Tall Tales
Whether or not you happen to own a pair of "thousand mile shoes" or other such fantastical items, you can appreciate the wit, humor, and expansiveness of Tall Tales. Often presented as based in fact (and often an actual personage is the central figure, i.e. John Henry, Davy Crockett, Mike Fink, etc.), the outrageousness of the feats and the supreme "genius" of the characters are the base upon which these "bigger-than-life" stories rest. Many of the tales, not unlike Greek myths, purport to explain some natural phenomena (like the creation of the Grand Canyon) or physical characteristic of a particular animal or person. Generally thought to be distinctively American, humorous stories, Tall Tales often have their deeper roots buried in the story telling traditions of all people. Certain elements seem to be pervasive in Tall Tales, although many variations appear as the genre expands with "modern Tall Tales." Readers/listeners will be aware of the exaggerations, practical jokes, humor, wild characters, and craftiness that the stories encompass. Some of the same elements also appear in trickster tales but the obviously unbelievable situations and outlandish accomplishments of the characters will differentiate most of the Tall Tales from other kinds of stories. Told in bold language, often in the first person, these stories hold their listeners spellbound with uncommon situations and exceptionally unique solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems. Whether you have a purists' definition of Tall Tales or consider a broader range of stories deserving of the label, hold on to your hats and enjoy the theme park of literature: Tall Tales.
Browse through the following selections and select a few to read aloud for the sheer pleasure of the language and the "wild and crazy" thrill of a roller-coaster ride.
http://www.americanfolklore.net/tt.html is a good site to visit for some "...really Tall Tales. We've got giant mosquitoes, Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Brer Rabbit, and folklore stories that will make you laugh so hard you'll bust a gusset!"
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Ain't Nothing But a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry
Scott Reynolds Nelson with Marc Aronson
After a bit of throat-clearing, this book gets into the interesting story: the truth behind the songs about John Henry, the steel-driving man. Nelson had long been curious about whether or not there was a real John Henry who raced a steam drill and won, only to die there on the spot. Analyzing different versions of the song, reading old newspapers and prison ledgers, and going out in person to see the possible spots led him to an interesting idea: that Henry might have been a prisoner in the Virginia Penitentiary during the Reconstruction, hired out to the C ∓ O Railroad, and killed by exposure to coal dust. This book would make a great introduction into historical research for high school students, letting them see the value of persistence (it took several years for the author to get access to some of the records he needed), inspiration, and luck. Includes photographs, an index, suggestions for further reading, and advice for students on "how to be a historian." 2008, National Geographic, $18.95. Ages 10 to 18. Reviewer: Sara Lorimer (Children's Literature).
In this fascinating book, Scott Reynolds Nelson tells readers how, as a child, he first became interested in unraveling the stories behind historical artifacts and determining the difference between fact and fiction. Nelson describes how he started to do research to discover whether or not railroad man John Henry was based on fact or folklore. He takes the reader through the years of research detailing how he followed the threads of obscure clues until he came to the conclusion that Henry was indeed a real man. Along the way, readers are treated to fascinating facts about the building of America's railroads and about the men who built them. The book is liberally illustrated with photographs and drawings depicting the building of railroads. Primary source documents and song lyrics add to the book's value. Reading this book will spark an interest in railroads and historical research. Marc Aronson outlines steps young historians should take if they wish to follow the clues and solve historical mysteries themselves. This book would be useful as an introduction to historical research or in a unit on African Americans. Recommended. 2008, National Geographic Society, 64pp., $18.95 hc. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Ann M. G. Gray (Library Media Connection, January 2008)
ISBN: 978-1-4263-0000-4
ISBN: 978-1-4263-0001-1
Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks
Dan Elish
The giant woodchuck makes his first appearance before Saturday night dinner, just as ten-year-old Jimmy Weathers is setting the table. Jimmy's father and sister have just returned from a walk in New York City's Central Park, and they are very excited about their discovery. Jimmy and his mother look at each other with agreeing eyes. Their father is at it again with his overactive imagination. After all, Jimmy's father is a lawyer by day and an unsuccessful children's author by night. Who could believe this latest tale? It is all a joke, until Jimmy's father is kidnapped in the middle of the night. It is up to Jimmy and his best pal, William H. Taft, to find his dad and the kidnapping frozen woodchucks. Young readers will love this silly but captivating mystery. The characters are well-developed and will resonate with young readers. This book is a riotous adventure with no dull moments. This is a good selection for middle school libraries. 2007, Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sue Reichard (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-113870-6
