Book excerpt: Celebrate the unique diversity and vibrancy of the Philippines through an in-depth exploration of the stories, traditions, songs, crafts, and recipes of the many different regions of the country. Tales from the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories offers insights into the people and culture of the Philippines through dozens of tales representing the nation's various islands, regions, and cultural-ethnic groups. Designed to provide educators with material with which to enhance curriculum and lesson plans, the stories open a gateway to a rich and unique cultural mix. The tales presented here are divided into animal stories, how and why stories, tales of enchantment, trickster tales, and scary stories. In them readers can discern not only the native Filipino culture, but the influences of the many peoples who have moved through and settled in the islands, most notably Malay, Chinese, and Spanish, but also Arab, Indian, and American. A brief history of the country, its people, and their cultural traditions is included, as are crafts, children's games, recipes, and color photos. Notes about the stories, a bibliography, and a glossary complete the volume.