STORIES FOR 3 TO 5 YEAR OLDS
(excerpts from posts)
(If you want to retell any of the stories listed below, be sure to obtain permission from the copyright holder if the material is not in the public domain. In performance, always give credit to your source!)

NOTE:
Part 1 contains actual stories/activities or link(s) to get to them.
Part 2 contains suggestions for sources to find at a library or buy at a bookstore or online.

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PART 1
Actual story/activity or link(s) to get to it.

1) There are a number of storytelling activities listed at:
http://www.storyconnection.net/
A dramatic storyteller, Dianne de Las Casas adapts traditional folklore, adding fun audience participation, song, and of course, humor. She does not stay still! Through the use of character voices, creative movement, and animated facial expressions and gestures, she creates a world of fantasy and enchantment. Dianne has a magical connection with her young audiences, engaging them in playful dramatization and active involvement in her programs. It is that special connection with her audiences that she cherishes.

This is a wonderful site for stories and participation activities for young children.
For more about Dianne, go to:
http://www.storyconnection.net/

2) The Wide Mouthed Frog
Here's one shortened example of this famous story, so you'll know what it's about:
a) The wide mouthed frog lived in North America. He decided one day to leave his pond and see the world.
He met a large, four-legged black and white animal with two horns, and said "Hello, what are you, and what do you eat?"
"I'm a cow, and I eat grass"
The wide-mouthed frog then came to a huge bird with sharp talons and a curved beak. "Hello, what are you etc."
"I'm an eagle, and I eat little birds and mice"
Next another large four-legged creature, standing on his hind legs, with sharp claws. "Hello, what are you etc."
"I'm a bear, and I eat honey"
The wide-mouthed frog reached a river, and here was a long green slimy thing with huge jaws. "Hello, what are you etc."
"I'm an alligator and I eat wide-mouthed frogs. Have you seen any?" The wide mouthed frog's mouth suddenly became very small, and he hurried back to his pond as fast as he could go.
The moral of this story is that there are times when it pays to keep your - big - mouth - shut.
•••••
[This story is from North America, and I first heard and saw it told by Dan Keding, who added greatly to the telling by imitating the frog's mouth with his very supple fingers.]
The version came from:
http://www.tellingtales.com/Stufftodo/Skeleton/StorySkeleton-07.htm
Copyright Bob Wilkins 1998. Ask for permission to retell.
b) The Wide-Mouthed Frog
As adapted and retold by Richard Thompson
Here is the story with examples of drawing to go along with it. Easy drawings, easy to learn.
http://www.drawandtell.com/pictales/wmfrog/hstsandwmfrog.html
c) The Wide Mouthed Frog
Still another version
http://allaboutfrogs.org/funstuff/jokes/sight.html
•••••
Books:
The Wide Mouth Frog a Tale Retold by Joanne Branyon-Ward, John R. Ward.
The Wide-Mouthed Frog: A POP-UP BOOK by Keith Faulkner, Jonathan Lambert.

3) Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly
a) Words and synthesized music - excellent source
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/oldlady.htm
b) Great site with cartoons and an audio retelling
http://www.halfgiraffe.com/oldlady.html
c) Fun site with many verses and lots of animated graphics.
http://www.enchbyench.com/angie/lady_who_swallow.htm

4) Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
a) Words to the poem
http://members.tripod.com/~ESL4Kids/songs/fox.html
b) Words with guitar chords
http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/~aparsons/guitar/guitar.py.cgi?song=Fox
c) Words - another version
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nickelcreek/thefox.html

5) My Aunt Came Back -- an echo song with body movements.
a) Lyrics - YMCA Camp Loowit Campfire Songs
http://www.backyardgardener.com/loowit/song/song59.html
b) Lyrics with instructions for body movements
http://www.djmorton.demon.co.uk/scouting/songs/aunt.htm

6) The Hokey Pokey
a) Words with the music
http://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/hokeypokey.html
b) Fun Hokey Pokey recipe for peanut brittle
http://www.rainforestwebs.com/recipes/hokey.html
c) Learn different shapes by using this music
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/pages/408.shtml

7) Camping Activities using song "We're Going on a Bear Hunt!"
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/print/0,,572023,00.html

8) Going on a Bear Hunt
a) Words to the chant and instructions for body movements
http://members.tripod.com/~ESL4Kids/chants/bear.html
b) Words and instructions - long version
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/teddy/bearhunt.html
c) This site has lyrics to many of these kinds of songs
http://www.timmyabell.com/music/lyrics/ol/bearhunt.htm

9) The Magic Pot - a tale from China
The Magic Pot and many other stories, delightfully told; also illustrations.
Choo and His Melons
The Golden Apple
Damak and the Black Hat
The Tortoise and His Flute
The Crocodiles' Revenge

10) Train Stories
a) A participation story from The Little Engine That Could
http://scoutingbear.com/audience/engine.htm
b) "How the Train Got Its Whistle"
http://www.bluesforpeace.com/whistle_story.htm
c) "The Train With No Name"
http://books-4u.com/trainstory.htm
d) Another "The Train With No Name"
http://www.2blockheads.com/a_train_with_no_name
e) "The Little Blue Choo-Choo" poem
http://www.epinions.com/content_3642531972

11) Preschool Rhymes for Transportation Themes plus much more
Animals
Trains
Airplanes
Wagons
Buses
Counting and Numbers
Insects and Bugs
Special Occasions
Community Helpers
Self and Family
http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/transportation-rhymes.htm

12) The Singing Turtle
Full Text
http://users.mdonline.net/wabei/xlation/quilt/utagame.htm

13) Caps for Sale
a) A synopsis and suggested activities
http://www.eduplace.com/tview/pages/c/Caps_for_Sale_Esphyr_Slobodkina_.html
b) Full text
http://www.valdosta.edu/~hablack/paint.html

14) Goldilocks and the Three Bears
a) Modern version and cartoons
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/starship/tvandradio/stories/goldilocks_story1.shtml
b) Kids supply endings to traditional tale
http://www.spebb.k12.nf.ca/goldilocks/bradley_hollys.html
c) Lively telling of traditional tale with full text
http://www.ongoing-tales.com/SERIALS/oldtime/FAIRYTALES/goldilocks.html
d) Annotated fairy tale
http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/goldilocks/
e) A short version
http://www.ed.psu.edu/k-12/edpgs/su95/beasts/thrbe.htm

15) Reminded of her Mother -- a version of the tailor story -- kids repeat the title whenever it comes around. See:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/dudding/reminded.html
(I give you all permission to tell or revise it as long as you mention me as your source: Kate Dudding)

16) Master of all Masters -- kids repeat the silly words with Jane.
See http://home.nycap.rr.com/dudding/master.html
(I give you all permission to tell or revise it as long as you mention me as your source: Kate Dudding)

17) The Mitten -- kids repeat the mouse's line and mimic the animals' faces
See http://home.nycap.rr.com/dudding/mitten.html
(I give you all permission to tell or revise it as long as you mention me as your source: Kate Dudding)

18) The Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone, illus.)
Here's the full text story with wonderful pictures
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/stories/gingerbread4.htm

19) Great Big Enormous Turnip (Tolstoy)
Suggestions? Games? YES!!!! Tell them Story-Games. <<SMILES>> Almost any Formula Tale can be converted into a story-game. I know some of the other tellers here could share one or two. This is a thread that promises to be fun. I'll do two of my favorites.

Someone asked for the source for The Giant Turnip. That tale is so often told, you can find it in just about every library. There are many picture book versions, it is in many telling collections, many Jewish collection, and most Russian Folk Collections.

