The Serpent Slayer: And Other Stories of Strong Women

by Katrin Hyman Tchana

Book Overview

The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316387010
• ISBN13: 9780316387019
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 2.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 9.4" x 12.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

the best of the best in female-oriented folk tale collections

In recent years, many collections of "empowered female" fairy tales have sprung up. This book simply happens to be one of the best. There are not many tales, but they are well-chosen, and the versions selected for publication are enjoyable to read. Stories from Africa, Asia, and Armenia (among the many locales) are every bit as accessible to the young American reader as more familiar English and Scottish tales. Hyman's illustrations are, as always, powerful, colorful, evocative, and fascinating--and the editorial comments are exceptionally good. This is a storybook with pictures, but it is very well researched, and the brief explanations of the chosen texts are scholarly, appropriate, and well-documented. The reading level and subject matter make it appropriate for girls around 10-14; most stories would read aloud well to younger children, but there is no censoring here, and parents who feel squeamish about the verbally graphic dismemberment of a dragon or unwed/extramarital pregnancies would do well to proof their selections. That said, sex and violence are by no means a focus of the collection, nor are they emphasized in illustration. Children flipping through the pictures will not find anything objectionable. Girls who enjoy the novels of Patricia C. Wrede and Robin McKinley will find themselves at home; those new to folk collections will be hooked. If only they were all this good. Highly recommended.

Girls Rock!

In this day and age, young girls are bombarded with not-so positive images of midriffs, barbies, and some rather unwholesome popstars. The "Serpent Slayer" offers a refreshing change of perspecitve. This book is a collection of tales from around the world, retold in an up to date, easy to understand and yet beautifully written format. The stories are specifically about strong, clever women. The illustrations are excellent and the main characters are uncompromising. The tales have classic fairy tale plots; dragons, thieves, mythical gods, and lions (oh my!). At only a couple pages each, a story can be read aloud in a reasonable amount of time, making them perfect for bedtime. Although I recommend this specifically for girls, I am sure children of any gender and age would be equally enthralled. I know I was! Buy this book! We need more like it.

Boys like it, too!

This fabulously illustrated, enlightening story book is interesting to children of all sexes: in fact, I've given this twice as gifts to boys and they are as entertained by the tales of these heroines as they would have been by Robin Hood or St. George.

Spectacularly illustrated, splendid vlaues, terrific stories

In The Serpent Slayer And Other Stories Of Strong Women, Katrin Tchana artfully retells classic folktales from around the world which showcase strong women overcoming a diversity of daunting obstacles and fearsome challenges. These wonderful tales include The Barber's Wife; Nesoowa and the Chenoo; Clever Marcela; Sister Lace; The Rebel Princess; Beebyeebyee and the Water God; Kate Crackernuts; The Old Woman and the Devil; The Magic Lake; Grandmother's Skull; Three Whiskers from a Lion's Chin; Duffy the Lady; and the title piece, The Serpent Slayer are all spectacularly illustrated by the talents of Trina Hyman. These very highly recommended, multicultural stories of courage, cleverness, perseverance, and endurance are thoroughly entertaining, even as they hold forth splendid values and possibilities for their young readers as they live their own lives and overcome whatever obstacles or solve what ever problems they encounter while making their way through the world!

Girls Night Out

At last! A series of stories from around the globe written by a mother and daughter team all about female heroes (not heroines, mind you, but heroes.) Featured in these pages are all kinds of women who are plucky, smart, resourceful, brave and just plain smart. This is just the sort of anthology to give to your daughters, to inspire and help them conquer their own life adventures. A very satisfying read for girls of all ages.