Eowyn Ivey was inspired to write The Snow Child after she discovered the classic Russian folk tale of the snow maiden. The story’s magic and landscape stayed with her for months before she began writing. Folk tales, like that of the snow maiden, and storytelling are an important part of the traditions of cultures the world over. As part of the “A Novel Idea… Read Together” program, Deschutes Public Library is pleased to welcome literature instructor Terry Krueger for two presentations that will explore folktales and the role they play in modern life. The programs are free and open to the public.

April 15, 2013 • 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Bend Public Library

April 24 • 6:00 p.m.
Sunriver Area Public Library

In his presentations Krueger will explore “the Americanization and ‘Disneyfication’ of the European folktale.” He’ll include examples of movies and conceptual art as well as compare and contrast the source tales and contemporary versions of stories such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid.

Terry Krueger is a professor of humanities at Central Oregon Community College. He holds an M.F.A from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop and a Ph.D in English Literature from the University of Iowa. He is the author of two books, Vectors, 1984, and Night Cries, 1985, Dell Publishing.

The 2013 “A Novel Idea” selection, The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey, takes place in Alaska during the 1920s as a couple homesteads an impossible land. Ivey carries the reader through the stark Alaska landscape without apology, threading the story together with a magical realism and hopeful persistence. Dozens of events between April 13 and May 4 invite residents of Deschutes County to explore the Alaska landscape, homesteading, art, food and more, culminating with a visit by author Ivey on May 3 and 4.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Tina at 541-312-1034.