I do a Story-Game version called:
The Giant Vegetable
Teller: What kind of vegetable do you like?
It doesn't matter what they say.
Listener: Beans!
Teller: I'm going to need a lot of help with this one. I'll take folks up here as I need them. If I don't pick you first or second or third, I'll pick you fourth or fifth or... You know what I mean. Be patient. Everyone who wants a turn will get one. Okay! I need a farmer. Select a Farmer. Bring her/him up front.
Teller: Now a Bean! Select a bean.
Teller: Once there was a farmer. Hold farmer's hand up.
Teller: Let's hear it for the Farmer!
Everyone: Yaaaaaaaa Farmer!
Teller: She/he grew Beans! Let's hear it for the Beans! Hold up Bean's hand.
Everyone: Yaaaaaaaa Beans!
Teller: Every year the farmer picked their beans, loaded them into baskets, took them to market, and sold them for money. Good idea?
Everyone: Yes! (or what ever)
Teller: This year, the farmer had picked all but one bean. It was a Giant Bean. He pulled and he pulled, but it wouldn't come loose. Show farmer how to act out pulling. Keep control of the motions your actors make. It is important to keep everyone safe.
Teller: So the farmer got their partner. Have the farmer pick the next person.
Teller: The farmer pulled on the bean, the partner pulled on the farmer... Signal to the others to help say the next line
All: They pulled and they pulled, but it wouldn't come loose.
Teller: So the partner got a friend.
Have the friend pick the next person.
Teller: The farmer pulled on the bean, the partner pulled on the farmer, the friend pulled on the partner...
All: They pulled and they pulled, but it wouldn't come loose. From then on, keep adding another person to the line. Remember to keep control. Sometimes with very energetic groups, I will position myself at the end of the line blocking them from yanking the poor bean across the stage/floor/street/whatever. You can pick things for them to be or let them chose what they want. If you have a large group and don't think you can remember all the characters. Have a Rabbit with her bunnies (or a dog with puppies or what ever) and every time a new child comes up, tell them to pick another bunny.
Teller: Remember we're just pretending to pull. One person left.
Teller: Along came a little bumble bee with a broken wing. Everyone laughed. How could a little bumble bee with a broken wing help. But the bumble bee tried anyway.
Teller: The Farmer pulled on the bean, the partner pulled on the farmer...the bunny pulled on the bunny on the bunny on the bunny on the bunny...and the bumble bee with the broken wing - pulled on the end.
All: They pulled and they pulled... I cut them off here
Teller: And it POPPED off the bush. Everyone fell down. You might have to remind them to be careful of little ones. Keep everyone down, but have them sit up.
Teller: The farmer looked at the bean. It wouldn't fit in a basket so they couldn't take it to market and sell it for money. Instead...Get the Farmer and the Partner
Teller: The Farmer and the partner chopped it up into Bean salad...Have them chop up the bean. Remind them it's just pretend.
Teller: And share it with their friends...Have the two pass out pretend bowls of bean salad.
Teller: Of course the bumble bee with the broken wing got a second helping.
All: THE END!
http://www.pjtss.net/library/pj/t05.htm
•••••

19) URL no longer valid.

20) Tweety and the Old Lady
Here's a wonderful story by Rebecca Tunny, a year 2 student in Deniliquin. It's a story about how it is really, really important to be strong and powerful.
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997
http://www.storytell.com.au/stories/Tweety.html

21) Freddie the Teddy Meets the Monster
Another story about the wonderful Teddy that leaps out of my props bag. This one was created at Our Lady of the Rosary Preschool, Kenmore, Brisbane.
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997.
http://www.storytell.com.au/stories/tedrosa.html

22) Robert finds a light bulb - created at Ironside Preschool, Brisbane
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997
http://www.storytell.com.au/stories/robert.html

23) Saving the Zebra - created at Buderim Preschool on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane.
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997
http://www.storytell.com.au/stories/Savingzebra.html

24) Blue and the Bone Tree - created during a performance with preschool age children from Pacific Paradise State Preschool Centre and Mudjimba Community Preschool and Kindergarten on 10/24/1997.
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997
http://www.storytell.com.au/stories/bone.html

25) The Little Drop of Rain
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997
http://www.storytell.com.au/stories/Rain.html

26) Mr. Stripey of Swaggeyville and many other stories
© Daryll Bellingham, Storyteller. 1997
http://members.optusnet.com.au/%7Edbelling/Read.html

27) Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
This is a new one on me.
Response: Here are the words, its a fun song for the wee ones.
Words to Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
http://www.dltk-teach.com/books/fivemonkeys.html
Response: There are a LOT of versions of the Five Little Monkeys. Kids love 'em all. Any children's librarian can direct you to books with fingerplays, etc. My first introduction to this was Five Little Sausages Frying in a Pan. The kids and I got a lot more than our fingers into that one.

28) The Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle
http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/tailslap/funstuff/stories/vinegar.htm
http://www.story-lovers.com/listsvinegarbottle.html

29) The Rabbit and the Moon
Story:
If you go out into the fields, in the still, grey hour before the dawn, you will find that the grass is wet.
One day, at the beginning of time, in that still, grey hour, Rabbit stepped out into the field, and he, too, found the grass was wet. As he stood there, wondering where the water had come from, he heard someone crying - and he looked up and found it was the Moon, his tears running down his round, yellow face and falling to the earth and making the grass wet.
"Moon, Moon, why are you crying?"
"I am crying because I want to be like man."
"But why should you want that?"
"I want to be like man because man never dies."
"But man dies, come, I'll show you. Come with me."
And the Moon stepped down, out of the sky, and Rabbit took the Moon to a hut. There, through the window, Rabbit showed the Moon an old man lying on his bed, the last breath rattling in his throat.
"See, man dies."
"Oh, no. Look there."
And the Moon pointed through another window, he showed Rabbit another bed; and on that bed lay a woman, her newborn baby in her arms, by her side a man.
"See, they are together, so there will always be birth. But I am alone, when I die there will be no more moon. That is why I cry."
And the Moon climbed back into the sky. And there he is crying still; as you can see in that still, grey hour before the dawn, when the grass is still wet with his tears ...
•••••
Richard Martin
http://tellatale.eu/
•••••

30) Cheese, Peas and Chocolate Pudding by Caroline Feller Bauer
Full text
http://www.conigliofamily.com/Cheese.htm

31) The Foolish Frog
Rev. Alexander MacPherson
This article is adapted from the "Young People's Magazine."
http://www.radiomissions.org/family/frog.html

32) Snake and the Foolish Frog and Monkey and the Crocodile plus many more
Panchtrantra Tales
http://www.urday.com/fourthtantra.htm

33) The Farm Animals
A story by Rolando Merino for his son Rollie about animals on a farm.
http://www.magickeys.com/books/farm/index.html

34) Nick, Jr. - Animation, music, sound effects, stories
Great site! Very colorful and fun to listen to.
http://www.nickjr.com/

35) Up to Ten.com
Games, stories, songs.
http://www.boowakwala.com/

36) Freedom Bird by David Holt
In l971 I was on a music tour of the Far East for the U.S. State Department. We spent several days in Chiang Mai, Thailand performing and meeting the people. At this time the Thai people were afraid the Vietnamese were going to overrun their country and everyone was on edge. I heard this simple yet powerful story from a young boy who was our unofficial guide around Chiang Mai. He said, "The story gives us courage." The song in this tale is a melody the children in Thailand use to taunt one another. Since that time this story has found a life of its own in the storytelling community. I am glad to see it is being told. David Holt © 1979
http://www.story-lovers.com/listsfreedombirdtext.html

