by Dan Keding (Author)
Winner of Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Award & Storytelling World Award Throughout history, Eastern Europe has been a battlefield, a crossroads, a place of conflict, and a place of resolution. The folk stories in this collection reflect the region's diversity. Each presents a challenge and models the strength, wit, hope, and courage necessary to overcome them. They include: "The Three Brothers and the Pot of Gold" from Moldavia when the brothers discover something more precious than treasure; "Nail Soup" from Croatia shows how a small contribution from each community member can blend to create a masterpiece; and in "Strawberries in Winter" from Slovakia, the seasons of the year come to the rescue of an eastern European Cinderella mistreated by her stepmother. These stories are of Slavic origin, from the Baltic to the Balkans. In today's time of global unease and anxiety, these ancient tales of hope and spirit in times of occupation and uncertainty resonate strongly.
Author Biography
Dan Keding, a writer and storyteller of international acclaim, is well known for his telling of traditional world folktales, personal narratives of his boyhood in Chicago, ghost stories and dark tales. As a child he learned the traditional stories that his grandmother brought to this country from Croatia. A well-respected ballad singer, he accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and spoons. This combination of dynamic storytelling and powerful ballad singing has made him a festival and concert favorite throughout the US, Great Britain and Ireland, endearing him to audiences of all ages. Dan has performed at festivals, schools, libraries, colleges and concert halls. He tells the old stories from times long ago and people almost forgotten and he tells the stories of his own journey and the people whom he will never forget.