Emerald Lizard

World Storytelling

by Pleasant DeSpain

For the past three decades, Pleasant DeSpain has explored Latin America – its people, customs, cultures, and especially the myths and legends. The 15 tales in this collection are full of compassionate souls, tricks and humor, explanations of nature and geography – and as always, memorable characters and places. Mario Lamo-Jiménez's Spanish translation that accompanies the English version reverberates with the rich, vibrant quality that has become the bench mark for the best stories from Latin America.

Genres: Spanish Literature

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Pleasant DeSpain is a world traveler, storyteller and author of 18 published books,and more than 350 stories. He's currently living in Northern Thailand as well as the USA, while working on a collection of stories from his 70 plus years of life and adventures. The goal of the new work is to share his practical as well as spiritual journey. Pleasant does not have answers or truths for others, but he has many good stories to tell!

His many collections of folk and fairy tales, legends and original tales, most of which are published by August House Publishers, Atlanta, Georgia, continue to be in circulation and used in schools throughout the United States and other countries. These stories endure and will always be relevant in our various cultures and societies.

Reviews

[JoyfulK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these short tales in English & Spanish. I try reading the Spanish and then peek at the English when I really don't understand, which was fewer and fewer times per story as I move along. Meanwhile I got to read fun folktales from all over the South & Central America. :-)

[Jklf505 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quince cuentos tradicionales de Latinoamerica. Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia y más. Estoy practicando a leer en español.

[Zoraida Rivera Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading folktales of various latin american countries. It's a bilingual edition so I could read it in the language I choose. One of the stories was from Puerto Rico and it was good to laugh again with Juan Bobo.

[Endira77]

I bought this at an ESL conference. Latin American literature is highly neglected in the standard choices for reading material in most schools, so I try to expose them to it. Folktales lend themselves to teaching about cultural beliefs.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bilingual book of Latin American folktales is just right for reading at my level of Spanish. I try reading the Spanish version first; then scan the English version, then finish by reading the Spanish one aloud. Great practice!!