Traditional stories originated before written language, passed down orally within communities, and reading them is still a fundamental rite of passage in many cultures. We begin our reading journey with simple plots, typically unfolding in a sequence of events, actions, or consequences, while teaching us by offering morals, lessons, or central messages about our origins, the world around us, and ourselves.

Folklorists classify traditional literature into various subgenres. They examine the message or central idea of the story, the plot evolution, character attributes, the setting, and the use of literary elements to tell the story. Tales from the people, “Folk Tales,” share the stories of everyday occurrences; “Myths” explore our connection to worldly gods and goddesses; and “Epics and Legends” take us on adventures where mere mortals accomplish great deeds. “Fables” are short, simple stories featuring animals teaching moral lessons about relationships and the struggle of good vs. evil, while “Religious Stories” (or Parables) rely on religious manuscripts and writings.

Exposing readers to a diverse collection of traditional stories from around the world feeds their curiosity and deepens their desire to see the world.

Structurally, traditional narratives provide early readers with a base for growth. The narratives contain a simple plot that flows through the story, building important details, rising and falling as the plot unfolds and comes to a resolution. Readers employ critical thinking skills: analyzing word choice and building insight into the use of literary devices. The inclusion of a variety of traditional literature from different cultures provides opportunities for readers to retell or summarize the stories, pinpointing the central message or theme while giving them a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of stories in our everyday lives.

Traditional stories can be universally applied in the English Language Arts (ELA) classroom, whether you are studying character development, examining figurative language, or determining the story’s theme or message. They have the power to reach and impact readers’ understanding of the world while entertaining and inspiring them to read further.

In Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art (1993), Scott McCloud notes the process of preserving and recording these stories in artwork — such as cave drawings, early tapestries, and visual narratives on ornate objects — was the beginning of the comics medium. Using our newest curated list, Epic Myths, Fables, and Folktales, our Engagement Specialists have chosen a selection of Folktales, Legends, and Myths to share in the classroom.

FOLKTALES

How the Guinea Fowl Got Her Spots by Barbara Knutson (Lerner)

Standard Language: Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

In East Africa, the clever guinea fowl, Nganga, may be small, but she is wise and crafty. She outwits the lion to protect her big friend, the Cow. In gratitude, Cow splashes milk on Nganga’s body to camouflage her, helping her to escape the hungry lion.

Knutson’s images use “Black Line” techniques with African motifs. The animals are portrayed with bold watercolors, placing them on center stage, while traditional patterns and simple landscapes establish the savannah setting.

Readers will easily identify the central message of friendship, which is shared playfully through key details that convey how the animals relate to each other, support each other, and protect one another through this light-hearted folktale of how the guinea fowl got her spots.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

Folktales: Raven the Trickster by Christine Platt and Evelt Yanai (ABDO)

Standard Language: Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

This illustrated early reader shares a delightful folktale from the Northwest Coast of North America, where Raven is a legendary trickster who can change his form at will. When an old man steals all the light from the world and hides it in a special box, Raven is tasked with bringing light back to the darkened world. The story follows Raven’s clever mission to outsmart the old man and restore light to humanity.

The artwork by Christine Platt is vibrant and imaginative, bringing the story to life in a way that words alone cannot. Colorful images help young readers visualize the narrative, enhancing their understanding and engagement with the tale. The illustrations draw inspiration from the distinctive totemic art style of the Pacific Northwest, featuring bold colors that reflect the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Readers will discover that the story’s central message revolves around the idea that positive change can come from unexpected sources. Despite being a trickster, Raven becomes a figure who brings light to a darkened world. This tale not only entertains but also provides insight into the customs and beliefs of the Northwest Coast indigenous peoples, showcasing their deep connection to nature and the spiritual world.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America by Jaime Hernandez (TOON Books / Astra)

Standard Language: Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., the opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

The acclaimed co-creator of Love and Rockets, Jaime Hernandez, retells and illustrates three classic Mexican folktales: “The Dragon Slayer,” “Martina Martinez and Perez the Mouse,” and “Tup and the Ants.” Each story highlights the ingenuity of its characters, including the Cinderella-like dragon slayer, Martina, who looks for more than empathy in the loss of her little husband; and Tup, who learns from tiny leaf-cutter ants. The book includes an introduction and an illustrated four-page essay providing additional information and images related to each story’s cultural context.