ISBN: 0-06-113870-3
ISBN: 978-0-06-113871-3
ISBN: 0-06-113871-1
Banjo Granny
Sarah Martin Busse & Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Illustrated by Barry Root
When Owen's granny heard he was a baby who went wiggly jiggly, all-around giggly, and tip over tumble for bluegrass music," she became one determined lady! Setting off with her trusty banjo in its worn out case and her thousand-mile shoes, she traversed a rapid river, a steep mountain, and a wide desert. How? Through the universal language of music. As she came upon each obstacle, she pulled out her guitar and played a song of her grandbaby, overcoming each problem with her music and her deep desire to see Owen. A little bird keeps Owen abreast of Granny's progress; with each report, Owen is pulled from his bed to the window and finally to the front door where he waits for her to arrive. The pair joyously dance among sunflowers when, at last, she does. Busse and Martin have written a rhythmic, lyrical text, packed with descriptive words as Granny travels and Owen waits. Root's paintings, a combination of whimsy and realism, are filled with movement and warmth. Colors change with the scenery, accurately reflecting Granny's journey. This is a wonderful tribute to love and the power of music; with so many families separated by great distances today, it will be especially enjoyed by those whose grandparents live far away. Lyrics and music for Granny's song are included, as is a note on the origin of Bluegrass Music. 2006, Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-618-33603-6
ISBN: 978-0-618-33603-6
The Boy Who Loved Words
Roni Schotter
Pictures by Giselle Potter
The glossary in this book is the star character, rather than a page tucked into the back. Unusual words like aflutter, jibber-jabber, rhapsody, voracious, and tintinnabulating are defined on the endpapers. They show up in the story of Selig, a boy who collects words, making him feel like a lonely oddball until he finds a purpose for his collections of words: he passes them out, leaving words on tree branches so a poet could write about the moon melting like a "lemon lozenge in the licorice sky." There are words to help sell a baker's scrumptious bread and ultimately words that set Selig's heart aflutter over a singer named Melody. There is an old-fashioned sweetness to the flat, softly colored illustrations. The story offers a good message about children who appear different but have much to offer. Collecting words with interesting sounds and meanings is an appealing idea. 2006, Random House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-83601-2
ISBN: 0-375-93601-7
ISBN: 978-0-375-83601-5
ISBN: 978-0-375-93601-2
Carolinda Clatter
Mordicai Gerstein
The legend believed by the residents of Pupickton for hundreds of years concerns the shape of the nearby mountain. The tale is a giant fell in love with the moon. When his pleas and cries over thousands of years remain unanswered, the giant fell asleep. It is his sleeping form under centuries of growing grass and forests that the villagers fear to wake. To avoid the destruction of the town, everyone has always remained very quiet—until Carolinda Clatter is born. As the text declares in large, upper-case letters, she is NOISY and un-hush-able. When she does wake the giant, it becomes her task to get him back to sleep. Fortunately, the giant enjoys her singing, and she is able to persuade him to sleep again, happily dreaming of his love, the moon. A scratchy black outline creates a very human-looking, bearded giant in the beginning, along with the subsequent old-fashioned town and the very noisy Carolinda. Transparent watercolors add appropriate emotional tone. A double-page scene of all the townsfolk hiding under their beds and a series of vignettes showing Carolinda's unsuccessful attempts to remain quiet are particularly effective in creating a comic mode. The printing of some dialog in tiny print to show the quiet is also amusing. The message about the soothing effect of music is conveyed beautifully in the deep blues of the giant's dream. 2005, Roaring Brook Press, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59643-063-X
ISBN: 978-1-59643-063-1
Cowboy Camp
Tammi Sauer
Illustrated by Mike Reed
Cowboys still exist in Oklahoma, lending author Sauer inspiration with a modern twist, as aspiring young cowpokes arrive at summer camp to learn the trade. Avery is definitely not the type—his boots are too red, his hat is too small, and his belt buckle is too big. (Despite this description, the illustrator has made Avery's belt buckle just the size of the others and his huge hat no different than those worn by everyone else.) How Avery will overcome his allergies to beans and grits, horses (he has to ride a cow), and lassos is a mystery, as is why he came to the camp in the first place. Avery has other qualities, though, as readers discover when bad guy Black Bart (with beetle brows and a curling mustache) turns up as the villain to disrupt the camp. In a series of tests, the quick-witted misfit proves that this camp could not possibly be for cowboys and, outwitted, Bart rides off into the sunset. Amid the glee of the campers, Avery basks in the praise of leader Cowboy Dan, grinning happily at his friend, the cow. Too bad the pesky belt buckle is mentioned again. The oversize quality of a tall tale with a touch of melodrama looms in the big, tongue-in-cheek illustrations and the exaggerated, folksy tone of the story. It is mostly good fun, especially in the melodramatic part by the starlit campfire, as our hero proves that bravery can come in unexpected packages. 2005, Sterling, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4027-2224-9
ISBN: 978-1-4027-2224-0