37) The Ghost with One Black Eye - by Priscilla Howe
Bones:
Baby’s favorite drink is apple juice.
No apple juice on table.
Baby: I want my apple juice, and I want it NOW!
Father: I’ll go to cellar for your apple juice.
Went down in cellar; it was dark.
Opened cellar door; it was darker.
Heard voice: I AM THE GHOST WITH ONE BLACK EYE.
Ran upstairs: I don’t want to go down there any more!
Baby: I want my apple juice and I want it NOW!
Mother - same
Big brother - same
Big sister - same
Baby goes down - it is dark.
Opens cellar door - is darker.
Hears voice: I AM THE GHOST WITH ONE BLACK EYE.
Baby: Well, I’ll give you two black eyes if you stop me getting my apple juice!
Ghost was never heard from again.
•••••
You can hear The Ghost with One Black Eye recorded by Priscilla Howe by going to this web page:
http://www.storyteller.net/tellers/phowe/

38) Closing down a toddler's storytime:
Query: Does anyone have a short, cute, poem or song to close out a toddlertime?
Suzette H. 8/16/05
•••••
Response: I always close my toddlertime programs with the More We Get Together song.
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we'll be
For your friends are my friends & my friends are your friends
The more we get together, the happier we'll be
It sort of cellabrates our time together.
Beverly C. 8/17/05
•••••
Response: I have closed my storytimes for many years with Skinnamarink. It can be sweet or lively, and it has good motions for kids. Sharon, Lois, and Bram used to close their TV show with it when my kids were young. I like it because it's a little love song.

Skinnamarinky dinky dink
Skinnamarinky doo.
I love you.
Skinnamarinky dinky dink
Skinnamarinky doo.
I love you.I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon.
I love you in the evening,
Underneath the moon.

Skinnamarinky dinky dink
Skinnamarinky doo.
I love you.Sweet and simple.
Susan B. 8/17/05
•••••

I put this together to close preschool storytimes when I was a children's librarian:

This is my book (Hold hands up at chest level, palms together, prayer-style)
I'll open it wide (Open palms and lower them to look like an open book)
To see the words and pictures inside (Move eyes across open palms as if reading)
All the stories I love to hear (Look at audience)
I'll fold inside ( Close palms again, with fingertips near chin)
And carry them near. (With palms still together, place back of one palm against your chest as if you are carrying a closed book)
Irene D. 8/21/05
•••••

I have ideas for rain activities for preschoolers.
Art
Raindrop - cut large raindrop from white paper. Paint with watercolors or crayons
Raindrop painting - make colored water with food coloring or tempera powder in water. (can use styrofoam egg cartons for the dilution or cups) Let the children use eye-droppers to "rain" on paper towels, construction paper or or filter paper.
Rain picture- children can create a rainy day picture and use seeds as the rain drops.
Rainbows - draw rainbow pictures

Finger play:
During spring it often showers, (flutter fingers)
Or the sun shines for many hours, (form circle in the air)
Both are good for the flowers ( (extend arms above head)

Talk about Rain:
- What does rain feel like? What does it sound like?
- How does the rain make you feel. Why?
- Sometines during a thunderstorm there are bright flashes of lightning and loud claps of thunder. How do these make you feel? Why?
- What do you wear if you have to go out in the rain. Why
- How is the rain helpful?
- Where does the water go after it rains?

Pretending - Pretend you gor for a walk. Look at the big gray clouds in the sky. Drip, drop, drip, drop - the rain starts to fall. You better run quickly to get home. Lightning flashes (clap your hands) Thunder starts (stomp your feet). Run fast to get home. Whew..you got home to a nice fire in the fireplace that Grandpa had made. Warm your hands. Change your clothes. Read stories by the fire.
Beverly C. 9/13/05
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PART 2
Suggestions for sources to find at a library or buy at a bookstore or online.

BOOKS:

• Anansi and Turtle Go to Dinner (Story Cove: a World of Stories) by Bobby and Sherry Norfolk, illustrated by Baird Hoffmire.
(2008 August House - Ages 4-7, Pre-K to 3)
Anansi knows the custom that he must share his food if he has a guest at a mealtime. So when Turtle drops by before dinner, Anansi must be polite and invite Turtle to join him. Anansi, however, figures out a way to trick Turtle and keep all the food for himself. When Turtle realizes what Anansi has done, he decides to teach Anansi a lesson! In this trickster tale from Africa, Anansi learns the value of being a good host and the truth of the old saying, "What goes around, comes around."

• The Talking Eggs by Robert D. San Souci and Jerry Pinkney (illus). (1989 - Ages 4-8)
Amazon.com
Two sisters lived down Louisiana way long ago: Rose, who was unpleasant, mean, and the older of the two; and her younger sister, Blanche, who was "sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets." Guess who has to do all the work for Rose and their mother? Blanche's kind and obedient nature finally pays off when she helps an old woman who has magical powers--and a chicken house full of talking eggs containing treasures for those who do as they're told: gold and silver, jewels, silk dresses, satin shoes, "even a handsome carriage that grew in a wink from the size of a matchbox...." Robert D. San Souci's lively, humorous retelling of this Creole folktale abounds with colorful expressions, and Jerry Pinkney's full-page illustrations make us believe in the marvels that Blanche finds, even the two-headed cow, square-dancing rabbits, and rainbow-colored chickens! This inspired collaboration, a 1989 Caldecott Honor Book, will delight young readers who like a captivating story with a strong heroine and a dash of mystery. (Ages 5 to 10) --Marcie Bovetz
•••••

• Ring a Ring O Roses, compiled by the Flint Michigan Librarians over 150 years. This book is full of fingerplays and simple songs and stories for tiny children.
Cost: 13.95 which includes postage.
Flint Public Library
1026 E. Kearsley Street
Flint MI 48502-1994
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/ringoroses/

• The Squeaky Door-Glb -- a book by Laura Simms and Sylvie Wickstrom.
Kids do all the sound effects.
In this cumulative story, a little boy overcomes his fear of the squeaky noise his door makes when his grandmother closes it each night before he goes to sleep.
The Squeaky Door-Glb is another repetitive add-on type that is very easy. Young kids feel a great deal of self esteem being able to learn a story to tell in one session.

• These books have been suggested but full text can't be found online:
The Barking Mouse by Antonio Sacre

TRAINS READING LIST:

• Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis.
Amazon.com
Kids love trains, and Kevin Lewis and illustrator Daniel Kirk's Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo will do nothing but encourage the obsession. "Sun's up! / Morning's here. / Up and at 'em, / engineer," cheerfully begins this rhyming picture book. As the simple large-lettered text chugs along, Daniel Kirk brings a child's playroom and train set to life with bold, bright illustrations reminiscent of his work in Bigger. In the course of the book, the toys bustle about to make sure the steam engine is loaded up with freight and finds its way (through the country, 'round the mountains, into tunnels, and across the river) to its destination--the city. There the "sleepy-sleepy choo-choo" rests, right next to a tired little boy, until the next day's work begins: "To the roundhouse / you are bound. / Good night, engine, / safe and sound." (Baby to preschool)
•••••
• Clickety Clack (Picture Puffins) by Rob and Amy Spence.
Book Description
A little black train goes down the track. Clickety clack, clickety clack. There are chatting yaks, seven tumbling acrobats, a troupe of ducks going quack quack quack, and even some elephants on the little black train going down the track. With each new stop, the train gets more and more crowded, and noisier and noisier. Unfortunately for Driver Zach, two little mice give him a headache attack! This bright and colorful ride is packed with rhymes that will have even the littlest passengers chiming along. "The words bounce along to the rhythm of a train on its way, and the swell of the sound effects makes this a joy to read aloud."
-Kirkus Reviews
•••••
• A Train Goes Clickety-Clack by Jonathan London and Denis Roche.
Book Description
Trains are fast. Trains are sleek. Trains make wonderful sounds as the wheels clatter, boilers hiss, and couplings clang. This playful picture book captures the excitement of trains through evocative language and vibrant illustrations. A little boy and his family are on a special train ride that can’t be missed!
A Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
•••••
• Choo Choo Clickety-Clack! by Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K–A book about all the ways for people on the go to get where they're going. Mayo includes race cars, trains, buses, planes, and even hot-air balloons. Each bright spread features a new vehicle and four lines about the sounds it makes and the way it moves. Flat illustrations loaded with primary colors and geometric shapes combined with a text full of "zooms" and "vrooms" beg for sharing aloud. Each verse concludes with a large "Off they go!" leading readers to turn the page and discover a new way to travel. On the last page, darkness falls and many of the vehicles are "resting" but a few will keep traveling until they are "home at last!" A surefire selection in any library where toddlers and preschoolers go "Zippity-zip" or "RoarrrRR!"–Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA
•••••
• Snip-Snap, Clickety Clack by Celebration Press.
•••••
• Clickety Clack by Scholastic Inc. Audio Cassette.
•••••
• Clickety-Clack and the Bandits by Investment Enterprises.
•••••
• Down by the Station by Will Hillenbrand.
Amazon.com
"Down by the station, early in the morning," before any visitors arrive, who exactly is riding that zoo train? Hop aboard and find out! See the elephant calf waving good-bye to Mommy and Daddy. And there's a pink flamingo chick, ready to ride. Who's this sleepy black-and-white cub? Still wrapped in a blanket, the panda isn't quite awake yet. The train chugs merrily along, picking up baby animal passengers. But beware! There's danger in the pond beside the tracks. Will the seal pup and baby penguin escape from the circling crocodiles?
•••••
• Freight Train Board Book (Caldecott Collection)by Donald Crews
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-This simple but stylish Spanish translation of Crews's 1979 Caldecott Honor Book retains its freshness and child appeal. A multicolored freight train comes down the track. Each car is named from the back forward, with its appropriate color: red caboose, orange tank car, yellow hopper car, etc., until the black engine is reached. The train moves faster, through cities, tunnels, night and day, faster and faster until it is gone. The clear, graphic art illustrations convey utility and, as the train goes faster and the illustrations blur, the very essence of speed. As strong in the bilingual edition as it is in its English-only original, this is ideal for introducing trains, colors, and the concept of fast and slow to preschool and early elementary students, and perfect for ELL programs.
ALSO BY DONALD CREWS:
• Inside Freight Train
Amazon.com
Hop on board and see what's inside the freight train! Slide apart the sturdy pages of this unusual board book to reveal the contents of the cars. The refrigerator car keeps apples, peaches, and pears cold and fresh, while the tender carries coal that burns in the fire box, and--everyone's favorite--the caboose holds the train crew that helps deliver the freight. A continuous track runs through the book, with connecting brightly colored train cars. An appealing concept, executed simply and pleasingly, Inside Freight Train can't miss with the train-loving masses. Caldecott Honor winner Donald Crews (Truck and Freight Train) has a way with heavy machinery and young readers. (Ages 2 to 5) --Emilie Coulter
•••••
• Freight Train/Tren de carga
Book Description
A bilingual edition of the classic Caldecott Honor Book for the youngest child.
Choo choo! A train is passing by! Can you count the cars? Can you name the colors? Where is the train going? There's only one way to find out—all aboard the freight train!
Edición bilingüe de este clásico Libro de Honor Caldecott para los niños más pequeños.
¡Chu-chu! ¡Pasa el tren! ¿Puedes contar los vagones? ¿Puedes nombrar los colores? ¿A dónde va este tren? ¡Sólo hay una manera de saber todo sobre el tren de carga!
•••••
• I've Been Working on the Railroad: An American Classic by Nadine Bernard Westcott.
From Booklist
Ages 2^-6. Buoyant is the word for this picture-book version of the familiar folk song. The lyrics form the text, while the illustrations offer a mild storyline, in which a boy and his dog ride up front with the engineer as the train pulls out of a city station, travels through the countryside, and stops for a visit at Dinah's Cafe. But it's not the plot that makes this book sing; it's the ebullient spirit of the illustrations. Before the train even gets out of town, the harmonica-and banjo-playing trainmen are floating out in the margins. By the end, Dinah's fried eggs and bacon are flying through the air, and oddly enough, it all seems to make sense--at least, the way dreams make sense. Westcott's naive ink drawings, washed with watercolors in progressively vibrant hues, create a mood that makes this book almost impossible to just read: it really must be sung. The music (with simple guitar chords) and a short note on the song's history are appended. Carolyn Phelan
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• My Puffer Train by Mary Murphy.
Book Description
Penguin sets off for the seashore in his puffer train, and along the way he invites a variety of animals to come on board. Vibrant, childlike illustrations paired with a simple rhyming text are guaranteed to have little ones toot tooting, puffa puffing, and choo chooing long before the last page is turned. Full of joy, energy, and enthusiasm, Penguin is a character who young children will be sure to recognize themselves in. Join him for another adventure in Please Be Quiet!
•••••
• Night Train by Carol Stutson.
Book Description
A majestic, streamlined locomotive sweeps into the pages of this striking picture book and a little boy climbs aboard for a nighttime journey. Through the countryside and on to the city, passing farms and houses and trucks on the highway, the journey is seen through the wide-open eyes of a child taking his first train trip.
•••••
• This Train by Paul Collicutt.
Book Description
A concept book for the youngest of train lovers
All aboard! This is one train book you don't want to miss. Using a refreshingly simple approach, Paul Collicutt has crafted the perfect book for young railroad enthusiasts. Each page features a vividly colored and detailed painting of a train, and the spreads show how they are different -- long and short, fast and slow, old and new. As a bonus, full-color endpapers feature captioned renderings of real-life engine models from all over the world that were the inspirations for the trains depicted throughout the book.
•••••
• Train Song by Harriet Ziefert.
From Booklist
A little boy stands on a hill as a freight train travels through the valley below. Waving at the engineer, the boy watches each car as it goes by, carrying logs, pigs, ducks, cows, and the like. As the train pulls out of sight, the child reflects that "Tomorrow when it's almost ten, / Freight train will be back again." The same steady rhythm chugs through the book, telling the story in rhymed couplets. Large in scale and naive in style, Saaf's gouache paintings illustrate the text with becoming directness and simplicity. An homage to the fascination many young children feel for trains, this picture book will find a ready audience. Carolyn Phelan
•••••
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.
Amazon.com
One couldn't select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children's book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn't ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children's book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for this book, one of several award winners he's produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder.
•••••
• The Goodnight Train by June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith.
Book Description
All aboard for Dreamland! Hold on to your pillow because the Goodnight Train is taking off. Roll that corner, rock that curve, and soar past mermaids, leaping sheep, and even ice-cream clouds. You won't want to miss a thing, so whatever you do, don't . . . close . . . your . . . eyes! With soothing, lyrical words and magical illustrations, June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith have created a nighttime fantasy that's guaranteed to make even the most resistant sleeper snuggle up tight.
•••••
• Thomas the Tank Engine Story Collection (Railway Series) by W. Rev Awdry.
Book Description
Since the first Thomas stories written by a father for his son over 60 years ago, Thomas the Tank Engine continues to delight children everywhere. This collection contains 14 of the best-loved titles of the Reverend W Awdry’s classic Railway Series and includes the most famous adventures of Thomas and his Really Useful Engine friends. These exciting and funny tales, over 55 of them, are enhanced by the original artwork in this stunning new gift edition.
•••••
• Thomas the Tank Engine's Hidden Surprises (Let's Go Lift-and-Peek) by W. Rev Awdry.
Book Description
Thomas is going on a special trip to the circus, and there are lots of wonderful things to discover along the way--a beautiful hot air balloon, a playful dolphin, and a barrel of monkeys, just to name a few! Lift and peek behind the many flaps and see the hidden surprises. Preschoolers will want to climb on board with this fun transportation shaped flap book, bursting with treasures on every page!
•••••
• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper and Loren Long.
Book Description
Everyone loves The Little Engine That Could, that classic tale of the determined little engine that, despite its size, triumphantly pulls a train full of toys to the waiting children on the other side of a mountain.
Now the great Loren Long (Mr. Peabody’s Apples) has brilliantly re-illustrated this classic story, bringing it exuberantly to life for today’s child. Get on board for the publishing event of the year.
•••••
• Wave Hello to Thomas! (Lift-and-Peek-a-Brd Books(TM)) by W. Rev Awdry.
Book Description
Illustrated in full color. All aboard! Kids can tour with Thomas the Tank Engine as he travels through the countryside. They'll open the station door and wave to Sir Topham Hatt, swing open the barn door and visit the animals, lift the drawbridge and say "ahoy" to the bargeman, and more, in this lift-the-flaps rail adventure.
•••••
• Mr. Putter & Tabby Take the Train by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard.
From Booklist
Elderly Mr. Putter has mixed emotions about elderly Mrs. Teaberry's ideas, which are sometimes rather peculiar, involving "running fast or wearing feathers." But this time her suggestion of a train ride, with their respective pets in tow, seems perfect. Unfortunately, the ticket agent isn't enthusiastic: "Pets can't go on trains." Is this the end of what could be a wonderful day? Certainly not. Mr. Putter comes up with a mischievous idea of his own. As in their previous books together, Rylant and Howard accomplish a lot in a few pages--good comedy, good characterizations (wonderfully depicted in Howard's sprightly art), and a nicely controlled vocabulary, all of which combine to make this a delightful easy-to-read choice. Stephanie Zvirin
•••••

