This is the first presentation of the award which was established in 1992 and is given every two years.

Barber, Antonia. THE MOUSEHOLE CAT. Macmillan, 1990.
This Cornish legend, retold from a feline point of view, tells of a fisherman and his cat who brave the perils of a winter storm to bring a catch of fish to their starving village and whose courage is still celebrated in that village every Christmas. Barbar’s language is descriptive, well-paced, rhythmic and sprinkled with names of Cornish foods ("star-gazy pie, soused scad") to roll around the teller’s mouth.

BEST-LOVED STORIES TOLD AT THE NATIONAL STORYTELLING FESIVAL. The National Association for the Preservation and Perpetuation of Storytelling, 1991.
Thirty-seven stories culled from hundreds which have been shared during the past nineteen years of the annual Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. This book serves as an introduction to the telles as well as their tales, and a diverse and talented lot they are. Here is something for everyone.

Davis, Donald. LISTENING FOR THE CRACK OF DAWN. August House, 1990.
After years of public performances, Davis was persuaded to set in print these stories of his growing-up years in western North Carolina during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. Whether his subject is schoolboy shenanigans, the eccentricities of a maiden aunt or the anguish of a friend who went to Vietnam, Davis’ voice is singular, wry, sharply observant and keenly felt.

Demi. THE EMPTY POT. Holt, 1990.
When the Emperor of China decides to choose his successor, he devises a way of determining the honesty of the children in his empire. Risking public humiliation and the possible wrath of the Emperor, little Ping is the only child to pass the test. New storytellers, especially children, will find this gem of a tale easy to learn and tell.

Goldin, Barbara Diamond. A CHILD’S BOOK OF MIDRASH: 52 JEWISH STORIES FROM THE SAGES. Jason Aronson, 1990.
Drawn from the Talmud and other rabbinic writings, these stories, which display humor, mystery, adventure and faith, are an excellent source for short, pithy stories. Some read like fairy tales, others are more philosophical. All are told simply, eloquently, and carry a universal message of respect for the lives of others.

Hamilton, Martha and Mitch Weiss. CHILDREN TELL STORIES: A TEACHING GUIDE. Richard C. Owen Publishers, 1990.
An infectiously enthusiastic book on the methods and merits of teaching storytelling to children. As one child wrote, "zI’m not a good reader. But everyone said I’m a good storyteller." This book is imaginative, inspiring, easy to read, and tremendously engaging, with superlative photographs which attest to the project’s success.

Kesey, Ken. LITTLE TRICKER THE SQUIRREL MEETS BID DOUBLE THE BEAR. Viking, 1990.
When the biggest bear goes on a hungry rampage, only sassy Little Tricker the Squirrel outwits this formidable enemy. Kesey treats his audience, of any age, to a generous helping of sly, down-home humor, chock full of images that beg to be shared aloud.

Knudson, Barbara. HOW THE GUINEA FOWL GOT HER SPOTS. Carolrhoda, 1990.
A Swahili "pourquoi" story relating how the Cow gave her friend Nganga her protective coloration. The vivid, direct language makes this an ideal choice for beginning storytellers.

Lester, Julius. FURTHER TALES OF UNCLE REMUS: THE MISADVENTURES OF BRER RABBIT, BRER WOLF, THE DOODANG, AND OTHER CREATURES. Dial, 1990.
Thirty-three Black American folktales in which the animals exhibit human foibles. Lester updates the stories with tongue-in-cheek, contemporary references. His relaxed narrative with conversational asides is an ideal voice for these enduring favorites.

Martin, Rate. THE HUNGRY TIGRESS: BUDDHIST LEGENDS AND JATAKA TALES. Parallax Press, 1990.
The largest collection of Buddhist legends available in English, includes tales from the days when the Buddha lived i n various animal forms as well as stories of the Buddha’s historic and mythic-symbolic life. Written in tellable form, the tales concern values of courage, perseverance, love, humor and respect. Commentaries that explain the stories in context of Buddhist philosophy and teachings are also included.

May, Rollo. THE CRY FOR MYTH. W.W. Norton, 1991.
Myths are like the beams in a house; not exposed to outside view, they are the structure which holds the house together so people can live in it." Writes the eminent psychoanalyst Rollo May, referring to both society at large and the psychology of the individual. Exploring diverse myths from oral and written literature, May reveals the to be landmarks, providing direction and a sense of community in an alienated, morally confusing world.

Paterson, Katherine. THE TALE OF THE MANDARIN DUCKS. Lodestar, 1990.
Newbery prize winning Paterson retells a Japanese tale with beautiful simplicity, weaving together complex elements—a double love story, an expression of the values that make love possible, and an understanding of the interconnected needs of animals and their human counterparts.

Yolen, Jane. GREYLING. Philomel Books, 1991.
A lonely fisherman and his wife long for a child until the day they discover an orphaned seal pup who turns into a little baby boy even before he enters their cottage. A lyrical retelling by a master storyteller of a selchie story that captures the haunting essence of an old Scottish tale.