TITLE: How to Calm a Rain Bull
AUTHOR: Denise Gallagher
PUBLISHER: Moon and Bird Books
ISBN: 978-1917194051
PODCAST EPISODE: Episode 199
REVIEWER: Jayne Kirkham
Subtitled “And Other Stories of the Changing Seasons from Around the World”, How to Calm a Rain Bull is an eclectic selection of folk tales for children aged eight and over, only one of which was vaguely familiar to this reader. The book’s aim is to introduce young people to stories and cultures that are probably outside of their usual experience; stories from places like Patagonia, Syria or Nigeria. Even the stories from countries more familiar to a ‘western’ reader come from the margins. For example, a Cajun tale from the USA, a Celtic one from the UK. The introduction explains, “Throughout history, people have told stories to explain the world around them. Every known culture has its own unique tales that have been handed down for generations.” Folktales, the introduction states “are a great way to learn about cultures that are different from your own” and encourages the reader to find out more about the world beyond their own. Understanding and inclusion are at the heart of the book.
The introduction then, doesn’t simply introduce the book but also the whole concept of oral storytelling and its importance in passing on and evolving ideas to fit the needs of a changing culture. It is a useful essay, explaining the differences between a Creation Myth, an Origin Myth and a Founding Myth and how people in the past have used myths to explain the world around them. It’s interesting stuff but I (and I wondered how many children would feel the same) wanted to get past the theory and into the stories themselves.
The stories themselves are a truly rich, eclectic mix. All in some way explaining the changing of the seasons, whether there be spring, summer, autumn and winter or, as in tropical climes, two, or simply a regular natural event, such as a hurricane. There are gods, monsters, magical creatures and the character archetypes that one expects to find in folk tales; heroes, step mothers, soldiers, orphans … But the details in each story reflect the landscapes, traditions and beliefs of the original tale. Author and illustrator Denise Gallagher has diligently studied the cultures behind each story asking questions such as what did they wear? What was home life like? What about the weather? What animals and plants were native? By including some of these details in the prose and artwork, she makes these archetypes feel fresh, new and exciting.
The large hardback book is attractive as is the artwork inside, although the muted pastel colour palette and stylized figures feel somewhat static for the action-packed stories. However, they do give a strong sense of art traditions and styles beyond the usual, which is entirely in keeping with the aim of the book.
Published by Moon + Bird, How to Calm a Rain Bull, is classified as ‘children’s non-fiction’, which, having enjoyed the selection of exciting, magical, some funny, some sad, stories came as a surprise. Non-Fiction? Probably yes. Alongside the introductory essay on myth, there is a glossary of key terms and a bibliography of sources “so you can further research any [story] that particularly interested you”. These, plus the guides to pronunciation in some of the tales make the book feel scholarly, inviting the child reader to consider the stories as an anthropologist might. It is an invitation rather than a preach. An invitation that, I suspect, a good number of children will ignore until later as first, they will want enjoy immersing themselves in the stories, something that Denise Gallagher’s easy writing style allows brilliantly. Although aimed at middle grade readers, the collection is ideal for parents and caregivers to read aloud to younger children. Each story is an ideal length for bedtime although the conversations they could inspire may last long into the night.
If you are looking for a gift that will entertain and empower young readers, How to Calm a Rain Bull is the sort of book that they may quickly come to treasure.
AUTHOR: Denise Gallagher
PUBLISHER: Moon and Bird Books
ISBN: 978-1917194051
PODCAST EPISODE: Episode 199
REVIEWER: Jayne Kirkham
Subtitled “And Other Stories of the Changing Seasons from Around the World”, How to Calm a Rain Bull is an eclectic selection of folk tales for children aged eight and over, only one of which was vaguely familiar to this reader. The book’s aim is to introduce young people to stories and cultures that are probably outside of their usual experience; stories from places like Patagonia, Syria or Nigeria. Even the stories from countries more familiar to a ‘western’ reader come from the margins. For example, a Cajun tale from the USA, a Celtic one from the UK. The introduction explains, “Throughout history, people have told stories to explain the world around them. Every known culture has its own unique tales that have been handed down for generations.” Folktales, the introduction states “are a great way to learn about cultures that are different from your own” and encourages the reader to find out more about the world beyond their own. Understanding and inclusion are at the heart of the book.
The introduction then, doesn’t simply introduce the book but also the whole concept of oral storytelling and its importance in passing on and evolving ideas to fit the needs of a changing culture. It is a useful essay, explaining the differences between a Creation Myth, an Origin Myth and a Founding Myth and how people in the past have used myths to explain the world around them. It’s interesting stuff but I (and I wondered how many children would feel the same) wanted to get past the theory and into the stories themselves.
The stories themselves are a truly rich, eclectic mix. All in some way explaining the changing of the seasons, whether there be spring, summer, autumn and winter or, as in tropical climes, two, or simply a regular natural event, such as a hurricane. There are gods, monsters, magical creatures and the character archetypes that one expects to find in folk tales; heroes, step mothers, soldiers, orphans … But the details in each story reflect the landscapes, traditions and beliefs of the original tale. Author and illustrator Denise Gallagher has diligently studied the cultures behind each story asking questions such as what did they wear? What was home life like? What about the weather? What animals and plants were native? By including some of these details in the prose and artwork, she makes these archetypes feel fresh, new and exciting.
The large hardback book is attractive as is the artwork inside, although the muted pastel colour palette and stylized figures feel somewhat static for the action-packed stories. However, they do give a strong sense of art traditions and styles beyond the usual, which is entirely in keeping with the aim of the book.
Published by Moon + Bird, How to Calm a Rain Bull, is classified as ‘children’s non-fiction’, which, having enjoyed the selection of exciting, magical, some funny, some sad, stories came as a surprise. Non-Fiction? Probably yes. Alongside the introductory essay on myth, there is a glossary of key terms and a bibliography of sources “so you can further research any [story] that particularly interested you”. These, plus the guides to pronunciation in some of the tales make the book feel scholarly, inviting the child reader to consider the stories as an anthropologist might. It is an invitation rather than a preach. An invitation that, I suspect, a good number of children will ignore until later as first, they will want enjoy immersing themselves in the stories, something that Denise Gallagher’s easy writing style allows brilliantly. Although aimed at middle grade readers, the collection is ideal for parents and caregivers to read aloud to younger children. Each story is an ideal length for bedtime although the conversations they could inspire may last long into the night.
If you are looking for a gift that will entertain and empower young readers, How to Calm a Rain Bull is the sort of book that they may quickly come to treasure.