5) More suggested stories:
The Belly Button Monster
Sody Sallyrutus
The Snow Queen With The Cold Cold Heart
The Snoops Family
The Three Little Pigs

6) The Old Woman and the Red Pumpkin: A Bengali Folk Tale -- book by Betsy Bang and Molly Bank -- kids can join in the song and growl for the animals.

7) The Turnip -- kids repeat "They pulled, ugh, and they pulled, ugh, but that turnip didn't budge." In Twenty-Two Splendid Tales to Tell from Around the World (American Storytelling), Volume One, by Pleasant DeSpain.
From Booklist
First published in 1979, this revised anthology features 22 short traditional tales from almost as many cultures and countries. Retold with simplicity and directness by an accomplished storyteller and emphasizing the triumph of the weak over the strong, these stories will be especially useful to the beginning yarn spinner. Among the tales is a refreshingly funny religious tale, "St. Stanislaw and the Wolf"; a Swedish story in which a lass defeats a giant; and an engaging fools tale from Africa, "The Silly Farmer." The brief but informative notes indicate tale type and audience as well as variants. There are a few careless proofreading errors ("you" instead of "your," etc.). The black-and-white illustrations that precede and end each selection have an exaggerated comic-book look. Julie Corsaro

8) List of Preschool and Primary stories:
http://www3.nf.sympatico.ca/ebandrr/tales/primarylist.htm

9) Recommended books:
The Three Bears by Paul Galdone.
Henny Penny by Paul Galdone.
The Old Woman And Her Pig by Paul Galdone.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone.
The Three Little Pigs by Paul Galdone.
Three Little Kittens by Paul Galdone.
Too Much Noise (Sandpiper Books) (McGovern)

10) The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything -- book by Linda Williams. Kids stand up for this and act out the shoes that go clomp, clomp, etc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2 A delightful picture book, perfect for both independent reading pleasure and for telling aloud. The Little Old Lady. . . is a clever reworking of the classic story of a ghostly body that appears bit by bit (see ``What's the Matter'' in Maria Leach's Whistle in the Graveyard Viking, 1974 ). The humor of the little old lady's fearless attitude and her clever solution as to what to do with the lively shoes, pants, shirt, pumpkin head, etc., that are chasing her, will enchant young audiences. The catchy refrain never falters, and the rhythmic repeated sounds made by each of the woman's pursuers are sure to appeal to children. Lloyd's brilliantly-colored, detailed folk art-style illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. A great purchase for Halloween or any time of the year, and a must for both school and public libraries. Alice Cronin, Belleville Public Library, N.J

11) Judy Nichols' book Storytimes for Two-year-olds has been invaluable in shaping Little Listeners.
From Booklist
Many newer books have been added to the third edition of this classic guide centered around providing storytime for a group with abundant energy but limited attention. Fifty progams are organized by themes such as "Babies" and "Circus." For each program, there is a choice of 16 books, in addition to finger plays, rhymes, Spanish books, crafts, and follow-up ideas for parents. Most of the crafts seem complex for this age group. Nichols outlines program policies for parent and child involvement that some might see as rigid—for example, "one lap, one child" and no latecomers—but are undoubtedly derived from long experience. The variety of programs, the diverse and excellent book selections, and the other program components, such as finger plays and ideas for parents, make this book useful for public librarians, nursery-school teachers, and homeschoolers. Cohen, Sharon

12) Mortimer by Robert Munsch.
Mortimer Spanish Edition (Munsch for Kids)
Book Description
It's Mortimer's bedtime, but he would much rather sing his rowdy song. Mom, Dad and even the police can't get him to quiet down, until they become so distracted by each otherthat Mortimer drifts off to sleep.

13) I asked Storytell "What are sure-fire, definitely winner favorite participation stories?" And this is the list, edited down to sources that are mostly easy to find.

Anansi and the Moss-covered Rock by Eric Kimmel
Anansi and the Hat-Shaking Dance
The Hat-Shaking Dance (Why Spider Has a Bald Head) Anansi is much more interested in stealing some lunch than in working with the other animals. He finds himself having to pretend that his hat isn't full of hot beans, and that he's only hopping up and down and shaking his head because he's just invented a new dance. Eventually he has to spill the beans and reveals his newly bald head. His hair is all burned off! In embarrassment, he scuttles off into the corner, where you can find Spider to this day.
Banza, picture book, Diane Wolkstein
Butterfly Brothers, by Annette Harrison in Easy-to-tell Stories for Young Children
Darby the Tailor
Fat Cat by Jack Kent
Fisherman and his wife by Brothers Grimm
Ghost with 1 Black Eye by Priscilla Howe, found in audio form at
Giant who is More than a Match
Gunniwolf
Horton Hatches an Egg
How Br'er Rabbit Helped Br'er Coon Outwit Them Frogs
How to Make a Thunderstorm - no words involved just sounds
How Br'er Rabbit Got Sis Bear's Turkeys
Hunny Bunny by Ed Stivender in Ready To Tell Tales
Jerome by Phillip Ressner
Lazy Jack
Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle House by Margaret Read MacDonald
Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
Little Red House, by Annette Harrison in Easy-to-tell Stories for Young Children
Little Rooster and the Turkish Sultan
Little Old Woman Who Hated Housework
Lizard's Song, picture book, by George Shannon
Mitten
Mouse God by Richard Kennedy
Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle, one source is Stories to Play With by Hiroko Fujita
Noisy House
Not Our Problem
Poule and Roach, in Celebrate the World by Margaret Read MacDonald
Princess and the Ogre from Joining In
Queen with The Cold, Cold Heart from Crazy Gibberish
Riddle of the Drum by Vera Aardema
Rooster Brother
Sodysallyratus
Squeaky Door by Laura Simms
Story Snail by Anne Rockwell
Strength
Ticki-Picki Boom-Boom
Tipingee by Diane Wolkstein in The Magic Orange Tree
Traveling to Tondo by Vera Aardema
Turnip
Waiting for Spring by Bethany Roberts
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Why Bear Has a Stumpy Tail
Yucatan Sunrise by Taffy Thomas

14) GATHERING COLLECTIVE WOOL
I'm preparing for some workshops that I am presenting next year. I'd like your input and ideas. My first request is for those storytellers who tell mostly to Pre-school ages 3-5. If you have any comments or additions concerning the following, please reply. I will gather all our thoughts and send them to interested parties via an attachment when they are completed. There are 3 parts to this request. Please add your additions/comments below each section in your reply.

