After the North Wind repeatedly blows away this little old woman’s bowl of flour that she wants to use to bake bread, the woman decides to go and visit the North Wind and demand that he return her flour.
Spotlight Country – Norway
Good stories can give us space in our lives to pause and ponder some bolt of beauty, some truth, or some new way of looking at life. It is what I call, the Story Souvenir.
Souvenir is a French word, meaning to remember. So it is some nugget of truth or some glimmer of truth about what it means to be human that will linger with us long after the last word is uttered – it is what our heart will remember most.
Each month we will pick one story for you to pause and ponder with your little listener – some discussion questions and some background about the country where the story takes place.
This month’s story is from Norway.
Discussion Questions
- This little old woman was very tenacious – she did not give up trying to make her loaf of bread even when the wind blew away her flour three times. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to be tenacious and not give up?
- Why do you think the North Wind gave the little old woman a magic tablecloth?
- Why do you think the North Wind had both a magic tablecloth and a magic stick?
- Can you think of another magic item that the little old woman could use to get her magic tablecloth back?
- What do you think this story’s souvenir is?
Five Fun Facts about Norway
1. It is part of a group of countries known as Scandinavian countries.
2. It has the highest number of fjords in the world (fjord is an inlet of water).
3. Norway has won more medals than any other country in the winter Olympics.
4. The national animal of Norway is the moose.
5. Roald Dahl, author of Matilda, came from Norway.
Popular Souvenirs from Norway include
Pewter gift of Viking warrior
Fair isle sweaters
Rose painting on wood – called rosemaling
Brown Cheese – but it tastes nothing like cheese
Thanks to all of you who send us your listeners’ drawings – if you haven’t already done so, get in touch with us at www.journeywithstory.com and let us know your listener’s favorite story and do send us their drawings and letters so we can share.
Join me next month for July’s Spotlight Story.