Cowboy José
Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrated by Tim Raglin
Young readers will have fun learning new Spanish words with this delightful picture book about a Mexican cowboy (vaquero) named José and his loyal horse (caballo) named Feo. In this humorous tale, José enjoys spending time riding the range with his trusty equine pal. Then one day he meets a pretty señorita named Rosita, who has expensive tastes and likes her cowboys with mucho dinero. Interested in winning her over and grabbing a pile of loot at the same time, José, with a little encouragement from Feo, decides to enter the local cowboy rodeo. After practicing his rodeo skills, he nervously heads over to the corral, where he watches in dismay as his competition is thrown one-by-one onto the dusty ground by a very wild, bucking bronco named Loco. When it is his turn to ride, he takes a big gulp, hops on the bronco and hopes for the best. Much to his surprise and everyone else's, he lasts the longest on Loco's back and wins first place at the rodeo. When the money-hungry Rosita approaches him and expresses an interest in spending his winnings, he realizes that she is too selfish and rude for his own liking, so he turns to his loyal companion, Feo, and takes him out for a delicious meal at the local rib house. In the end, it is not the girl he rides off into the sunset with—it is his best, four-legged pal. The bright, comical artwork is perfectly complemented by hilarious rhyming text, which contains more than thirty Spanish words (appearing in bold). When readers want to further explore the Spanish words introduced in the story, they can turn to the front of the book where the author provides a helpful glossary complete with pronunciations and definitions. Children and adults alike will laugh out loud as they read the catchy verse and see the funny illustrations presented in this winning picture book. 2005, G.P. Putnam's Sons, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-23570-1
ISBN: 978-0-399-23570-2
Doña Flor: A Tall Tale about a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart
Pat Mora
Illustrated by Raul Colón
Children enjoy reading tall tales. Colón's unique style of an intriguing combination of watercolor washes, colored litho pencils, and etching give this tale a sense of something that happened a long time ago. In this tale the reader meets Doña Flor, who is a giant. When Flor was young, her mother sang to her. Her mother's songs made the corn stalks grow as tall as trees and they made Flor grow very tall too. Imagine what happens when Flor walks, when she sings. Every day Flor makes corn tortillas for the people in her village. What they do not eat of the giant tortillas they use for other things, such as a roof for their home, a raft for sailing, and much more. Flor wants everyone to feel at home in her house. She tells the people and animals, "Mi casa es su casa." They call her Doña Flor because they respect her. One day, no one comes to get any corn tortillas. When Doña Flor finds out that everyone stayed indoors because they heard a huge lion near their village, she goes to look for the lion. It takes her a few days to find this lion. The reader will be surprised to find out what is making the loud roars. This book is a great addition to a reading curriculum. Teachers can use it to discuss fiction, truth, and exaggeration, as well as to develop reading comprehension techniques. 2005, Alfred A. Knopf, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Liz Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82337-9
ISBN: 0-375-92337-3
ISBN: 978-0-375-82337-4
ISBN: 978-0-375-92337-1
The Fat Stock Stampede at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Dotti Enderle
Illustrated by Chuck Gale
Jake strolls through the aisles of the Houston Livestock Show, kicking up sawdust. As he is leaving, the boy accidentally unlatches the gate causing the animals to get loose. Soon there is a rumble and a storm of animals. The heifers stampede while the chickens peck every kernel of popcorn. Pandemonium follows, as the rodeo spectators leave the stadium. Jake finds himself on the hot seat, as a livestock judge accuses him of ruining the event. Jake realizes he has to do something quickly, so he disguises himself as a giant Texas rattlesnake and bares his fangs, causing the animals to get scared and return to their pens and the show to continue. Jake sheds the costume and catches up with his parents. In this rollicking Western tale, young readers will discover the pleasures of a rodeo show while being enchanted by lively illustrations. 2008, Pelican Publishing Company, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 978-1-5898-0443-2
ISBN: 1-5898-0443-0
Feliciana Feydra LeRoux: A Cajun Tall Tale
Tynia Thomassie
Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith
The hardest part of this book is trying to find your Cajun accent, but the author (a Louisiana native) has included helpful hints in the author's note. It's fun to read the vernacular out loud as written and important to present the vocabulary. The story is adorable. All of the characters are colorful and rich. Feliciana is a little girl who most wants to do the one thing she is not allowed to participate in-going alligator hunting! Just by reading the text, children will get a feel for life in the Louisiana Bayou. Certainly the reference to the excellent food and the fact that the alligator is eaten today is important to emphasize. It fits into the "Women Rule" theme for Women's History Month. This is a great book to read, just because it's different. Recommended. 2005, Pelican Publishing Company, 32pp., $15.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Angela D. Crockett (Library Media Connection, January 2006).