I. Earmarks of a good story for ages 3-5
Stories are short - usually around 5-8 minutes
Action in the story is more desirable than lots of desriptive passages
Participation
Simple vocabulary
Simple linear plot with repetition
Talking animals, rhymes, lap puppets, props

II. Telling to pre-schoolers (this probably flys in the face of how Waldorf Schools tell to students)
Be animated, use gestures, funny voices
Avoid scary voices and being too loud
Tell to small groups (about 25 max) - no need for microphone
Teller should sit in a chair with students on the floor. Try to keep them fairly close.
If a word is used in the story that is unfamiliar to the class talk about it ahead of time or incorporate it's defination into the story.
Have a familiar gesture that allows the students to join in on the participation
Do not ask questions of the group durng the story unless you are prepared to answer all the questions and be ready for inappropriate and long answers.
What do you say when the child can't remember what he/she was about to say?
Keep the participation the same. Once you've set it up - don't change the words or rhythm.
Keep the participation simple - make sure they can do it.

III. Good stories to tell to Pre-Schoolers:
1. Any of the standard nursery tales which includes - Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, The Gingerbread Man, and The Little Red Hen.
2. Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock (African - one version by Eric Kimmel)
3. Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
4. The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything (Linda Williams)
5. The Humpback Gorrible with the Hole in it's Head (Cricket Magazine, Oct., 1986)
6. Waiting For Spring Stories (Bethany Roberts)

15) I would add Talk in The Cow-Tail Switch and Other Stories, by Harold Courlander and George Herzog (reprinted in Jane Yolen's Favorite Folktales from Around the World). I've also just come across A Band of Joining-In Stories, collected by Pat Thomson--some look effective.

16) Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss have an entire book of pourquio tales, How and Why Stories: World Tales Kids Can Read and Tell, published by August House.

17) Response: I really like your list, very comprehensive. The only suggestion I would add is to make sure you have story stretchers in between the stories, especially something with a call and response like "My Aunt Came Back" found in Crazy Gibberish by Naomi Baltuck. Also, after a fun, interactive story stretch such as the one above make sure you have another to settle them back down. _Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear_ in the same book as above works great. It is gentle and quiet, offering movement but the ending line "teddy bear teddy bear sit back down" and gets them ready for stories again. One other thought, be ready for any interruption or distraction. Make sure teachers/parents are in the room to help with crowd control. Thanks for letting us have a part in this; your list is grand.
Responsse: I tell very often to preschoolers. This is an excellent list! I'd like to add a few things, too.
Some helpful items for storytelling to preschoolers can include - flannel (felt) board, magnetic board (can use a metal cookie sheet!), storytelling apron, storytelling glove, puppets, props and plushes (stuffed animals). If you go the route of a flannel board - you can use felt characters, drawn of photocopied characters from coloring book, clip art etc. Many items can be found at thrift shops, yard sales etc. Don't forget fingerstories! The can use your fingers or the characters can be inexpensive small stuffed aniamals on a short dowel, or stickers on cardboard attached to tongue depressers etc. Here's a link to storytelling gloves I found...
http://funplushtoys.safeshopper.com/5/cat5.htm?531
I. .
1. Stories with a refrain that's sung.II. If your story includes a repetition of big actions..make the last action you have the children do the one that quiets them down. ei - hands in lap, sit back down in your space etc. - so that when you end the story they are back in a quiet mode.
III.
I Know an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Pie. by Alison Jackson. Great for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Five Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
Brown, Bear by Eric Carle - great with props or pictures
Bought me a Cat - traditional Ozark nonsense story or song. Can use pictures or stuffed animals velcroed to a flannel board. Has an easy refrain.
Response: I just thought of storydolls. They are dolls that turn inside out and, often, backwards, to help tell a story to preschoolers. I tought preschool for a public school system and acquired many many of these kinds of things over the years. I have dolls for telling: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Pinnochio, and some nursery rhymes. Here are some examples of storytelling dolls:
http://www.hokeypokey.com.au/store/products/category103.inetstore
Response: Great suggestions. I have a storytelling apron I use with the little ones. The items Velcro onto it. I let the children come and pick a figure and then I tell the story to go with that item. I always have more items than time so they are curious what the other stories will be and want me back to tell them.

For participation with the little ones I have made pictures using Printshop to go along with a story, (The Great Enormous Turnip for instance) laminated them, used a whole punch then tied yarn through it. When the children come up to be the different characters I place the picture around their neck so they remember who they are in the story and it helps me too. Sort of an open cheat sheet for the teller.

Since my logo is the ladybug I have a hand puppet, the glove type, with little fat ladybugs clued on the tips of each finger. (Thanks to my dear friend Dianne de Las Casas) I begin by using it along with a counting rhyme to get them immediately interested. They are also so pleased to show me they can count to five. One song I use when the children are coming into the room is:
If you're ready for a story find your seat,
If you're ready for a story find your seat,
If you're ready for a story
Check your hands and then your feet,
If you're ready for a story find your seat.

18) You can also use this as a story stretch and add all kinds of other movement as well and let the above be the last stanza. Example: clap your hands, stomp your feet, take a bow, turn around, etc. Be ready for anything! Once when I was telling at the opening of a Head Start library I was in the middle of a story. The children kept pointing behind me. The room was actually underground and the window behind me was level with the playground outside. A little boy had his faced pressed up tight against the window trying to see what was going on inside. I stopped the story, asked all the children to wave to him, which they did, I waved as well, he smiled, left and I finished the story. You just gotta love those kids!

Oh, and on that Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear story stretch, make sure when you get to the end, just before the last line that says "sit back down" remind the children to watch out for their neighbor. Once, as they were sitting down a child stepped on another child's fingers which had just "touched the ground" and I had to end the session with a crying child in my lap since Mom was no where to be found.
Response: TITLES: More stories that would work with your 3-5 year-olds would be:
The Big-Mouth Frog (There's a good version in Margaret Read MacDonald's book, The Parent's Guide to Storytelling. There's another version with directions for making a frog puppet in the book, Stories to Play With by Fujita, adapted and edited by Fran Stallings.)
The Lion and the Mouse (by Aesop. Most of Aesop's fables are too sophisticated for pre-school, but this one works, especially if you tell it from the mouse's point of view -- maybe because the littlest wins.)
Who's in Rabbit's House by Aardema
The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Fives enjoy acting it out. There's a good version illus. by Janet Stevens. Don't make the troll too scary for 3's.)
Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle (This is a finger story about friendship. This and other finger plays are useful if some kids come early and need a distraction while waiting for the others to arrive.)
TECHNIQUE
The youngest three year-olds will want to touch everything you bring with you. If you plan to use a flannel board or other prop later in the program, hide it or they will be constantly distracted by it. And when you bring it out, make sure they can all see it.

