Cassidy, age 11

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

Cassidy:
I think the story was a good bedttime story. I know that when I grow up I will want to tell the same story to MY children. By reading the title I wondered if the story really WAS great and I was wrong... it was fantastic! Thanks for having it on the story list for me to discover and read!

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.

Hasnain, age 16

Responds to the story The Tiger's Whisker:

How can Yun Ok help her husband?
Hasnain: Yun Ok can help her husband with politeness such as she similarly does with the tiger. Even though the tiger is frightening and dangrous they have no brain in their heads, but people are much more intelligent.

Comments?
Hasnain: We can make the world even better with politeness.

Cassidy, age 11

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

Cassidy: I think the story was a good bedttime story. I know that when I grow up I will want to tell the same story to MY children. By reading the title I wondered if the story really WAS great and I was wrong... it was fantastic! Thanks for having it on the story list for me to discover and read!

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.

Chris, age 10

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?
Chris: So they didn't get killed.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Chris: All the plants were growing back.

Comments?
Chris: I liked it.

Pius, age 23

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?
Pius: It's when I found a certain guy was taking my money without my permission, and when I asked him he tried to escape from the reality but finally after my investigation I found the reality that is he was the one who was taking my money, but at the end I decided to forget even though he didn't return my money.

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?
Pius: Yes, he would have to stay in order to help the lion.

Comments?
Pius: The story is very fantastic and it teaches us on how we are supposed to love the animals.

Mercy, age 10

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

Mercy:
The story makes me feel good. I like the story. The story is nice. The story is funny.

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.

Sinichinaru, age 12

Responds to the story The Tiger's Whisker:

How can Yun Ok help her husband?
Sinichinaru: I don't know!

Comments?
Sinichinaru: A tiger is more vicious than a man.

Ridda, age 12

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?
Ridda: Because he was the brother of her.


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.
Ridda: I would ask why you lied to me.

Comments?
Ridda: I think the story teaches us to never lie or nobody will believe you or maybe never ever lie.

Carol, age 62

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?
Carol: To share what she had with others who had a need.

Why did the old woman finally get her apple dumpling at the end?
Carol: Give and it shall be given unto you.

Comments?
Carol: It was really a great story!

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

Ricardo, age 8

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?
Ricardo: So she would be safe.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Ricardo: Because it was old.

Comments?
Ricardo: It was awesome.

Joyce, age 8

Responds to the story The Talking Eggs, a story from the American South about two different sisters, a magical old woman and her talking eggs:
Joyce:
This story let me feel that my heart is lovely.

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

Jada, age 7

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

Jada:
You should not be mean to people because it will hurt there feelings. The story also showed why you should not be greedy.

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.

Nickie, age 14

Responds to the story The Tiger's Whisker:

How can Yun Ok help her husband?
Nickie: Being patient and understanding will calm her beast-like husband. That, or he was always that way but when he left she only remembered the good things so when he returned she saw the real him and not the 'he' he used to be. =] Wouldn't that be a good plot twist?

Comments?
Nickie: Well, "Whootie Owl" (funny name., by the way) I had to read it for homeschooling but I did enjoy it. =]

Danial, age 21

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?
Danial: Because war leads to destruction, and they didn't want that.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Danial: Probably because trickery was what kept him alive. Since he failed to trick the two people, he began to die and turned to dust.

Comments?
Danial: ok

Dingky, age 12

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

Dingky:
THEY WERE SHOWING THEY LOVE EACH OTHER LIKE A TRUE SISTERS, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A WITCH WHO'S TRYING TO GIVE A SPELL TO PRINCESS ANN, BUT KATE FINDS A SOLUTION TO SAVE ANN...

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.

Lindsay, age 10

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

Lindsay:
That you should be happy with what you have and appreciate what you have and don't be greedy.

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.

Jhernee, age 9

Caitlin, age 11, 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?
Jhernee: I would see a pretty girl, kind, good and sharing.

Comments?
Jhernee: The story was fantabulas though it was long but good.

Kritin, age 11

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?
Kritin: Because I was hurt.

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?
Kritin: No.

Comments?
Kritin: It is very nice. It tells us that humans slay one another without any reason but animals kills another animals only when they are hungry.

Sruthy, age 11

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?
Sruthy: The man and his wife didn't take sides in the battle because they didn't want to get involved in the battle and die.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Sruthy: Sararuma turned into dust because he knew he was defeated.

Comments?
Sruthy: I think this is a very good and humorous story. Thank You

Swathy, age 11

Responds to the English folk tale The Girl-Fish:

Why did the girl go to so much trouble to recover the queen's crown?
Swathy: Because the girl thought that if she help the queen who has magical powers,the queen will also help her change back to her human form .

