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.