ISBN: 1-58980-286-1
ISBN: 978-1-58980-286-5
The Fish Who Cried Wolf
Julia Doñaldson
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Tiddler is a plain little gray fish with a big imagination. Whenever he is late for school (everyday), he tells a tall tale to explain his whereabouts. On one day he says he was riding a seahorse, another he was locked in a treasure chest until rescued by a mermaid, and still another that he was captured by squid and rescued by a turtle. All the fish know they are just stories and to each fib they reply "Oh no he didn't" and Tiddler emphatically says "OH YES HE DID." Little Johnny Dory loves Tiddler's excuses and he tells each one to his grandmother, who tells it to a plaice, who tells it to a starfish, who tells it to a seal, who tells it to a lobster. One Wednesday, little Tiddler is caught in a fishermen's net and tossed back into the sea because he is just too small. Alone and frightened he hears a story that he knows and follows the thread of that story backwards, eventually coming to the lobster, the seal, the starfish, the plaice, and Johnny Dory's grandmother. He arrives at school just as the day is ending and does he have a tale to tell. And do they believe him? No they do not but Johnny Dory does and he tells a writer friend and he "wrote it down for you." Fresh life is breathed into this fable with a perfect undersea setting. Scheffler has pulled out all the stops, executing a video ocean of fish, flora, and fauna all perfectly detailed and brimming with life. The buoyant text with its brisk refrain that children will love to join in on makes a perfect one-on-one share or pair with Gilbert in Deep by Jane Clarke (Sterling 2007) for a story time read aloud about undersea loss and rescue. 2007, Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $15.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-92825-7
ISBN: 0-545-03454-X
ISBN: 978-0-439-92825-0
ISBN: 978-0-545-03454-8
The Giant of Seville
Dan Andreasen
This tall tale recounts the mostly true story about Captain Bates, a Civil War veteran who was 7'11" tall and weighed over 500 pounds. After the war, he joined the circus, traveling as the world's tallest man. He toured for many years, eventually landing in Seville, Ohio, hoping to find a place where he and his wife could settle. He arrives with his head and feet sticking out the windows of the train and has to sleep with his feet dangling out the window of the boarding house, beneath which the mistress of that establishment keeps a campfire burning to warm his feet. The townsfolk want him to feel welcome, but it is taxing keeping him fed (four gallons of pancake batter for breakfast) and entertained (floors collapse when he joins in a square dance). The next morning he joins them in a giant house-raising, a home for him and his wife. Andreasen's sparse text has a down-home, understated feel to it, with phrases like "you could hear the corn grow" sprinkled throughout. The earth-toned illustrations capture the size and humor of the story, with the use of perspective helping to give a sense of size and proportion. This captivating slice of local history will be enjoyed throughout the land. 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8109-0988-5
ISBN: 0-8109-0988-X
Gnat Stokes and the Foggy Bottom Swamp Queen
Sally M. Keehn
Seven years ago, the evil Queen Zelda and her Swampers stole Goodlow Pryce from deep in the swamp of Mary's Cove. Now, 12-year-old Gnat Stokes spies Goodlow's toed-out footprints and means to rescue him. And if anybody can do it, this spunky Appalachian mountain girl can. Under a full moon, surrounded by the good folks of Mary's Cove, Gnat takes on Zelda's panther screams and evil spells. In the end, having bravely rescued Goodlow, the young girl learns a thing or two about love and friendship and families. Set in the post-Civil War Tennessee mountains and based on the Scottish ballad of "Tam Lin," Sally Keehn's tale crackles with adventure and fun. A secret message spelled out in beans and left on a hollow log, a mysterious cat with a golden locket, a disappearing rainbow—details like these add richness to the storytelling. Part mystery, part tall tale, this novel—with its magical language and humor—will appeal to storytellers and to youngsters who appreciate a good adventure, beautifully told. 2005, Philomel Books, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Augusta Scattergood (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-24287-2
ISBN: 978-0-399-24287-8
Granny Gert and the Bunion Brothers
Dotti Enderle
Illustrated by Joe Kulka
