Folktales for Fearless Girls, Spanish-born author Myriam Sayalero's collection and interpretations of 14 folktales from around the globe, emphasizes the intelligence and fortitude of women.
Many of the stories carry the strains of well-known folklore heroes like the devil's daughter, the warrior woman disguised as a man and the clever wife who manages to outwit the king of thieves. Sayalero situates them in specific communities across Europe, Africa and Asia--readers may have already encountered some of these tales in other compilations, but here Sayalero provides context and connection. Among the standouts: from South Africa, a beautiful, virtuous young Bantu woman trades skins with an imbula, or orgress, and is helped by an inquisitive auntie. Another, from Scotland, showcases a faithful princess's quest to save her stepsister and a cursed prince with a little help from a wee fairy. The skillful weaving of an enterprising young Armenian woman, Anait, leads her to her lost love and saves the lives of her fellow countryfolk.
Each story is separated by a delicate silhouette that details scenes from the book. The broadness of Dani Torrent's talent as an illustrator is on display with subdued, scenic drawings in one spread and bright, boisterous profiles in the next: accompanying one story is an enchanting picture of rosy-cheeked mermaids with brilliant, flowing tails; another features a quick-thinking businesswoman with her patterned sari blowing in the wind. These images help make this compilation a fun, forward-moving frolic. --Breanna J. McDaniel, author and reviewer