The outcome of this timely yet timeless nature tale from Micronesia suggests we are all connected in the ecological chain. Whale and Sandpiper engage in a boasting contest over who rules the shoreline, which escalates to nearly destroy the ocean and beach altogether, as well as the creatures and shorebirds who inhabit it. A story about conflict resolution and ecological stewardship is embedded in a jaunty, humorous, colorful presentation....

Viewing skits as an aspect of folklore, this is more a general resource than an actual book of scripts. A list of characters, an outline of the action, and suggested dialogue or improvisations for each is given rather than the formal scripts, stage directions, and production notes found in other collections. Props and scenery are kept to a minimum, and in keeping with the oral tradition, flexibility in length and numbers of actors, as well as variations on the action are indicated. The material, submitted by camps, schools, and youth groups, should appeal to the young and the young-at-heart. Pen-and-ink drawings are a delightful accompaniment to the text....

For those who want to begin storytelling but don't know where to start, The Storyteller's Start-Up Book offers everything one could ask for. Margaret Read MacDonald, a folklorist and children's librarian who is also a touring storyteller, offers basic start-up information on finding stories, looking at them critically, starting a story bank, networking with other storytellers, and creating a storytelling event....