The Bunion Brothers "were the dumbest boys in Texas" with one talent, playing the banjo. This humorous fiction tells the tale of how the brothers look for work and end up on Granny Gert's farm. Their job is to clean the "privy" and follow her orders or she'll "sic Mad Dog" on them. The brothers meet Granny's granddaughter, Starla, and fall in love with her. They try to woo Starla by playing the banjo, but Granny threatens to sic Mad Dog on them if they do not get back to work. The brothers fight over Starla, but Granny again intervenes. Then they meet Starla's sister, Scarlett, and they sing and play the banjo for both of them. There is a little surprise ending when we find out who Mad Dog really is. This unique tall tale has fun illustrations that perfectly fit the characters of the raunchy brothers, the grouchy Granny, and the lovely sisters. Readers will enjoy the slapstick comedy and the lively artwork. 2006, Pelican Publishing Co., $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58980-373-6
ISBN: 978-1-58980-373-2
The Great Texas Hamster Drive: An Original Tall Tale
Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrated by Bruce Whatley
This clever story with it humorous storyline and eye-catching illustrations is sure to please early elementary readers. Set in early West Texas, it features a young ranching family of four boys and a girl. The girl, Slue Foot Sal, announces at the dinner table that she would like to have a pet hamster. Her brothers find this amusing, but her sympathetic father phones a friend in Chicago who owns a mail order catalogue business and soon, two hamsters arrive by train. The two males that were ordered turn out not to be two males. Soon, the ranch is overrun with hamsters—thousands of them. Dad calls his friend again, and he suggests rounding them all up and herding them to Abilene to catch the train back to Chicago. Sal is comforted by the fact that they all will get good homes with families in Chicago. Well, the hamster drive begins, but not without incident. The cowboy lingo and the mere thought of driving thousands of hamsters as if they were cattle will make both adults and young readers chuckle. 2007, Marshall Cavendish, $16.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
This original tall tale makes use of the familiar characters of Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue. They are now married and have five children, the youngest of who, Slue Foot Sal, is the impetus for the story. She requests a hamster, Pecos Bill buys two, and before you know it the family ranch is covered in hamsters. They decide to drive them to Abilene where they will ride the train to Chicago and be provided homes by a kindly store owner. The story is cute, and the watercolor illustrations are very attractive. The book will fit nicely in to units on tall tales or cattle drive history, and it would make a fun read-aloud for younger students. Recommended. 2007, Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, 40pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Robin Henry (Library Media Connection, January 2008).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5357-4
ISBN: 0-7614-5357-1
The Gum-chewing Rattler
Joe Hayes
Illustrated by Antonio Castro
Veteran storyteller Hayes masterfully spins a kid-pleasing tall-tale from the Arizona desert. From the first line, "When I was a kid growing up in Arizona, I used to love to chew bubblegum," he shows his gift for connecting with young readers, who will completely accept his report of gum-inspired scoldings from a stern teacher and gum-caused laundry woes, and then—why not?—his story of how his trusty wad of bubblegum saved him from a rattlesnake: the snake's fangs get entangled in the gum and then the snake blows the world's biggest bubble which explodes in the world's biggest pop. Mexican artist Antonio Castro's hyper-realistic illustrations complement the text perfectly. Young Joe is depicted with such meticulous attention to detail, from the gum bulge in his cheek to the hole in the bottom of his boot, that the gum-chewing rattler seems just as convincing: if a snake did chew bubblegum, this would be exactly how he would look. A brief illustrator's note at the end shows how Castro uses models to achieve his realistic effects. A sure fire story time pleaser. 2006, Cinco Puntos Press, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0938317997
ISBN: 9780938317999
Gwango's Lonesome Trail
Justin Parpan
In this tall tale, Gwango is a dinosaur that roams the Southwest looking for a friend like himself. The twist is that it takes place in the present time, and Gwango searches in the "land of empty motels and sad cafes." He meets a lizard, but that doesn't work out because the lizard is offended by Gwango's breath, which reeks of guacamole. Next he meets a bear, but that friendship is curtailed by a sandstorm caused by Gwango wagging his tail. He thinks he finds a friend when he sees a train, but it goes rushing by him. After a few more futile attempts, Gwango goes to a drive-in movie where he meets Sam, a lonely projectionist. Sam is happy to have someone watch his movies, and Gwango is so thrilled about Sam's kindness that Gwango begins to glow. Gwango is such a brilliant spectacle that a grand fiesta is held in his honor. The vivid and fun illustrations capture the scenery and colors of the Southwest. Children will be amused by the quirky surprises throughout the story. 2007, Red Cygnet Press, $17.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature).
