Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Law Library (WashCo Gov Ctr, Stillwater) | GR877 .C74 1994 | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
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Summary
Summary
Winner of American Folklore Society AESOP Prize & the Storytelling World Award
This collection of 30 stories about wise judges, clever lawyers, and deceitful tricksters were collected from places as diverse as ancient Greece, Morocco, Germany, China, and Ireland. Some date back to pre-biblical days while others come from the American colonies.
From her work as a deputy prosecuting attorney, Sharon Creed draws certain similarities between the cases she used to study and the ancient stories she tells. Rather than give a definition of justice, she allows the book as a whole to speak for itself so that it is left to the reader's heart to respond to each story--either, "Hey, that's not fair!" or "Fair is fair." These tales share wisdom of fairness and resourcefulness that readers will appreciate.
Author Notes
N/A
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
YAThese tales from many lands, cultures, and ages show the universality of the pursuit of justice. The stories illustrate several points: good judges season justice with mercy; lessons are easier to swallow when story characters are animals rather than people; trickster tales teach by laughter rather than by lecture; and, no matter what punishment is handed down, a life taken can never be restored. Discussions of relevant legal issues or cases that follow the retellings show the parallels between traditional tales and modern legal issues. For example, ``The Lawyer's Advice,'' an old Danish tale, illustrates the insanity defense used originally by M'Naghten and in recent times by John Hinckley. ``General Moulton and the Devil,'' a story set in colonial United States, accompanies a discussion of the Salem Witch Trials and other similar events of that era. Creeden has adapted some traditional stories to heighten their appeal, and presents legal information in an interesting and easy-to-read manner. This book would be a valuable resource to social studies teachers. The sources and variant versions of the tales make it a useful reference tool for storytellers. A fine example of stories serving both to entertain and to educate.Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Having survived camp (or while enduring its rigors), kids may want to try out The Official Kick the Can by Sharon McKay and David MacLeod, illustrated by Marilyn Mets. The package consists ofwhat else?a tin can (filled with such paraphernalia as a ball, marbles, chalk and a yoki rope) and a paperback guide to 25 old-fashioned street games (Andrews & McMeel/Somerville House, $10.95, ISBN 0-8362-4515-6 May). (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Library Journal Review
Attorney and professional storyteller Creeden presents 30 international folktales relating to various aspects of law and justice. This collection includes myths, fables, and traditional narratives from an assortment of cultures, each contemplating circumstances of unlawful behavior and wrongful deception. The tales disclose the details of a criminal activity that is profoundly resolved through the wisdom of enlightened judges and the craftiness of clever lawyers or exposed through supernatural intervention. The book is enhanced by the author's informative commentary on contemporary legal issues, such as capital punishment, the insanity defense, women's rights, and juvenile justice, which provide an understanding of the administration of law in our society. An excellent combination of recreational and educational reading; highly recommended.Eloise R. Hitchcock, Tennessee Technological Univ. Lib., Cookeville (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