How did helping the queen change the girl?
Swathy: When the girl took troubles to get the crown from the giant,she thought of her mother who worked so hard and this is what helping the queen change the girls feelings .

Comments?
Swathy: I liked this story very much and I would like to read this story again and again.

Konstantia, age 44

Responds to the classic fairytale The Epic of Siegfried:

Did Siegfried do the right thing to help Regin? Say YES or NO and say why.
Konstantia: NO. Regin was forced by greed and it was obvious that he was using Siegfried. Fafnir had done nothing wrong to him.

Compare this story to the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.
Konstantia: No comment.

Why does Siegfried say that gold is the midworld's curse " the bane of all mankind"?
Konstantia: No comment.

Comments??
Konstantia:
It's a story of human greed and of fear of anything different.

Sammi and Elise, age 9 and 8

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

Sammi and Elise: It tells us that some people can be horrible but in the end they can be nice to each other. And I thought it was quite a nice story and we thought it was funny as well.

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.

Victoria, age 10

Responds to the Spanish folk tale The Girl Fish:

Why did the girl go to so much trouble to return the queen's crown?
Victoria: She was lazy and didn't think. So she did everyhing complicatedly.

How did helping the queen change the girl's feelings?
Victoria: She thought of how her mother must feel and felt terribly bad.

Comments?
Victoria: I love it i love it so much i got my neighborhood friends to perform with me!It`s been ssssssssssssssooooooooooo much fun!

Note to Whootie friends- Check out Whootie Owl's free Reader's Theatre play script for "The Girl Fish."

Ife, age 8

Responds to the English folk tale Kate Crackernuts:

Comments?
Ife: I think "Kate Crackernuts" was trying to show me that you have to help each other. You must not think everything is for you or your daughter. Jealousy makes you sick and makes you die.

Note to Whootie friends- Lots of free materials on the story Kate Crackernuts including a 12-minute Reader's Theatre play script, narrated to original music (give it a few moments to load).

Lanna, age 9

Responds to the English folk tale Kate Crackernuts:

Comments?
Lanna: I think "Kate Crackernuts" was trying to show me that you have to help each other. You must not think everything is for you or your daughter. Jealousy makes you sick and makes you die.

Note to Whootie friends- Lots of free materials on the story Kate Crackernuts including a 12-minute Reader's Theatre play script, narrated to original music (give it a few moments to load).

Diana, 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?
Diana: HE WAS A PERFECT RULER.

Comments?
Diana: THE STORY WAS VERY INTERESTING.

Lanna, age 9

Responds to the English folk tale Kate Crackernuts:

What do you think the story "Kate Crackernuts" was trying to show you?
Lanna: I think "Kate Crackernuts" is trying to show us people are different. We don't get jealous of someone being who's beautiful than you or your daughter. We must take care of each other.

Note to Whootie friends- Hear a quick sound demo of the story "Kate Crackernuts," or if you want to hear the complete 12 minute story introduce by Whootie Owl, just
click here (give it a minute to load).

Ryan, age 21

Responds to the story Fuente Ovejuna:

Do you think the people of Fuente Ovejuna were justified in rising up against the Commander and his men? Why or why not?
Ryan: Yes. There was no other choice but to stand together. The commander is like corporate America, and we need new strategies.

Comments?
Ryan: Whootie was supposed to call me yesterday. I think I'll call him, but I don't want to seem too desperate. I am, though.

Tara, age 9

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?
Tara: Because Natasha was nice to them.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Tara: It meant so much because that was more than they ever got.

Comments?
Tara: I thought the story was really good and I think my friends and I will love to present it for our random drama piece.

Hailey, 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?
Hailey: They both have respect for one another. Just ugliness will never tear their love apart.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Hailey: I loove my mom because she is my mom. I came out of her stomach, no wonder.

Comments?
Hailey: Whootie, this a very good story. Some parts I didn't get but that's O.K.

Keisha, age 15

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?
Keisha: THEY WERE ABLE TO LOVE EACH OTHER BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAID ABOUT BRUNETTE, HER SISTER LOVED HER.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Keisha: SOME BOY NAMED BRANDON BECAUSE HE'S UGLY BUT HE'S A SWEETHEART...

Comments?
Keisha: IT WAS A GREAT STORY TO ME!

Shyan and Shamary, ages 8 and 5

responds to the story The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
Shyan and Shamary: It was important because Strong Wind is honest and wants a bride that does not lie.

