think this story is a lesson for everybody on judging.

Great!

I love it, my neighbors and I love the plays.

From a teaching student

I am going to school to be a teacher and I ran upon your site while having to find some websites for an assignment due. I love your site and what it promotes :)

Love your site.

It's a great educational tool. I am a student/teacher right now and also a mom. I was reading one of the stories to my 8 year old, and she loved it.

Young Actors - commemorate your Whootie Owl Performances

Now young thespians who perform Whootie Owl's plays can commemorate their experience with a customized T-shirt. To find out more, go to Whootie Owl's reader's theatre play script page (http://www.storiestogrowby.com/script.html) and click the link at the top of the page. That takes you to Customink.com, a reputable and proven online manufacturer that's now affiliated with Whootie Owl International. To give a typical example, Customink.com can ship you a T-shirt featuring three lines of text (ex: the name of the play, the name of your school, and the year) in black ink on a T-shirt of one of many colors available, with about 6 or 8 ordered, at about $16@. The company offers a live person to talk to, a money-back guarantee, and free shipping. You can fiddle with previews all you want.

Whootie Owl Grocery List

Click below to view & print- Whootie Owl's Magical Grocery List
Take the list to the store and like magic! you'll come home with what you need!
http://www.storiestogrowby.com/images/grocery.jpg

Now go ahead - you know you want to! - dip your feet into the blogging scene. Whootie Owl welcomes you to comment on any post you see here on Whootie Owl's blog. Just click the "comments" link and let us know what you think about Whootie, the stories, the play scripts or whatever's on your mind.

Summer Script-Writing Contest for Teens

This summer teens can write a reader's theatre play script for one of Whootie Owl's folk tales to be published online - Plus win a cool $25 I-Tunes card!

Find out how to-

• choose a story for your play script
• write a play script
• submit your play script

Find out EVERYTHING you need at this link: http://www.storiestogrowby.com/scripts/contest_body.html
Plus view a sample format here: http://www.storiestogrowby.com/sample.htm

Spread the word -
Whootie Owl's Summer Script-Writing Contest is here!

Questions? Comments? Just click the "comments" link you'll see directly below this post and tell us your what's on your mind!

LOVE this website

Post from a 6th grade teacher in Lafayette, LA: "I just wanted to write and let you know how much I LOVE this website. I was looking for some straight forward scripts to teach my 6th graders the elements of drama. Your stories and scripts we4re perfect. They are fun yet not too childish. I love having all of the extra resources, too. Thanks for sharing."

Do you want to share your thoughts, too? Just click the "comments" link below. Kids, teachers, you're all welcome to join Whootie Owl's blog!

Post from a Puppeteer

Posted to Whootie Owl from a music teacher in Wyoming: "I found your site looking for puppet plays to do with my Puppetry T\heater class of middle-school students. I am impressed that you've used folk-lore from various countries and cultures around the globe. Always being pressed for time, I was pleased to see additional resources included (assessment pieces, grading rubrics etc.) I look forward to producing these plays in summer school!"

You can check out Whootie Owl's fun & free reader's theatre play scripts here- http://www.storiestogrowby.com/script.html.

If you're a kid who acted in any of the plays, post a comment to this blog and tell us about it. Or if you're a teacher and performed any of the plays, post a comment and tell us all about it, too!

New Story, from 15th century Spain

This is Whootie Owl's first-ever entirely true story. There have been legends before on Whootie Owl's web site such as King Arthur stories, but "The Village of Fuente Ovejuna" is based on a true event of peasant rebellion in 15th century Spain. After the inhabitants of Fuente Ovejuna were driven to open revolt and then compelled to tell who was responsible, each one said: "The village of Fuente Ovejuna did it." Themes in this story are community, justice, and resistance. Click here to view: http://www.storiestogrowby.com/stories/fuente_ovejuna_spain.html

Welcome Storylovers!

Welcome to Whootie Owl's FIRST-EVER Blog!!
Whootie Owl has one toe dipped in the warm pool of folk tales and fairytales from yesteryear, another toe edges into the age of new media.

And so the Whootie Owl Blog is here!

This is where-

• You can talk to Whootie Owl
• You can give tips and tricks about performing Whootie Owl's plays, or sharing Whootie Owl's stories
• You can suggest stories of your own

Let the blogs begin!
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