Hernandez’s artwork, presented in six-panel pages, showcases a bold cartoonish style, bringing the stories to life. He excels at drawing facial expressions and emphasizing the characters’ body language; his characters’ eyes are especially powerful in conveying emotions.

The lessons presented in each story are universal and can complement other folktales from around the world, allowing readers to compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics from different cultures. For example, readers can compare the titular folktale, “The Dragon Slayer” with traditional European dragon tales like St. George and The Dragon, The Hobbit, and Beowulf.

NOTE: Also check out the Spanish-language edition, La matadragones: Cuentos de Latinoamérica, and TOON Book’s sixteen-page teaching guide for other lesson-planning resources.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

LEGENDS

Guan Yu: Blood Brothers to the End [A Chinese Legend] by Dan Jolley and Ron Randall (Lerner)

Standard Language: Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., the opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

Dan Jolley’s adaptation of the legend of Guan Yu is based on Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel, which follows the leaders and rulers of early China. Legendary Guan Yu leaves his home village due to a bad situation but soon finds his chosen brothers: Liu Bei, and Zhang Fei. Guan Yu is a warrior who rises through the ranks to become General and then Governor after being challenged to win wars and triumph over battles with competitors and rivals alike. The three build a lifetime brotherhood that shapes their decisions, reputations, and, ultimately, their immortality.

Randall’s realistic drawings depict action-packed battle scenes, serene landscapes, and detailed characters. Readers can easily follow Guan Yu by his distinctive green robe and brick-red horse, while the placement of characters in each of the panels clearly reveals the actions and mood of the storyline.

Understanding the narrative structure of legends will reinforce readers’ abilities to find patterns of events as Guan Yu’s quest for brotherhood is challenged throughout the story. They will enjoy the exciting fighting scenes while contemplating the outcome and next obstacle for Guan Yu.

NOTE: Check out Lerner’s teaching resources for this and other titles in their Graphic Myths & Legends series.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath by Alexis E. Fajardo (Andrews McMeel)

Standard Language: Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., the opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath is the first book in Alexis E. Fajardo’s series that tells the origin stories of Beowulf and Grendel. It begins with a prologue introducing King Hrothgar and his decision to form a blood pact with a dragon named Draca. This pact leads to the birth of Gertrude, a monstrous daughter raised by the dragon. Years later, Gertrude gives birth to twin boys: Grendel, who looks like his mother and has a monstrous appearance, and Beowulf, who is fully human.

Fajardo’s art is bright and colorful, helping make the complex story more appealing to younger readers. The protagonists are drawn with open lines, curves, and a lack of realistic detail, allowing readers to project themselves onto the characters whose simplistic, comical expressions help convey emotions and humor.

This retelling offers a unique twist on the classic tale while maintaining the core themes of heroism, family, destiny, and good versus evil. Readers will enjoy the rich historical elements that are blended with fantasy, while examining the conflict between Beowulf and Grendel, despite their bond as brothers; or, dive deeper to discuss themes of loyalty and betrayal.

NOTE: Check out Andrews McMeel’s teaching guide for more lesson-planning resources related to this title, as well as more Kid Beowulf tales published by Fajardo himself.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, Blake A. Hoena, and Tod Smith (Capstone)

Standard Language: Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden’s “Musée des Beaux Arts” and Breughel’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus).

The classic ghost story is a ‘true’ American legend about Sleepy Hollow, New York. Ichabod Crane, the local schoolmaster, is a nervous sort. His enthusiasm for the local stories of spirits is known throughout the village, as is his enchantment with the wealthy farmer’s daughter, Katrina Van Tassel. On the night he pleads his love to Katrina, he encounters the spirit of the “Headless Horseman” and is never seen again.

