Folktales of Russia

Title- Folktales of Russia

Author- Various Authors

Illustrator- Various Illustrators

Publisher-  India Book House

Copyright Date- 2000

Number of Pages- 64

Awards- None

Reading Level- Ages 7-11

Genre- Folktale, Graphic Novel

Summary

This book is not your average collection of folktales; it is Russian folktales combined with a comic book.  There are a bunch of tales, from clever soldiers to magic trees, a Russian Jack Frost, and even swans and young children.  Each separate story has a theme and usually a moral or lesson learned. 

Teaching Idea

This book is a great addition to a folktale unit.  After introducing folktales in standard story form, I would introduce this book.  It would pique the students interest, and provide a change compared to what they are accustomed to.  I would read this book over a couple days.  Then I would have students create their own comic book out of any folktale they choose.  This gives the students an opportunity to make a choice, and feel like they have control over their own comic book project.  

Rating

Element of Literature	Excellent	Average	Inadequate	Not Addressed	Rating
Plot	The plot is engaging; the reader is invested in the outcome.  Contains conflict, a climax and a resolution.    The reader buys into the story line; it is believable to the reader.	The plot is average it contains some of the essential elements such as conflict, climax and resolution.  One element is either missing or poorly developed.  The reader may or may not buy into the storyline, it is just not that believable.	Multiple essential elements, conflict, climax and/or resolution are missing or poorly developed.  It is not believable and overall a bad plot.		There are multiple plots within this one book.  They all contain some kind of conflict and resolution.  Many of the stories are unusual, leading to story lines that are not entirely believable.  The reader does not always buy into the story.
Characters	Characters are unique and believable.  The characters come to life when the reader is engaged in the story.  When the book is done, the reader still connects with the characters of the book.  Characters have personalities, flaws, and feelings. There is a protagonist, possibly an antagonist and some supporting characters.	Characters are similar to other books, have little to no uniqueness.  When the reader is done with the book, they are also done with the characters, there is no lasting connection.  Characters display little in terms of personality.  There are no supporting characters, or no clear protagonist.	Characters are dull and lifeless, there is no connection to the characters.  There is no clear protagonist and no supporting characters.  The characters are too farfetched.		Characters are unique, although there is no lasting connection to any of the characters.  There are clear protagonists and antagonists.  Some characters are shown with personality but not all of them.
Illustrations	The illustrations share in the story telling. The pictures help to develop the characters, establish the mood, and setting.  They contain some of the following elements, hidden details, facial expressions, different viewpoints, interesting asides, action depiction, or supporting details.  The pictures themselves may be created out of different mediums in order to support the plot.  Visual elements are used effectively (line, shape, color, texture and composition).	The illustrations support the story telling.  The pictures help with some but not all of the following, establish mood and setting, and developing characters.  They contain few if any of the following elements, hidden details, facial expressions, different viewpoints, interesting asides, action depiction, or supporting details.  The pictures are basic and do not use visual elements effectively.	The illustrations are in conflict with the story.  The pictures do not develop or establish anything in relation to the book.  There are no additional elements in the illustrations.  Visual elements detract from the plot.		The illustrations make this book what it is.  They develop the characters, establish the mood and the setting.  They have hidden details, facial expressions, action depiction, and supporting details.
Word Choice	There are a more than two of the following elements used effectively, precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, and music in language.	There are one or two of the following elements used effectively, precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, and music in language.	There are none of the following elements or they are not used effectively, precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, and music in language.		The word choice is basic, it contains some dialogue, and some precise language.