Response: Let's not forget paper stories for telling to very young listerners. You cut and tell at the same time. Sometimes characters are shown as you cut & tell. Sometimes at the end of the story....voila....something very special to see. My favorite paper story book is Jean Stangl's, Paper Stories - but, I just checked & it's out of print. But, here's Jean Stangl's paper story - The Little Orange House - I found online: http://dcrafts.com/orangehouse.htm
Try Amazon. com with other books about Paper Cutting Stories.
Response: I have used My Aunt Came Back with Pre-K and K. As long as you go slow they can follow along and have great fun doing it. Actually, the sillier I look the more they love it.
Response: Here's another fun story that works with little ones:
BOA CONSTRICTOR
I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor,
I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor,
I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor,
And I don't like it very much.
Oh no, he swallowed my toe.
Oh gee, he's up to my knee.
Oh fiddle, he's up to my middle,
Oh heck, he's up to my neck.
Oh dread, he swallowed my head... (slurp-swallow)Kids can repeat the Oh no, oh gee, oh fiddle, oh heck . Or, they can echo the "swallowed my toe, etc. You can do this with a big bath towel or sewn together material where you are "being swallowed" up. There are lot's of ways to do it
Response: I sang that song once at a Christian school, and you'd think I'd said a really bad word when I said "heck" in the song! Guess it's like saying "stupid" in a public school these days.
Response: Some books/stories I've used:
Jump Frog Jump by Robert Kalan
Ten Little Rabbits by Virginia Grossman (rabbits in Native American costums act out traditional customs - children can act out too.)
Response: An occasional stickler for accuracy, the poem is by Shel Silverstein, (of whom I am a great fan) and I think it should be read or recited as written. You can find it in Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Oh, I'm being eaten
By a boa constrictor
A boa constrictor,
A boa constrictor,
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor,
And I don't like it -- one bit.
Well, what do you know?
It's nibblin' my toe.
Oh, gee,
It's up to my knee.
Oh my,
It's up to my thigh.
Oh fiddle,
It's up to my middle.
Oh heck,
It's up to my neck.
Oh dread,
It's upmmmmmmmmmmfffffffffff.

This works to great effect as a choral chant. We did it once with a bunch of grade school kids and a REALLY big boa constrictor puppet.....
Response:
Stories to use with "SWALLOWING PROPS". This requires making/creating the props and characters. But, the kids love them - if YOU like to make these kinds of things. These can be made from boxes, socks, puppets, stuffed, paper bags, card board, animals,.characters:
Sody Sallyratus (American southern folktale) - the bear swallows the old man, old woman, little girl, little boy. When he tries to eat the squirrel he somehow expells them from the prop.

The Clay Pot Boy by Cynthia Jameson
The Fat Cat (Danish folktale) by Jack Kent
The Singing Snake (Australian folktale) by Stefan Czernecki and Timothy Rhodes
The Eye of the Needle (Alaskan story) by Teri Sloat

Response: At last--a topic that this lurker can contribute to! I once did a weekly series of stories for preschoolers for our local Art Institute. That's right, three new stories each week! Props, flannel boards, puppets are all good for this age group. Participation stories are essential. I know I did The Lion and the Mouse. The children liked that one. I think My Aunt Came Back is a little over the head of this age group. I don't even use it with my kindergartners, who get a story told to them every Friday. Teddy Bear is a good stretcher, and can be changed to fit the theme of the stories. Going On a Lion Hunt is another good one. My k's love Hermie the Wormie, but I'm not sure about the three's and four's.

Response: Add Why Alligators Don't Like Dogs. It's a Cajun folktale. You can find J. J. Reneaux's Why Alligator Hates Dogs in the book: From Sea to Shining Sea, Compiled by Amy L. Cohn. The children that age love this story.

19) Nature Stories for Preschoolers • The Snake Who Was Afraid of People by Barry Louis Polisar • Two Blue Jays by Anne Rockwell • Animal Lives: Barn Owl by Sally Tagholm • Have You Seen My Duckling? By Nancy Tafuri • Box Turtle at Long Pond by William T. George

20) The Wide-Mouthed Frog sources
a) The Wide-Mouthed Frog: A Pop-Up Book
by Keith Faulkner, Jonathan Lambert
Book available at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0803718756/104-5343349-3291948?v=glance
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A curious frog goes a bit too far when querying his neighbors about their eating habits in this simplified, pop-up version of a traditional American tale. "I'm a wide-mouthed frog and I eat flies," he announces, demonstrating in flamboyant, 3-D splendor just how he got the appellation "wide-mouthed." Each spread features a different animal describing its meal of choice, including a blue-feathered bird (worms and slugs), a furry brown mouse (seeds and berries) and, finally, ominously, a big, green alligator. The creatures are depicted in sunny colors and and show off uncomplicated but large, well-constructed pop-up beaks, whiskers and snouts. When the alligator answers that he eats "delicious wide-mouthed frogs," Frog's comical response, resulting in a climactic fold-out "Splash!" will have readers giggling aloud. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreS?A greatly condensed, pop-up edition of the universally known story of the bragging wide-mouthed frog who ends up changing his tune and trying to make his mouth as tiny as possible. It's a tale that is particularly effective when the teller exaggerates the mouth and lip movements. This shortened version denies the chance to develop audience participation. Bright, watercolor-and-ink pictures have child appeal as do the pop-out tongue, beak, and snout of the animals included. The splash at the end is "extensive" but is part of the back cover and demonstrates how fragile the book is. Not practical for circulation, this title would be nice as a supplement to the actual first telling of the story or as an example of fine paper engineering.?Kathy East, Wood County District Public Library, OH
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
b) One Gaping Wide-Mouthed Hopping Frog
by Leslie Tryon
Book available at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689317859/104-5343349-3291948
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this sprightly counting rhyme--derived from an 18th-century verse--imagination and creativity spring from Tryon's detail-packed pages as nimbly as her eponymous amphibian. The creator of Albert, the goose who played a letter-perfect carpenter in Albert's Alphabet and impressario in Albert's Play , has populated that fowl's hometown of Pleasant Valley with an animal cast that would do Marlin Perkins proud. Stepping off with a flawless jete in front of the post office, the mail-carrying frog's first delivery is to a sour-faced bulldog, seen emerging with pastries from Sir C's (Circe's?) Bakery--"2 birthday cakes for a very old dog." Others glimpsed in this bustling burg include "4 ostriches who like to jog" (in color-coordinated outfits that must be seen to be disbelieved), five puppies at Mrs. Golden's Day Care (presided over, of course, by a golden retriever), and, in a glorious overhead shot, 10 peacocks cavorting variously in a biplane, hot air balloon and parachutes. In the best Hitchcock tradition, Alfred (the goose, not the filmmaker) makes two cameo appearances (hint: one is a photographic likeness). Humorous touches abound in these softly colored, practically full-page illustrations, as Tryon demonstrates a remarkable attention to the minutiae of small-town life. Characters frequently reappear, pursuing their diverse activities with perfectly concentrated continuity. Even the book's jacket is a model of drollery in this work of unalloyed joy. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K-- This is a visually exciting book, but one that is flawed in its basic presentation. Active, stylized illustrations done in pastel shades bring immediate attention to the concept of counting. Unfortunately, there's a serious lack of sequential patterning necessary for very young learners. A bouncy rhythmic text introduces each of the numbers, from one to five. It then repeats these numbers backwards, ending with the number one. The following page picks up with six and continues through to ten. The final page repeats the text in its entirety with the ordinal numbers beginning each sentence of the rhyme. The colored-pencil and pen illustrations add bounce and zest and lend action to each page. Large white spacing surrounds the animal antics, and the one or two lines of text per page appear prominently in these areas. A double-page spread near the end lists the numbers with their accompanying animals for readers to count--ten peacocks, nine children, etc. The illustrations bring the book full-circle by highlighting "1 gaping wide-mouthed hopping frog" on its own page. Kindergarteners will appreciate the humor and story line going on within the pictures, but Merle Peek's Roll Over (Clarion, 1981), Lois Ehlert's Fish Eyes (HBJ, 1990), or Jose Aruego's One Duck, Another Duck (Greenwillow, 1984) are all better choices for teaching preschoolers to count. --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OH
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
c) The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog: A Traditional Tale
by Ana Martin Larranaga
Book available at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0763608084/104-5343349-3291948
d) Books by Keith Faulkner for young children
http://b00ks.bankhacker.com/Keith+Faulkner/
Includes:
The Wide-Mouthed Frog
The Long-Nosed Pig
The Giraffe That Cock-a-Doodle-Doo'D
Do You Have My Quack?
The Mouse Who Ate Bananas
Big Bugs: Giant Creepy Crawly Pop-Ups
The Hiccuping Hippo
My First 100 Words in Spanish
Santa's Surprise