Comments?
Shyan and Shamary: We loved the story soooooo much, we wish there was more stories like this. Thank you :)

Vrinda, age 10

Responds to the story Guleesh:

Why did Guleesh go to such trouble to take care of the speechless princess?
Vrinda: Because it was partly his fault that she was separated from her family.

When did the princess fall in love with Guleesh, too?
Vrinda: When she learned how much he cared about her and took care of her.

Comments?
Vrinda: I really liked the story.

Shannon, age 12

Responds to the story Kate Crackernuts, an English folk tale about a princess who tries to save her stepsister from an evil spell:
Shannon: I think Kate Crackernuts was trying to show the strong bond between two sisters. It is so strong! In modern times, even when sisters fight, they still love each other and share a strong connection just like these two sisters.

Note to Whootie friends- Hear a quick sound demo of Kate Crackernuts. Or the complete 12-minute tale.

Jonathan, age 10

Responds to the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast:

In 5 years, do you think Beauty would have been as happy married to the Beast if he had never changed into a handsome prince?  Say YES or NO, and say why.
Jonathan: About Teresa, the first time I saw her fell in love.

Comments?
Jonathan:
I thought it was awesome, great, terrific, fantastic.

Unnamed, age 12

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?
Unnamed: They broke his faith in destroying mankind.

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

Comments?
Unnamed: It was magnificent :D

Sarah, age 13

Responds to the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast:

In 5 years, do you think Beauty would have been as happy married to the Beast if he had never changed into a handsome prince?  Say YES or NO, and say why.
Sarah: Yes, because she loves him for who he is and nothing can change that. She doesn't care if he's a prince or if he's not. She definately doesn't even care if he's a beast.

Tell about a time you met someone who turned out to be different from what you expected.
Sarah: I had met my boyfriend Anthony, and what happened was, at first he wouldn't talk to me, then he started talking to me more.

Comments??
Sarah:
I think the story was romantic but i think you should get newer stories that older kids like.

Alexan (girl), age 10

Responds to the story from the King Arthur days The Castle of the Faithful Wives:

If you were King Konrad III, would you be angry that you were tricked?
Alexan: Yes, I would be angry because I thought the women wouldn't be able to carry much, but they carried their husbands, and I thought I would have the Duke, but I ended up not, and I would be embarrassed in front of my soldiers.

Think of another story where characters escaped from a dangerous situation. How did they do it?
Alexan: In Shrek, Shrek tangles the dragon's chain around the room and puts his sword in the middle, so the dragon couldn't reach him, Donkey, and Princess Feona.

Comments?
Alexan: I thought it was a good story, and even a bit funny how the wives carried their husbands on thier backs. They must have been really strong!

Bob, unspecified age

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?
Bob: The choice that you make will be up to you and if you do the right one the spell would be broken.

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?
Bob: That women just desire one thing above all else. That's not true there are many things a woman could desire.

Comments?
Bob: It was a good story.

Cody, age 12

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

Cody:
itwasarealgoodstory.ifyoudidnotenjoytheisstoryyoumustbecrazy

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.

Joy, age 9

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?
Joy: A toy I like.

Comments?
Joy: It is very interesting.

Anny, age 14

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

Anny:
I thought that it was the best story I had ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

River, age 10

responds to the story The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
River: Because if his wife lies, he will never know if she is ever telling the truth. And if a person lies once they will lie again.

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.
River: I knew when my cousin was lying because she said I do not know where your lucky bracelet is. But I found it under my bed.

Comments?
River: I think the story was exciting. Keep on going, Whootie Owl.

Moesha, age 12

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?
Moesha: BECAUSE SHE WAS NICE TO EACH ONE AND GIVE THEM EACH SOMETHING IN MINUTES THAT BABA YAGA COULD NOT GIVE THEM IN YEARS

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Moesha: BECAUSE THEY HAD ONLY MET IN MINUTES AND SHE WAS SO KIND TO COMPLETE STRANGERS AND ALSO SHE WAS KINDHEARTED.

Comments?
Moesha: IT HAS GOOD MORALS. IT WAS EXCELLENT.

Nancy, age 12

Responds to the story The White Tiger:

Tell about something you practiced for a long time. What did you achieve?
Nancy: Soccer, I've achieved a great skill and determination and passion in Soccer.

If you practiced something you wanted for a long time and don't achieve it, was it worth it?
Nancy: Yes, because at least you gave it your all.

Comments?
Nancy: It was empowering and sad.

Santiago, age 10

Responds to the story Guleesh:

Why did Guleesh go to such trouble to take care of the speechless princess?
Santiago: Because he felt sorry for the princess that she was reluctantly going to
marry someone she did not love.

