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Michael Parent
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Of Kings and
Fools: |
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In Of Kings and Fools Julien Olivier and Michael Parent recount the stories that they often heard as children growing up in the northeast United States. They recall with a Franco-American flair the lutin's tricks on farmers, the Jack-like adventures of Ti-Jean, Pierre and his modern-day chain saw, a beautiful princess conquering an evil witch, and family stories passed down from generation to generation. Meet Michael's grandfather, Honoré Fournier, who spoiled his grandchildren with kindly generosity, and Alexis Lacasse, Julien's grandfather, who didn't let a prank stop him from arriving to dinner on time. Olivier and Parent inherited their families'
love for stories and continue that legacy by telling others about
their ancestry. In this glowing collection of stories gathered from
many sources, the pair invite readers to share in their heritage.
This collection of translated and retold stories has been warmly received by critics and story-lovers alike.
Reviews
"Besides being good entertainment, the stories inform readers
about Franco-American culture, and, in their own way, help to
preserve it."
-- Concord Monitor, Concord, NH
"Of Kings and Fools is a most welcome
reminder that Franco-Americans do indeed have a history beyond Maine and
North America ... All in all, this is a book to treasure, not just for
Franco-Americans, but for anyone who loves the old stories." --
Laurie Meunier-Graves, Wolf Moon Journal
"A glowing collection of stories gathered from many
sources and invites readers to share in a storytelling culture teeming with French and Canadian traditions. Highly recommended!"
-- The Children's Bookwatch
"These stories are fresh, funny, and spirited. The language
rings. This is a superb work. Bravo!"
-- Internationally renowned storyteller Jay O'Callahan
"There is a personal warmth permeating this book...(the
stories are) fun to read, more fun to tell. Of Kings and
Fools is highly recommended."
-- Second Story Review
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Other Stories in Print "Olive and Bidou," published in Lives in
Translation: An Anthology of Contemporary Franco-American Writings,
edited by Denis
Ledoux (Soleil Press, 1991)
Click here to order Lives in Translation "The Archduke and the Wizards," published
in "Panther and Rabbit,"
published in Click here to order Ready-To-Tell Tales "Secret of the Animals,"
published in
Michael Parent's essay "Why Bother?" published in Voyages: A Maine Franco-American Reader, edited by Madore and Rodrigue (Tilbury House, 2007) In this essay, Michael asks and answers the question, "Why bother to promote and celebrate my Franco-American heritage?" Part of the answer involves honoring the generations that struggled to maintain their cultural identity, and a desire to keep Franco-American cultural traditions alive. Link here to read Michael's essay "Why Bother?"
< back to www.michaelparentstorytelling.com |
Contact Michael Parent:
michaelparent@maine.rr.com
www.michaelparentstorytelling.com ~
95 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101 ~ Phone (207) 879-0401