Author/Reader Katelyn Saiki

Story Time (2:30pm):  Khmerical: A Collection of Cambodian Folktales 

Synopsis: “Khmerical: A Collection of Cambodian Folktales” comprises three traditional stories that have been passed down for generations among families in Cambodia. In one story, a clever rabbit devises a sneaky plan to steal an old lady’s bananas without getting caught. Another story involves an ungrateful crocodile who is outsmarted by an old man and a rabbit. The third tale explains the reason why cows don’t have any top teeth and why tigers have stripes. All three folktales are not only lighthearted, but also hold the key to unlocking lessons of the past for future generations to come. The title “Khmerical” is a play on words of “chimerical,” which references mythological animals and captures the fantastical, imaginary, and visionary perspective of Khmer folktales. 

 About the play partner:  Katelyn Saiki is a high school student from Orange County, California. She is a descendant of Cambodian genocide survivors and an impassioned storyteller and artist. Katelyn hopes to preserve the rich culture and history of Cambodia through the spread of traditional folktales.