When did the princess fall in love with Guleesh, too?
Santiago: Because she was very grateful for what all Guleesh had gone through for helping her feel comfortable.


Comments?
Santiago: It was an entertaining love story about true love and determination to find true love.

Annie, age 17

Responds to the story The Tiger's Whisker:

How can Yun Ok help her husband?
Annie: Be kind and loving to him just like she was to the tiger. It will take time but eventually he will come around and be kind to her like he once used to be.

Comments?
Annie: The story is a good one. I think that it shows how people need to be patient. They don't always need something to help them get through the tough times in life they can work it out themselves. Patience is a virtue.

Ms. Gregory's 2nd grade class, California

Responds to the story The Girl & the Chenoo, a Passamaquoddy folk tale.

Isaac, age 7:
Eric and I were playing. I told on him. He got mad and pushed me. I had to go to the nurse's office. They just gave me a bandaid. It hurt but I had to tell you that's what happened. Then I was still nice to him but he told on me and I didn't do anything.

Angel F., age 7:
I am nice to people. I am good to my teacher. I am helpful.

Jordan, age 8:
A kid pushed another kid and I helped him up and we told the teacher about who pushed the kid down.

Vanessa, age 8:
I was nice to my mom and we were playing a game.

Marisa, age 7:
I was nice to a girl and a boy. I listened to them and respected them. I never tattled on them and never made fun in front ot ehm. I am not mean to them. I am just nice to people if they are mean. I would just have responsibility and courtesy.

Octavio, age 8:
A kind of person will learn to be nice to someone when you are being nice to them.

Maya, age 7:
I was nice to a friend of mine and she was mean to me.

Montague Village 3rd grade class, age 9

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

Class: There were many lessons, I think that being respectful was one because we should not laugh at people even when they look funny. Also, we should always keep promises and follow directions. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

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.

Anne, age 7

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

Anne: It was a good story because it teaches us to be happy with what we have.

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.

Christopher, age 9

Responds to the story The Long Winter, a First Nation tale from Canada.

Why were the animals sent in a group to find the lost heat?
Christopher:
One animal alone is weak, many brave animals together are a team and are together strong.

How did the animals cooperate to find the lost heat and bring it back?
Christopher:
The team of animals scouted the higher world. They cooperated with one another by taking over the job when the other was tired.

Comments??
Christopher:
This story was good because the lower world found heat. And I liked how the group of animals worked together to save each other.

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

John, age 14

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?
John: Lady Ragnell was put in an enchantment and that only by her husband's giving her her own free will could she choose for herself.

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?
John: I thought it was justice from oppression and maltreatment.

Comments?
John: The story was nice, with many values to share.

Erika, age 16

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?
Erika: They were able to love each other no matter how diffrent they looked from one another.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Erika: I love my friend Erica. Some people don't like her or think she is pretty. They ask me why I hang out wuith her. But I know she is my friend and I love her as a friend and I dont care what anyone thinks about her.

Comments?
Erika: I thought the story was good. I think they shouldn't have treated one of the sisters diffrent from one another. They should have treated them the same instead of different just because one was prettier than the other.

Alexis, age 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?
Alexis: Because they didn't want to die. They wanted to live so they decided to make a little safe place so they can hide. And they lived after all the fire, destruction and horror that was happening.

Why did Sararuma turn to dust?
Alexis: Because everybody has to die some day.

Comments?
Alexis: Well, I thought that the story was really intersting. I really enjoyed reading it. It was the best!

Sina, age 9

responds to the story The Enormous Nose:

Why did the royal court protect the prince from the truth about his nose?
Sina: Because they didn't want to upset the prince and because the queen told them so.

When did the prince realize the truth about his nose?
Sina: When he was trying to kiss the princess's hand because everybody was telling him many famous people had long noses.

Comments?
Sina: The story was nice, interesting, written in a good language for a second languaged person and it has correct punctuation.

Olivia, 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?
Olivia: Because they both knew it's only the inside that counts.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Olivia: I love my brother even if he is annoying.

Comments?
Olivia: It was really good

Samantha, age 9

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?
Samantha: Because he had a choice and he couldn't decide. So it broke the spell.

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?
Samantha: I thought that what a woman desires most was a husband. But I was wrong.

Comments?
Samantha: It was an interesting story and I'd recommend it to anybody.

Francesca, age 10

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?
Francesca: The servant girl, the big dog and the thin black cat helped her because she gave them better food than Baba Yaga had ever given them.

Why did Natasha's small gifts mean so much?
Francesca: The gifts meant so much because in all the years that they had worked for Baba Yaga, she had never given them any gifts.

