Stories to Tell to Children

by Sara Cone Bryant

"Stories to Tell to Children" by Sara Cone Bryant is a collection of narrative tales aimed at young readers and story-tellers, likely written during the early 20th century. The work serves as a comprehensive resource for those looking to engage children through storytelling, offering a variety of classic tales and practical advice for effective narration. The opening portion of the book introduces the context of storytelling, where the author provides foundational techniques and tips for telling stories to children. It includes anecdotes that emphasize the importance of taking stories seriously, pacing, and mastering presentation to capture children's attention. Bryant also shares specific tales that are intended for storytelling, such as "The Little Red Hen" and "The Gingerbread Man," along with playful interactions between storytellers and myths about engaging audiences, underscoring the blend of entertainment and education in the art of story-telling. This establishes a foundation in children’s literature, focusing on the joy and importance of storytelling in youth development.