The Hmong are an ancient people who have retained their unique culture while living among the Chinese, Thai, Burmese, Laotians, and Vietnamese. The continuous state of war and unrest in Southeast Asia since the 1950s has generated an exodus that has brought an estimated 100,000 Hmong to the U.S. and stranded thousands more in camps in Thailand. This upheaval threatens to bury the oral tradition of Hmong storytelling. In an effort to preserve these myths, legends, and tales, coauthor and Hmong immigrant Dia Cha recorded stories told by friends and relatives. An introduction to Hmong history and culture opens this handsomely illustrated volume, providing a context of beliefs and customs for the lively tales. The stories are grouped according to subject: tales of the beginning of the world, how/why stories, and stories of love, magic, and fun. For folktale collections and, especially, libraries in communities that include Hmong families. A bibliography rounds out the useful background information. (Reviewed Oct. 1, 1991)