Comments?
Francesca: I think that the story was very enjoyable to read.

Aalyiah, age 10

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?
Aalyiah: 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?
Aalyiah: My sister because even though I sing better I still love her.

Comments?
Aalyiah: I LOVE it.

Cynthia, age 12

Responds to a First Nation version from Canada of the classic Cinderella story, The Native American Cinderella:

Why was it so important to Strong Wind that his bride tell the truth?
Cynthia: He wanted someone who would tell the truth because he didn't want to live with a lying wife. And besides, if she lied before they got married, who knows what she will do after they're married?

Comments?
Cynthia: I liked this story because I've heard it cinderella so many times in so many different versions and I just love this story...so I like all the alterations done to it, it is very good.

Maryann, age 8

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?
Maryann: Whenever someone passed by their house and did something nice for Blond Carrie and left when Brunette Carrie came, Blond Carrie comforted her sister.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Maryann: I like a girl who is sometimes mean but other times she is nice.

Comments?
Maryann: It was a nice story because it taught me to not judge people by their looks.

Bob, age 13

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?
Bob: They helped Natasha escape because se had given them each an item that Babba Yagga would never give to them..

Comments?
Bob: I thought it was an amazing story and extremely frightening.

Janini, age 6

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?
Janini: The old woman gave away her flowers and her golden chain because she wanted apples to make apple dumplings.

Why did the old woman finally get her apple dumpling at the end?
Janini: The old woman wanted to eat apple dumpling and other things she got were not important to her.

Comments?
Janini: Always to share things with others.

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

Nora, age 11

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?
Nora: He had given his wife the sovereignty and freedom all women desire above all other things.

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?
Nora: I couldn't think of anything, really.
I had many thoughts, but couldn't decide on one. None of them were right, anyway.

Comments?
Nora:

Nora, age 11

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?
Nora: He had given his wife the sovereignty and freedom all women desire above all other things.

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?
Nora: I couldn't think of anything, really.
I had many thoughts, but couldn't decide on one. None of them were right, anyway.

Comments?
Nora:

Grace, age 9

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?
Grace: Yes, I would have helped her because sooner or later they would find out.

Did you ever forgive someone who did a bad thing? Tell about it.
Grace: One time someone took something that I told them not to take and they took it any way. I told my Mom and she told the person to put it back. She said sorry and I forgave her.

Comments?
Grace: I thought it was a very good fairytale story. It's very forgiving.

Krit, age 9

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

Krit:
DEAR WHOOTIE, I LIKED YOUR STORY BECAUSE IT HAD A LOT OF IDEAS AND A LOT OF DETAILS AND HAD INTERESTING WORDS. IT WAS SURPRISING.

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.

Luis, age 8

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

Luis:
I think they were trying to show an example of Dr. King in animals.

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.

Mike, age 9

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

Mike:
I think it showed me when I get older to never leave my kids.

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.

Koralys, age 13

Responds to the Spanish folk tale The Girl-Fish:

Why did the girl go to such trouble to recover the queens's crown?
Koralys: So she can be human again. She wanted to be her old self again and she said she would do anything to be herself again.

How did helping the queen change the girl's feelings?
Koralys: She understood the queen's problem and wanted to help.

Comments?
Koralys: I thought this story was cool and enjoyable.

Maliana, age 6

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?
Maliana: Because they were kind to each other and cooperated.

Tell about someone you love even though that person is not perfect. Why do you love that person?
Maliana: My brother has Down syndrome. He tells me he loves me and gives me hugs.

Comments?
Maliana: Very sweet and touching!!

Jessica, age 10

Responds to the story The Prince & His Three Fates, an ancient Egyptian folk tale about a prince who was born under a curse.

Jessica:
I like this story because it tells that woman can also do scary tasks for her prince.

Whootie friends- you can also hear a quick sound demo of the story "The Prince and His Three Fates" or the complete 12-minute tale, both narrated to enchanting original music.

Jacob, age 12

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

Jacob: I think the story wasa trying to show me that Mama Lion did a bad thing by kidnapping two chicks and claiming that they was her own cubs.

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.

Fazilla, 9 1/2

Fazilla, age 9, responds to the story The Talking Eggs, a story from the American South about two different sisters, a magical old woman and her talking eggs:

Fazilla: I think the story "The Talking Eggs" was trying to show us that you should listen to your elders and don't be greedy! Also that being polite and kind will be given a reward.


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

Patrice, age 10

Responds to the Medieval story The Epic of Siegfried:

Did Siegfried do the right thing to help Regin? Say YES or NO and explain why.
Patrice: No, the treasure was not rightfully his.