Wandering through the desolate stretches of desert, Gwango, the lonesome dinosaur, is hoping to find an amigo. He spies a little lizard lounging in the sun and his hopes soar. "Here is the perfect amigo for me!" But little lizard scuttles away. Next he encounters Tartak, a big, smelly bear. Could this be his amigo? Alas, the bear waddles off and leaves him all alone. A giant Tiki statue looms in the distance." Perhaps he will be my friend," hopes Gwango. But Tiki doesn't seem interested in the least bit. Poor Gwango. Hanging his head in despair, he wanders into a nearby drive-in theater. Sam, the kind projectionist, is thrilled for some company, and soon Gwango and Sam are fast friends. Gwango's lonely search is over at last. Children love dinosaurs, and lovable Gwango will surely tug at their heartstrings. The illustrations, done in bright earth tones, complement this reptilian tale nicely. A great read aloud book that also works well for generating discussions about friendship or loneliness. 2007, Red Cygnet Press, $17.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Cheri Stowers (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-60108-004-2
ISBN: 1-60108-004-2
John Henry
Adapted by Stephen Krensky
Illustrations by Mark Didroyd
John Henry is a larger than life character along the lines of Paul Bunyan. What is particularly good about this chapter book is the introductory information explaining what a tall tale is and how it may or may not be based on the life of an actual person. In this case there is a good chance that a man named John Henry actually did work for the railroad as a free black man. His prowess is described from early childhood when he was beginning to develop his strength with a hammer but did not quite have it under control. He would break things in the house and put dents in trees until he found work driving fence posts. From there he gravitated to the railroads where he could outwork any other man. As technology arrived and a machine was brought in to drive stakes and drill holes, John Henry challenged it to see who was the best. He won the contest, but it cost him his life. The story is well told. The illustrations have an impressionist quality and are heavily shaded with yellow, which does make the blackness of John Henry stand out. 2007, Millbrook Press, $25.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-57505-887-0
ISBN: 1-57505-887-1
Just Like Josh Gibson
Angela Johnson
Illustrated by Beth Peck
The story speaks to younger children by connecting larger historical events with personal history. A little girl remembers her grandmother's fanciful tall tale about Josh Gibson, the Babe Ruth of the Negro Leagues who once hit a baseball in Pittsburgh so hard that it did not come down until a day later, when Josh was playing in Philadelphia and the ball dropped out of the sky and right into a fielder's glove. In the same rhythmic style Grandmamma tells how she herself would play all day, with everybody saying she could do it all—hit, throw, and fly around the bases. But too bad she is a girl. Connections between race and gender are clear, but the family context and the quality prevent it from being a treatise. Beth Peck's energetic pastels accent the vitality of both characters and words. 2007, Aladdin, $6.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2728-0
ISBN: 1-4169-2728-X
Kissimmee Pete, Cracker Cow Hunter
Jan Day
Illustrated by Janeen Mason
Pete the cow hunter sets off through Florida for a roundup with his dog Mud and his horse Blaze, collecting adjectives along the way. He also collects a bright green cow and a herd of curly-horned cattle, as he works his way through swamps, rivers, and saw palmetto in the tall-tale style of Pecos Bill and Swamp Angel. As one would expect, oversize adventures abound, from fighting mosquitoes bigger than buzzards, to tying a toothy alligator to a tree. Pete even excels at singing, as he croons an old lament to put cranky cows to sleep. The best feat may be the last, when Pete decides to dunk the stringy critters into a river where, just like sponges, they inflate to their former size. By the time he and the herd reach their destination, Punta Rassa, where the cows will board a steamer for Cuba, Pete has acquired the title of "brainy, velvet-voiced, gator-wrestlin', stinky, hard-ridin', tender-hearted, courageous, cranky, clever, cracker cow hunter." The adventures are not quite so exciting as in some tall tales, but the story is true to the wryly amusing, exaggerated genre, and the unusual southeastern milieu—pictured strikingly in big, vividly-colored double-page spreads—makes it a quirky addition to a comprehensive collection of tall tales. For further information about frontier Florida and its cracker cowboys, be sure to check the endpapers. 2005, Pelican, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58980-325-1
ISBN: 1-58980-325-6
Kumak's Fish: A Tall Tale from the Far North
Michael Bania