21) There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly sources
a) There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (Caldecott Honor Book) by Simms Taback
Book available at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0670869392/104-5343349-3291948?v=glance
b) I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson, Judith Byron Schachner
Book available at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0525456457/104-5343349-3291948
c) There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (Classic Board Books with Holes) Pam Adams (U.K.)
Book available at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0859537277/026-7785482-5749227
d) There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly... and More Stories That Sing (Scholastic Video Collection)
DVD ~ Cyndi Lauper
Fresher and more hilarious then ever is everyone's favorite poem about the silly old lady with the ever-expanding stomach who swallowed everything from a fly to a cat to a cow to a horse. Narrated and sung by Cyndi Lauper.
School Library Journal: “...hilarious...will have the audience doubled over with laughter.... The repetition and sequencing offer excellent language opportunities for young children and ESL students...an ideal choice for early childhood video collections.”
ALA Notable Video Committee: "Foot tapping and hand clapping music gleefully accompany a rollicking version of the well-loved poem... hilarious....”
Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal: “…Cyndi Lauper’s exaggerated New York accent will have the audience doubled over with laughter. Jazzy music with strings and horns sets a fast pace and is the perfect accompaniment tot he busy folk-art illustrations.”
DVD available at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00023TG6E/cyndilauperpa-20/104-5343349-3291948
e) 28" Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly Puppet
Everyone knows about the "Little Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly", right? The nursery rhyme is beloved by many children and now we have created a puppet to go along with the story and song! We will even include printed lyrics to the song just in case you need to freshen up on your fairytales. This brand new puppet will provide much, much, MUCH more than entertainment and laughs. This puppet was designed for the purpose of teaching and making learning fun! She is a deluxe style puppet with a sculpted realistic face similar to our bible character puppets.
Puppet may be purchased at:
http://www.andale.com/stores/sf_itemHome.jsp?foo=bar&sid=167341&cid=8995635&lid
=50800295&mode=1&pageIndex=-1

22) For an extensive list of Chinese stories for children 8 years and under, go to SOS, #45 of Chinese Stories:
http://www.story-lovers.com/listschinesestories.html

23) Here are some of my tips for telling in this age group. Young children know you're kid friendly if you dress in colorful or fun clothing. Schedule storytelling as the first activity at the party before they eat candy or cake. I usually request parents to join us. With everyone focussed for storytelling there are fewer distratctions. (Ask the hostess to provide blankets if you are at a park.) Usually there are about 8-10 children at a four year old's birthday party.

Ask the hostess to suggest a theme for stories that her daughter would enjoy. Choose stories with chants or movements for participation. Find stories that you really like, then you'll have fun telling to the little ones. I use facial expressions and body movements to engage the children's attention and convey emotional shifts. Prepare for 20-30 minutes though it is possible to have them in rapt attention for 40 minutes, but it depends on the group. If you''re overprepared then you can shorten or lengthen the program. I'd choose 5 and 10 minute stories instead of telling one long story. Find some songs or fingerplays to suit your theme.
Diana C.

24) I've had a lot of experience with birthday parties at this age (I seldom perform for anyone younger than 4) and outside with its distractions is NOT the place to do it! It has been a disaster whenever parents set it up like that. Maybe once on a backyard patio with the adults sitting among the kids and their backs to the yard worked, but that is an exception, in my opinion.
My favorites places are the living room, or family room (e.g. finished basement). Kids are on the carpet or on an old bedspread on the floor with a few feet between us so I have some room to mime, etc. Make sure the doorway is at the back not next to you, because folks will think it's okay to move in and out during your performance.

Also, ban balloons, toys, and favors from the area during your performance. They become a big distraction at that age. Make sure you have some parents among the kids, and that adults aren't talking in the back. A further distraction can be video cameras and even still ones during your performance. I have had parents, and grandparents come up to the front and stand beside me to get those perfect shots. Let them know you'll pose afterwards as though you are telling.
Even with 20 minutes to a half hour find a spot about half way through to get them standing up if possible for "Bear Hunt", or a similar piece.

That's all I can think of at the moment. Good luck to you!
Sandra P.

25) Let me add a couple more. You don't have the luxury of going into a quiet room. You are outside. If at all possibleget yourself a sound system. It will surprise you how many outside noises there are. Make sure the kids are not facing the playground or any other big distraction. If they have a clown ask them to have him appear after you are gone. No balloons! If this is a crowd of 4 year olds, tell the hostess you reserve the right to do between 20-30 minutes. Sometimes these little tykes can't take too much. Participation is key (KEY!) Put it in whenever and where-ever you can. Have several story stretchers up your sleeve.

Keep the parents sitting with their child. Have this arranged ahead of time with the hostess.

I tell the story "Bracelets" that Carol Birch use to tell. They join in on the "More!" part. I personalize the story to the BD child and at the end tell them it is true because as I arrived at the park I saw bracelets on the trees, bushes and sidewalks. I picked them up. Then I give each girl a bracelet (gel bracelets - tres cheap). Does anyone have a source for this story? I've told it my way for so long, I don't have the original.

Most of all—be fexible and have fun.
Marilyn K.

26) Children's Books About Disabilities
http://ericec.org/fact/kidbooks.html

Resource Lists: Children's Literature & Disability (BIB5)
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/bibliog/bib5txt.htm

27) Children's Stories and Free Resources
Free child-safe educational resources, classroom worksheets, children's games and stories, activity ideas for children, teachers and parents.
http://www.babybirdproductions.com

28) Mary Jo Huff, author.
Storytelling With Puppets, Props and Playful Tales was awarded the coveted "PEGASUS" award from the National Storytelling Network..  The book and Storytelling Time, a training video,  have received the "PARENTS CHOICE" approval.  This publication along with the highly acclaimed training VIDEO - Storytelling Time and the first CD - Stories for Kids received the Parent's Choice approval.

SEASONAL BOOKS:
Fall Frolic
Winter Whimsy
Spring Fling
Summer Surprise

Fabulous Fables by the Dozen
Peeper Power - join the fun of playing with Peeper puppets!  This little book shows the educational fun anyone can create with a pair of Peepers.

Recording Artist:
CD: Storytelling for Kids 
CD: Rhythm, Rhyme and Storytime for Fall & Winter
CD: Rhythm, Rhyme and Storytime for Spring & Summer
http://www.storytellin.com/storytellingresources.asp

29) Two years ago I compiled helpful hints for telling to 3-5 year olds and use it in a workshop I do called "The Perfect Story from Nursery School to Nursing Homes. You can go to my website at www.marilynkinsella.org and look under "Teacher Teller" or this link should take you right there.
http://www.marilynkinsella.org/Perfect%20Story%20PART%20TWO.htm
Marilyn K. 12/7/05
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(This web page updated 12/18/05; 11/10/07; 4/17/08)