These 21 colourful Burmese tales have been retold in English by teachers from Mandalay. To accompany the stories are creative illustrations by their young pupils Chris, Harry, Peter and Shwe Mar Win.
The stories have deeper meanings hidden in what may appear to be simple tales and their morals are often to be found in other cultures’ folklore. Such universal themes include traditional family values and respect still very much to the fore in a country that to a great extent has stood still in time.
With special thanks to Nway Nway and Bo Tay in the compilation of this collection of tales, and also to Diana Millington for introducing me to Phaung Daw Oo Monastic Education High School as a visiting tutor. The inspired school founders, Ven. U Nayaka and Ven. U Jotika, have helped underprivileged children to benefit from a high standard of education.