Blake Hoena’s retelling of Washington Irving’s short story is an excellent selection for analyzing the difference between two different artistic mediums. Tod Smith’s ability to provide multiple perspectives with close-ups from various angles creates an unbalanced view of the characters, and provides a nuanced understanding of their emotions. Varied panel sizes allow particular scenes to come alive, whether it’s the supernatural or the more ordinary world of Ichabod. Autumnal colors on dark, eerie backgrounds add to the spookiness of the story.

Readers can discuss what has changed, been highlighted, or is missing from the original text, and also compare it to the Spanish-language edition, La Leyenda del Jinete sin Cabeza.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

MYTHS

T is for Thor: A Norse Mythology Alphabet by Virginia Loh-Hagan and Torstein Nordstrand (Cherry Lake)

Standard Language: Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

This delightful journey through the world of Norse mythology is a picture book that utilizes an alphabetical format but appeals to readers of all ages. Featuring key figures like Thor, Odin, Heimdall, and Loki, as well as lesser-known inhabitants of the mythological universe. More than just an alphabet book, T is for Thor offers a wealth of information, providing readers with a deeper understanding of each character and concept.

This book serves as an exceptional introduction to Norse mythology, offering a unique perspective on a rich cultural tradition that may be less familiar than Greek or Roman myths. Nordstrand’s artwork brings Norse mythology to life with vibrant, full-color illustrations whose intricate and detailed images immerse readers in a world of wonder, enhancing the storytelling experience.

It is an excellent opportunity to help young readers compare and contrast different mythological systems. It can ignite exploration while fostering an appreciation for universal themes and cultural diversity.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

Warring Gods by Nel Yomtov and Eduardo Garcia (Capstone)

Standard Language: Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

Warring Gods is an engaging title that features seven diverse battle myths, including “The War of the Titans” (Greek), “Seth Verses Horus” (Egyptian), “The Battle of Veles and Perun” (Slavic), “The Aesir-Vanir War” (Norse), “The Great Mystery Power” (Native American), “Maduk Fights the Goddess Tiamat” (Babylonian), and “Dakuwaqa, the Fearsome Shark God” (Fijian). Each tale focuses on epic clashes between legendary figures, presented in a visual format that engages readers, especially those who might find traditional texts less accessible.

Eduardo Garcia’s stunning artwork brings these epic clashes to life with vibrant colors and imaginative details. The illustrations make Nel Yomtov’s adaptations more accessible to young readers, providing a visual foundation for identifying and comparing similarities and differences across these diverse stories.

By exploring these battle myths, readers can discover unique differences and surprising similarities in how various cultures address the theme of conflict and the struggle between good and evil. Warring Gods provides readers with the opportunity to evaluate and contrast across different cultures’ mythologies. To enhance the learning experience, the book includes a myth map, glossary, “read more” sections, and critical thinking questions that encourage deeper exploration.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

Persephone by Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky (BOOM! Studios)

Standard Language: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Teenage readers will love this reimagined story as Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky uses elements from the Greek myth “Persephone and the Underworld” in this graphic retelling. The story unfolds in a world divided into two distinct realms: the vibrant and magical Eleusis and the desolate and shadowy Hades. Persephone is the adopted daughter of Demeter, a witch and war hero. She struggles to find her place and identity and feels pressured to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Unfortunately, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is tricked into entering the underworld and eats the ‘Fruit of the Damned.’ This fateful encounter sets her on a journey of self-discovery as she unravels the mysteries of her past and encounters a cast of intriguing characters.

Locatelli-Kournwsky’s artwork is truly exceptional. Each character is drawn with striking individuality, and their expressive faces help bring the narrative to life. The artwork truly shines in its depiction of the contrasting realms, while the vibrant colors and enchanting atmosphere of Eleusis starkly contrast with the somber and foreboding tones of Hades.

A captivating coming-of-age story, Persephone’s journey through Hades is a quest for self-discovery and adventure, making it an ideal text for character analysis. Readers can analyze how she develops as a character throughout the story, exploring her motivations, conflicts, and growth. They can observe how she evolves from a self-conscious teenager burdened by expectations into a more confident individual by observing her conflicting motivations of wanting to please her mother vs. finding her own path.

• Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection

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