Multi-Cultural, Values-Rich Adventure Stories
for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Jewell Reinhart Coburn, PhD is the author of The Shared Values Series, books that lead to intercultural understanding and appreciation by highlighting the shared values that transcend our ethnic and cultural differences. Regardless of when or where people lived, there are human characteristics that are regarded worldwide as noble. No matter how different some ways of life may be, there can be found attitudes and behaviors that are applauded by all peoples. To rise above the most elementary survival instincts and to move beyond what satisfies, feels good, or pleases for the moment, on to what may contribute to the well-being of others as well, is an ideal that can be found everywhere. How an individual or group sets about accomplishing elevated goals, together with the events encountered en route, is the stuff of the greatest literature of human history. When noble themes are the focus of many primitive folk stories, we are encouraged to examine them closely, as Dr. Coburn has done in her richly illustrated series.
Folk literature, representing a range of cultures reflected in America’s classrooms, have been carefully selected for the values they espouse. Stories are retold with emphasis on authenticity and with the interests of today’s young students in mind. Acquaintance with, and appreciation of others’ ways of life are in clear focus, as well as these stories’ ability to delight and entertain.
Learn about the stories behind these stories, and the many collaborators who contributed to their authenticity.
Dr. Coburn with dolls she made representing illustrated book characters as classroom aids.
Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella
Adopted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn with Tzexa Cherta Lee
Illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien
Jouanah’s shocking introduction to her newly-transformed mother is the unforeseen crisis point where her young life takes a sudden and decisive turn. Her story takes readers to the remote mountains of Southeast Asia, to the traditional home of the Laotian Hmong. All essential Cinderella elements are here — startling transformation, a kind-hearted but mistreated central character, and an evil step-family. However, let us not forget the fairy godmother, in this case taking the form of a handsome Elder’s son who comes to the rescue, the dainty shoe, and the most important element of all —love!
Rich and brilliantly executed illustrations are rivaled only by the vibrancy of Southeast Asia itself. Gorgeous artwork remains faithful in the depiction of the Hmong lifestyle and the high mountain villages. Readers will make a place in their hearts for this newest and loveliest addition to children’s literature. Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella is sure to shine as one of the most beautiful and moving versions of Cinderella from around the world. Dr. Coburn worked closely with Tzexa Cherta Lee, and Laotian educator, Mai Kou Xiong.
“The beauty is in the language and the art…A true delight for the eyes, and a good story of a young woman who prevails over hardship and injustice. A good choice for libraries and classrooms.”
—Children’s Literature Review
“Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella is beautifully illustrated and sensitively told. A marvelous addition to a classroom collection of multicultural tales.”
— Children’s Book Review
Available from:
Lee & Low Books, NY
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Enchanted Necklace: The Wisdom of the Hmong Speaks to Us Today
By Jewell Reinhart Coburn with Mai Kou Xiong
Illustrated by Ma Ly
A once remote mountain people of Southeast Asia, many Hmong are now settled in parts of the US, mainly Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, and the Blue Ridge area of North Carolina. They were resettled by our government following the Vietnam conflict in the 1970s. Through Enchanted Necklace, they share a little known fact of their history — the meaning behind a unique piece of their ethnic jewelry.
This rich meaning serves not only the Hmong people but can also awaken generational memory among us as well. We have only to tap our deep history to learn about our own people’s important stories.
The story of Enchanted Necklace begins as a casual, contemporary tale and ends profoundly — a story for you and me, and for all humankind.
Available at:
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Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Domítíla: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition
Adapted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated by Connie McLennan
This tale in the Mexican tradition echoes many elements of the classic Cinderella story. Domítíla is not only “sweeter than a cactus bloom in early spring,” she is also a talented cook and an amazing leather artist. A gentle weaving of her mother’s nurturing with strong family traditions is the secret ingredient for Domítíla to rise above hardship to eventually become the Governor’s bride. Moreover, with a firm belief in simplicity and realism, Domítíla makes a lasting impression as a triumphant Cinderella in her humility, service, and unassuming modesty.
The story has its origins with the Rivero family of Hidalgo, Mexico generations ago. Although real names of persons and places have been changed, the rich accounts of values, quests, conflicts, and joys have emerged as vivid strains of local folklore. As with all stories told and retold, facts meld with fantasy to create a magical mix. All the elements characteristic of the age-old Cinderella tale are present. Domítíla rises above the evil generated by her stepfamily and is helped by the magical influence of family inspiration handed down from generation to generation.
