World Culture

Expand your world and learn about other cultures.

YA Fiction Around the World and Back

April 1, 2017 | jonesw

Check out one of the following YA titles to discover a different culture, or perhaps find a reflection of your own experiences.

The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Culture: Native American

Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

A big dose of lucky by Marthe Jocelyn

Culture: Canadian Aboriginal

Malou has just turned sixteen—hardly old enough to be out in the world on her own—and all she knows for sure is that she’s mixed-race and that she was left at an orphanage as a newborn. Beyond that, it’s a mystery—a mystery that takes her to the little town of Parry Sound, where she finds lots of young brown faces like hers. Are these her relatives, and why doesn’t anyone want to talk about it?

African Folkore for Kids

April 1, 2017 | Michelle

Have you always wanted to read more African Folklore, but you weren't sure where to start? Enjoy these titles from the Kids Folktales and Fairytales section at the library!

Bringing the rain to Kapiti Plain : a Nandi tale by Verna Aardema

A cumulative rhyme relating how Ki-pat brought rain to the drought-stricken Kapiti Plain.

How the guinea fowl got her spots : a Swahili tale of friendship by Barbara Knutson

A folk explanation for the guinea fowl's protective coloration that enables it to hide from its natural predator, the lion.

Asian Folklore

April 1, 2017 | Michelle

There are so many great tales in the J398 collection, including ones from China and Japan! Be sure to check out these titles to become more familiar with these cultural tales.

Chinese fables : "the dragon slayer" and other timeless tales of wisdom by Shiho S. Nunes

An illustrated retelling of nineteen fables and tales from China, each of which features a nugget of ancient folk wisdom and introduces aspects of traditional Chinese culture and lore.

Dragon prince : a Chinese Beauty & the beast tale by Laurence Yep

A poor farmer's youngest daughter agrees to marry a fierce dragon in order to save her father's life.

Tales from India

April 1, 2017 | Michelle

Explore India's cultural tales with these finds in the Children's Department collection!

Prince of fire : the story of Diwali by Jatinder Nath Verma

Retells the Hindu tale of a heroic prince and his bride who are separated by the demon prince Ravana until the Monkey Army of Hanuman, god of the wind, helps them.

Brahma dreaming by John Jackson

Native American Folklore

April 1, 2017 | Michelle

There are many different types of cultures in the world, including our own Native American Tribal cultures here in America. Here are some titles to get you started on delving into their cultural tales and heritage.

The crow's tale : a Lenni Lanape Native American legend by Naomi Howarth

During a hard winter, Rainbow Crow sets out to find the sun and bring warmth to the other animals, but during his journey he is changed in dramatic ways.

Hiawatha and the great peace by Virginia Schomp

"A Native American legend based in part on the true story of the founding of the Iroquois League by the hero Deganawidah and his companion Hiawatha"--Provided by publisher.

Tales from Ireland

April 1, 2017 | Michelle

Is the only Irish folklore you are familiar with have rainbows, pots of gold, and four-leaf clovers? Be sure to check out these selections in the Children's Department for even more stories of the Irish people.

Celtic tales : fairy tales and stories of enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales
Spellbound : tales of enchantment from ancient Ireland by Siobhán Parkinson

Features eight Irish folk tales, including "Butterfly Girl," "The Children of Lir," and "Labhra with the Horse's Ears.".

Jewish Folklore

April 1, 2017 | Michelle

Take a peek at the fun Jewish Folklore we have in the Children's Department!

Rabbi Harvey vs. the wisdom kid : a graphic novel of dueling Jewish folktales in the wild West by Steve Sheinkin
The adventures of Rabbi Harvey : a graphic novel of Jewish wisdom and wit in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin

Jewish and American folklore are combined in this witty and original collection of comic Jewish folk tales creatively retold and set on the western frontier of the 1870s. Part wild west sheriff, part old world rabbi. After finishing school in New York, Rabbi Harvey traveled west in search of adventure and, hopefully, work as a rabbi. Like any good collection of Jewish folktales, these stories contain layers of humor and timeless wisdom that will entertain both adults and young readers.

The Immigrant Experience Yesterday and Today

April 1, 2017 | marianne

America is a country of immigrants. Some families arrived several generations ago; some families are newer arrivals. Whether you're looking for stories that relate the immigrant experience of yesteryear, or stories with a more modern-day setting, you'll find both at Canton Public Library. The following is a list of picture book titles that highlight immigration, then and now.

Stories Of Yesteryear

Grandfather's journey by Allen Say

A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather's journey to America which he later also undertakes, and the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.

Cultural Diversity Month: Arts and Crafts for Kids!

April 1, 2017 | menterj
Traditional crafts from Japan by Florence Temko

Explains the meaning of Japanese culture which is found in eight traditional handicrafts and provides instructions for creating them. Includes a list of materials needed.

Super simple Indian art : fun and easy art from around the world by Alex Kuskowski

Presents step-by-step instructions for creating nine handicraft projects inspired by Indian art, including ankle bells, a henna key chain, and a Diwali bowl.

How to draw Germany's sights and symbols by Betsy Dru Tecco

Presents step-by-step directions for drawing the national flag, a castle, a stork, and other sights and symbols of Germany.

Explore the Culture of Denmark

April 1, 2017 | daviscrl

Curious about why Denmark has topped lists as the world's happiest country? Explore the vibrant culture of this northern land and find out.

Happy as a Dane : 10 secrets of the happiest people in the world by Malene Rydahl

How is it that these 5.6 million Danes are so content when they live in a country that is dark and cold nine months of the year and where income taxes are at almost 60 percent? At a time when talk across the Western world is focused on unemployment woes, government overreach, and anti-taxation lobbies, our Danish counterparts seem to breathe a healthier and fresher air. Interweaving anecdotes and research, Malene Rydahl explores how the values of trust, education, and a healthy work-life balance with  purpose—to name just a few—contribute to a “happy” population.

The year of living Danishly : uncovering the secrets of the world's happiest country by Helen Russell

When she was given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, journalist and archetypal Londoner Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: the happiest place on earth is Denmark, a land often thought of by foreigners as consisting entirely of long dark winters, cured herring, Lego and pastries. What is the secret to their success? Are happy Danes born, or made? Helen gives herself a year to uncover the formula for Danish happiness. The Year of Living Danishly is a funny, poignant record of a journey that shows us where the Danes get it right, where they get it wrong, and how we might just benefit from living a little more Danishly ourselves.

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