"Good day for fish." This is the refrain echoed by Kumak's wife, mother-in-law, and children after he has observed that the "...days are long. The nights are short, and the ice is still hard. Good day for fish." So he packs the entire family on the sled to head for the frozen lake at the mouth of the river. Everyone settles down at his/her own fishing hole and each exhibits great patience while waiting to catch a fish. The illustrations are a wonderful mirror of the details of their clothing, preparations for the trip, and their method of fishing. The obvious authenticity is a tribute to the observations made by Bania in her own experience living in the Arctic for the past two decades (she and her husband now live on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula). The tale takes an amusing turn as Kumak is the last to hook a fish using the famous "hooking stick," that had been lovingly carved by Uncle Aglu many years before. But little does he realize just what he has hooked. After he is unable to land the fish, he calls on each member of his family to help pull the fish out onto the ice. All of their efforts are to no avail and so the rest of the village must come to the aid of Kumak and his family. It is touch and go for a while but patience and perseverance are the watch words of the day and the fine catch is finally landed. Everyone is amazed to see that they have caught a long line of fish, each one holding on to the preceding fish just as Kumak's family and the villagers had all been holding on to each other. This is a wonderful blending of an old way of life and a "tall tale," balancing the ideas of cooperation, sharing, patience, and traditions of the area's people. Bania explains the inspiration for the story in the back matter. There are also helpful pronunciation tips for a couple of the Inupiat names. This is the sequel to Kumak's House. Both books will be useful for educators but families will enjoy sharing these humorous stories as well. 2004, Alaska Northwest Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88240-583-7
ISBN: 0-88240-584-5
ISBN: 978-0-88240-583-4
ISBN: 978-0-88240-584-1
Lies and Other Tall Tales
Collected by Zora Neale Hurston
Adapted and illustrated by Christopher Myers
"Signifying," or the good humored exchanges of extravagant boasts and insults, is a great African-American folk tradition. As is true for many such forms, the transmission of the art form was largely oral and informal. Back in the day, only a few anthropologists such as Zora Neale Hurston understood the importance of documenting the rich use of language that used humor to give voice to the frustrations and indignities of living as a person of color in the American South. Now Christopher Myers has used Hurston's documentation and added his own bold and sassy cloth and paper collages. Myers, like Hurston, keeps the colloquialisms of the original speakers. And the book has the natural progression typical of signifying—the first page begins "Once I seen a man so ugly, they threw him in Dog River and they could skim ugly for six months." A speaker on the next page tries to top that tale and someone else retorts with another exaggeration of another quality. The funky typeface Myers uses defies conventions as it varies in size and color. Like the illustrations, it does a wonderful job of recreating the tone of voice in which these mini tall tales must have been told. In an introduction and final artist's note, Myers offers an eloquent but lively appreciation of Zora Neale Hurston. All in all, this is a book that will appeal to every age. 2005, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-000655-2
ISBN: 0-06-000656-0
ISBN: 978-0-06-000655-6
ISBN: 978-0-06-000656-3
Little Old Big Beard and Big Young Little Beard: A Short and Tall Tale
Remy Charlip
Pictures by Remy Charlip and Tamara Rettenmund
The tall, narrow size of the book perfectly suits this cowboy tale of Old Big Beard (who is little) and Young Little Beard (who is big), who are best friends. Each evening they would camp at the top of the hill with their cow, Grace, and eat their favorite meal—beans, of course. One night, Grace was missing and so they went in search of her. They were so distraught at losing her they began to cry. Their tears formed puddles around their feet. But then they heard a familiar sound. Lo and behold, they had found Grace. Or at least she had found them. They returned to the top of the hill and the cowboys broke out in song, in a parody of a familiar hymn: "A-grazing Grace/ How sweet/ You Found/ Such wretched/ souls/ as we...." The tall tale aspects of this story will make it a popular choice for the primary grade curriculum. The interactive aspects, such as finding the hidden animals on the hillside and using a finger to follow the trail up the hill will appeal to the young readers. The cartoon-style illustrations are full of expression and humor befitting a tall tale. Background colors vary with the time of day. The intended audience may not understand the parody, but adults will laugh out loud. 2003, Marshall Cavendish, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5288-1
ISBN: 0-7614-5288-5
ISBN: 0-7614-5142-0
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5142-6
Peggony Po: A Whale of a Tale
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Ever heard the story of Peggony-Po? It's a story that begins with a whale, ends with a whale, and has a whole lot of whale in its middle." Peggony-Po tells the story of a sailor boy who can swim faster than any fish in the sea and can stay underwater for as long as he likes because he is not your average sailor boy. Peggony-Po is made of wood! His father creates him out of a piece of driftwood that has saved his life after he tries to catch Cetus, the most feared whale in the sea. Peggony-Po soon sets out on an adventure to catch Cetus for his father, but the crewman on the ship he is on do not believe he is capable of this. Peggony-Po nevertheless believes in himself and is determined he can capture this beast. Brian Pinkney's scratchboard illustrations fully capture the story that Andrea Pinkney tells. His use of color and placement perfectly compliment this tale and help bring it to life. This maritime story teaches children that they can achieve anything as long as they believe in themselves. This is a story that people of all ages can learn from and enjoy. 2006, Hyperion Books for Children, $16.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Tony Webb (Children's Literature).
