The White Elephant, and Other Tales From India

by Georgene Faulkner

Overview

Indian folk tales as old as the Ganges. Well, maybe not that old, but as the compiler points out in her introduction 'some have come down to us from the early days of Buddha, and were taken from a book, called the Jataka Tales.' That's the 4th century BC. As she also points out, you would certainly have come across some of these before in Westernised versions. The title story is an Indian equivalent of Androcles and the lion. 'The Bear's Bad Bargain' contains shades of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. (Goodreads)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783987449673
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	11/24/2022
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	50
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	5 Years

About the Author

Georgene Faulkner, often celebrated as "The Story Lady," was a pioneering American author and storyteller whose work in the early 20th century left an indelible mark on children's literature. Born in 1873 in Chicago, Faulkner's passion for storytelling was ignited during her childhood, where she was captivated by the rich oral traditions of her community. This early fascination with narrative art propelled her into a career that would blend folklore, education, and entertainment.Faulkner's literary contributions are notable for their cultural inclusivity and educational value. She was a master at adapting traditional tales from diverse cultures, bringing them to American audiences with a sensitivity that was ahead of her time. Her work not only entertained but also educated children about the world's vast cultural tapestry, fostering a sense of global awareness and empathy.In addition to her writing, Faulkner was a dynamic performer, often dressing in elaborate costumes to bring her stories to life in schools, libraries, and on the radio. Her engaging storytelling style earned her a dedicated following and the affectionate moniker "The Story Lady."Faulkner's influence extended to contemporary writers who admired her ability to blend didacticism with enchantment. She championed the revolutionary idea that children's literature could be both instructive and delightful, a concept that has since become a cornerstone of the genre.Despite her success, Faulkner's career was not without controversy. Some critics argued that her adaptations of cultural tales were overly sanitized for young audiences, sparking debates about authenticity versus accessibility in children's literature—a discussion that continues to resonate today.Georgene Faulkner's legacy endures through her contributions to children's literature and her innovative approach to storytelling, which continues to inspire and educate future generations.
Georgene Faulkner (1873 – 1958) was an American children's book author and storyteller of the early twentieth century. In her career, she was known and promoted as "the Story Lady." A native Chicagoan, she attended the School of Education of the University of Chicago, then at the forefront of educational reform. When her sister Elizabeth Faulkner started the Faulkner School for Girls in 1909, Georgene was in charge of the kindergarten. She was an accomplished storyteller; she dressed up as Mrs. Santa Claus to tell Christmas stories to children. She also practiced her craft with adult audiences: she traveled to Europe to entertain American troops during World War I. Beginning in 1922, Georgene Faulkner began broadcasting on Chicago radio stations; on stations WMAQ and WGN she had programs titled "The Story Lady" and "Air Castle." She also wrote on children's topics for the Chicago Tribune. Over the space of four decades she wrote or edited a range of children's books. Several of her works were illustrated by Frederick Richardson. In the final phase of her career she addressed the problem of racial prejudice, in the books Melindy's Medal (with John Becker, 1945) and Melindy's Happy Summer (1949).