Fairy tales and cultural fables tend to share universal themes, yet each culture has its own unique way of expressing them. Tales from a Finnish Tupa offers the Lappland perspective on many familiar stories, and also relates some tales that are likely new to most of us. First published in 1936 and delightfully illustrated by Laura Bannon, this collection of Finnish folktales was recently republished by the University of Minnesota Press.

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Tales from a Finnish Tupa, by James Cloyd Bowman and Margery Bianco. University of Minnesota Press $15.95
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From Cinderella to sea gods to how the bear lost its tail, these tales explain everything we need to know about why the world is the way it is. It is divided into three sections: tales of magic, droll stories, and fables. Each section brings a new perspective to familiar stories and infuses them with Finnish culture.

Short, manageable chapters make this a perfect book to pick up for a quick break in your day or to share with the kids at bedtime. Readers of all ages can enjoy its simple messages of honesty, bravery, beauty and love.
--Becki Iverson