Read reviews at goodreads.com.
Available at:
Lee & Low Books, NY
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella
Written by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated by Eddie Flotte
In the first English retelling of this ancient Cambodian tale, our heroine goes further, survives more, and has to conquer her own mortality to regain her rightful place. Angkat– child of ashes–endures great wrongs as she seeks to rise above the distresses caused by her own family. She upholds the traditional Khmer values of duty, loyalty, and perseverance which are also prevalent in Cinderella’s European versions.
Angkat appeared in an 18th century French essay which was found by Dr. Coburn deep in some dusty archives while she was researching Khmer culture and folklore. Khmer culture has existed in Cambodia since 4000 BC. It was the dominant force between the 9th and 13th centuries. Its art, architecture, and social systems flourished at that time and still continue as an influence. The story is set against a background of beautiful landscapes and intricately carved architecture. The artist effectively employed dramatic expressions and gestures in each illustration.
“An attractive tale that can be savored by readers of all ages.”
—MultiCultural Review
Available from:
Lee & Low Books, NY
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Lani and the Secret of the Mountain
Rewritten by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated by Mikki Senkarik
Lani and the Secret of the Mountain is originally a Chinese folktale from the ancient and remote Dong tribe and is known by a number of titles, one of which is The Long Haired Girl. The setting for this inspiring tale is an agricultural society. Weather and natural resources favorable to crops and livestock growth were of primary importance to the well-being of the people. The story revolves around water, so essential to all of life, being withheld from a community by a capricious force (the selfish, powerful mountain spirit in this story). When Lani learns of a secret spring being controlled by the mountain spirit, she is faced with the most serious challenges of her life. She was compelled to make choices and take actions that would reveal her personal values: compassion, courage, responsibility, self sacrifice and consequential thinking.
This story in the Common Values Series is translated into Chinese, Khmer, Hmong, Lao, Spanish, and Vietnamese in the Multi-Lingual edition.
Reviews on goodreads.com.
Available at:
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Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Beyond the East Wind: Legends and Folktales of Vietnam
Told by Duong Van Quyen, Written by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated by Nena Grigorian Ullberg
A collection of ten traditional tales from Vietnam. Stories include: Lac Long Quan and Au Co; The Legend of the Betel; Hung Vuong and the Earth and Sky Cakes; Lizards and Promises and Vue Cong Due; Monsoon; Crystal Love; Turtles of Gold and Bitter Regrets; A Strange and Rare Friendship; The Sister Queens; and The Lady of Nam Xuong.
These stories in the Common Values Series are translated into English and Vietnamese in the Bilingual edition.
Review on goodreads.com.
Available at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Khmers, Tigers, and Talismans:
From the History and Legends of Mysterious Cambodia
Written by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated by Nena Grigorian Ullberg
A collection of eight traditional tales from Cambodia woven into a historical novella of adventure and intrigue. Dr. Coburn worked closely with Cambodian educator, Mr. Sinal Chan. Stories include: How the Tiger Came to Be; Dak, Kambu and Seven Headed Naga; Brave Kong; Neang Kangri; The Caterpillar and the Crow; Sulayman’s Tale of the Maharaja of Zabag; Trial by Ordeal; and One of Four, the story behind the Cambodian marriage ritual.
Also included is a multilingual story, The Rooster and the Jewel, a Lao folktale with translations in Cambodian, Vietnamese, Lao, Hmong and English.
Available at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.
Encircled Kingdom:
Legends and Folktales of Laos
Written by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated by Nena Grigorian Ullberg
A collection of 23 traditional tales from Laos, with rich illustrations by Nena Grigorian Ullberg, complemented with authentic Lao artwork and page design by Laotian artist, Rangsith Lang. Dr. Coburn conferred closely with Dr. Bolyvong Tanovan and also worked with Laotian student, Boonmy Sabandith. The stories include: Phra Pathom and the Golden Lotus – How Mankind Began; Necklace of Freedom – A Hmong Tribal Tradition; Porcupines and Promises – The Origin of the Mekong River; Baci – Ceremony of Friendship; Pi Mai Lao – The Lao New Year Festival; Sacred White Elephants and a Youth’s Generous Ways – The Story of Vetsandon, and many others.
Also included is a multilingual story, The Rooster and the Jewel, a Lao folktale with translations in Cambodian, Vietnamese, Lao, Hmong and English.
Available at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Please see Literary Awards.