Michael Parent

Books

Of Kings and  Fools: 
Stories of the French 
Tradition in North America

Click here to order Of Kings and Fools

"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."  

--August House Publishers  

Reviews

This collection of translated and retold stories has been warmly received by critics and story-lovers alike.

"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

"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!" 

--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 

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 
 
 

"The Archduke and the Wizards," published in
Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope

An incredible sourcebook for storytellers, teachers, parents and healers, each story is followed by suggested activities and exercises, storytelling tips, and resources, all designed to deepen the storytelling experience.
New Society Publishers, 1992

Click here to order Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope

"Panther and Rabbit," published in
Ready-To-Tell Tales:
Sure-fire Stories from America's Favorite Storytellers

A collection of stories that will inspire anyone who enjoys good stories to go out and share them.
August House, 1994

Click here to order Ready-To-Tell Tales

"Secret of the Animals," published in
More Ready-to-Tell Tales
August House, 2000

Click here to order More Ready-to-Tell Tales


"The Pinch-Hitter"


"The  Pinch-Hitter" can be found in the following publications:

Best-Loved  Stories Told at the National Festival
National Storytelling Press, 1991

Click here to order Best-Loved Stories

On Common Ground 
Oxford University Press, Canada, 1994

Heroes and Villains in American Literature
Henry I. Christ, Ed. An Amsco Publication,  1996 

Back to Main Page

Contact Michael Parent:

michaelparent@maine.rr.com

www.michaelparent.com  ~ 95 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101 ~ Phone  (207) 879-0401