This is a rather odd story with a Pinocchio twist. Cetus is a whale who has destroyed many boats, and Galleon Keene has almost caught him a number of times. However, on his last attempt, Galleon's boat is snapped in half by the huge creature who then bites off one of the sailor's legs. After Galleon makes it to shore by clinging to a piece of driftwood, he realizes his whaling adventures are over. Galleon decides he wants a son and he carves the boy from the piece of driftwood, carving the head first. As soon as the mouth is done, the boy speaks, urging Galleon to finish him. This idea of the head talking while the rest is yet to be carved is quite eerie, especially since the piece of wood with a boy's head is pictured as Galleon continues to whittle away. Finally the boy is done and he hunts down Cetus. In tall tale fashion, he dispatches the whale by feeding him all sorts of strange objects, such as a butter churn, the roof of a shack, a stove, and even an oxcart. Peggony-Po and his father celebrate by dancing a jig while the sailors sing a shanty about Peggony-Po. A note in the back of the book points out that whales were often feared because it was believed that they could swallow anything, and that whaling was one of the few industries which, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, welcomed Blacks. 2006, Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, $16.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-1958-8
ISBN: 978-0-7868-1958-4
Railroad John and the Red Rock Run
Tony Crunk
Pictures by Michael Austin
We are back in the Old West, where Lonesome Bob and Granny Apple Fritter are waiting at the Sugar City station to board the Sagebrush Flyer to Red Rock. Railroad John assures them that the train has never been late, so Lonesome Bob will be on time for his two o'clock wedding to Wildcat Annie. But first the train is stopped and they are robbed of their coal by Bad Bill and his outlaw gang. Fueled by Granny's special muffins, they go "cahooting down the tracks" only to find a bridge washed out by a storm. Using his guitar strings, Bob lassos a lightning bolt to cross the creek. Out of fuel again, they are picked up by a whirly-wind and deposited right on time. Wildcat Annie has even captured Bad Bill, for a really jolly wedding. The text is enlivened by songs in the vernacular of the West, and the ridiculous recipe for Granny Apple Fritter's Hard-Shell Chili-Pepper Corn Pone Muffins explains how they fueled the engine. Full-page acrylic paintings in tones of brown are filled with appropriate details, all stylized to enhance the comic melodrama of the tall tale. Austin's characters are sculpturesque, and even the engine has an engaging personality. The scene of an astonished cow flying past the train, eyes popping, adds an exclamation point to the jaunty visuals. 2006, Peachtree Publishers, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Author Crunk has written an entertaining, funny book about Lonesome Bob and Granny Apple Fritter who board Railroad John's train for a trip to Red Rock, where Lonesome Bob will marry Wildcat Annie. He must be there by 2:00 p.m. sharp because Wildcat Annie waits for no one. Railroad John guarantees that the train will arrive on time because he has never been late once in forty years. But along the way, unforeseen things happen. Bad Bill stops the train and asks for coal for his fire-breathing palomino. Now the train will not run, but Granny's Apple Fritter Chili-Pepper Corn Pone Muffins save the day. They are placed in the train's firebox and everyone is on their way again. Next, the bridge up ahead is washed out, but the train is saved by Lonesome Bob's guitar-box strings lasso. The train is late by twenty-two minutes, but Railroad John says he will make up the time. The adventure goes on with a swirling, swooping storm that lifts up the train and sets it down at the Red Rock station at 1:59. Lonesome Bob makes it on time, but Wildcat Annie is nowhere to be seen. All ends well when Annie rides up on her horse, carrying the coal Bad Bill stole, and then she weds Lonesome Bob. The illustrations are done in tones of brown, cream and white. They are life-like, detailed, and wonderful. 2006, Peachtree Publishers, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56145-363-3
ISBN: 978-1-56145-363-4
Tomie dePaola's Front Porch Tales and North Country Whoppers
Tomie dePaola
It is a shame Noel Perrin is not around to enjoy this delightful celebration (with a touch of spoof) of Vermont and New Hampshire tall tales, shaggy dog jokes, and understated whoppers. Tomie has the dialect down to perfection, with phonetic spellings ensuring that every reader will be able to sound like a lifelong Vermonter. The tales are grouped by seasons, including, of course, Mud Season. Kids will love retelling the story of how Motha Skunk had to leave the house because Sherman Curtis stunk so bad. Big Gertie, a cousin to Paul Bunyan, makes flapjacks on a big ol' round saw blade and her expert cooking lures skinny Seth to her domain, where they fall in love and marry. Bessie the Holstein and her fahmah friend tell a passing rich lady what time it is, and George Petty delivers the mail—literally on horseback, by standing on top of the horse to see out of the mud. It is a hoot, it is a tribute to regional colloquialisms, and it is a shame Tomie has not written one of these for every part of the country. We can only hope that he is planning to! It would be a great root book to start a unit in which kids would collect and illustrate local jokes, stories, linguistic and anomalies—or just enjoy the variety that American English embraces. A glossary is provided for those from Planet Mars who do not get the pronunciation jokes. A picture of the author in overalls on the back cover will make readers laugh out loud! Great job, Tomie! 2007, G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Young Readers, $17.99. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-399-24754-5
ISBN: 0-399-24754-8
Write Your Own Tall Tale
Natalie M. Rosinsky
This book includes instructions for writing a tall tale. It begins with what writing supplies to gather then shows examples of tall tales. It then addresses good word choice and possible publication. The book ends by showing other tall tales and referring a future writer to the FactHound web site. As part of the "Write Your Own" series, the book contains many side bars, excerpts from current authors, and a time line at the bottom of the pages. This book provides examples from Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and Davy Crockett; it would make a nice introduction to some currently written tall tales. However, it is somewhat confusing about which age group might use this book best. The photographs of young writers suggest the book is for middle school or high school freshmen writers but many of the authors mentioned publish in a picture book format. This book could be used to encourage writing but some of the illustrations from picture books may discourage young adults seriously considering the book. 2008, Compass Point Books, $24.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Elizabeth Fronk (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-3375-5
ISBN: 0-7565-3375-9
To read reviews of Tall Tale books from previous years, click on the following links:
2005
2003
Updated 10/24/08
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