Tall Tales
Tall tales, stories that the narrator does not believe but that are supposed to dupe the naive listener, are particularly associated with the U.S. frontier, although variants of such stories were well known in earlier times in Europe and Asia. In the United States, tall tales were presented to the city dweller as true pictures of life out West. They rely for their comic effect on the incongruity between sober narration and fantastic elements in the stories themselves. They feature two protagonists whose character traits are frequently interchangeable: the Roarer, a bragging, swearing, hard-drinking brawler; and the Yankee, a quick-thinking trader who is a rogue beneath a bland exterior. The American frontier scouts Davy Crockett and Mike Fink are two of the most famous characters in American tall tales, but many of these stories do not feature a hero; they simply tell of such phenomena as corn that grows so fast it knocks people down or hoop snakes that roll in pursuit of their prey.
Microsoft Encarta
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556135_2/Folktales.html
Another site that is rich with information aboutfolk tales is found at http://www.uh.edu/hti/cu/2001/v02/04.htm
The following books have been recently reviewed by Children's Literature and fit in the tall tale category.
Reviews
Abigail Muchmore: An Original Tale
Lois G. Grambling
Iillustrations by Susan Havice
The days for Abigail Muchmore were pretty much routine--straighten the trees, reattach the roof shingles, pull the pig out from the porch stairs, fix breakfast and check the dog for fleas and ticks. She had come to accept this way of life, as Mr. West Wind blew long and strong at the Muchmore homestead. Until one day, Mr. West Wind decided to play tricks on Abigail. He blew her bloomers to Sam Golightly's farm. He blew the pears off the tree across the hills. He even had the nerve to blow Tornado Pup into the next county. Abigail was generally even-tempered, but losing her beloved pup got her riled up something fierce! Would she out-fox Mr. West Wind? Well, maybe, but it's best to find out for yourself. Comforting watercolor illustrations define and contribute to the gentleness of Abigail's bucolic life as well as the gentle expressions on each face. Great for a pre-school story time, a lesson on spring breezes or just for a snuggly-time story. 2003, Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5116-1
All Along the River
Blair Drawson
Chippewa Indians, spooky eyes, pirates, mermaids, and a monstrous river giant all come into play when Grandpa Joe tells a tale about how he went canoeing as a boy. In the flashback adventure, the boy exhibits a cool, calm manner that any reader would want to possess as he defies danger every step of the way. He quickly makes friends with Chippewa Indians when he shares his fish. But as he resumes his travels, gross and ghastly pirates capture him and tie him up. Fortunately, their entire ship plunges over a waterfall and beautiful mermaids save the boy. However, the cruel pirates find him again. Luckily for the boy they are smitten with the mermaid's beauty and they fail to see the Chippewa Indians coming to the rescue. During their fierce battle the river giant surfaces and halts the bickering. Nothing could be nicer than the tea party shared at the end of the book by the Chippewa Indians, the pirates, the mermaids, the river giant and grandpa who has safely returned to his own backyard. Drawson's lively and humorous illustrations offer a brilliant accompaniment to the tale. 2003, Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8889-9546-6
Alligator Sue
Sharon Arms Doucet
Pictures by Anne Wilsdorf
One hot summer afternoon a hurricane sweeps an ordinary girl named Sue away from her mama and daddy and tosses her into a queen-sized mama alligator's nest. Mama Coco disdains eating such a "puny li'l thing" and adopts Sue as one of her own. Sue tries hard to learn her alligator lessons, but she can't help but notice that her reptilian brothers and sisters are better designed for life in the swamp. Mad as a fire ant, Sue runs away. In a far corner of the swamp, she discovers a deserted houseboat. "This here's' where you used to live with your real mama and daddy," says Mama Coco. Sue learns that Mama Coco isn't her real mama and that she ain't no alligator, but a girl! Poor Sue is confused. If she's a girl, she can't be a gator; and if she's a gator, she can't be a girl. "All you can do is be who you is," says Mama Coco, and leaves Sue all by herself to discover just who--or what--that is. Another hurricane, a last minute rescue of Mama Coco's newest batch of eggs and this once ordinary girl has figured it out. She is Alligator Sue, a feisty and quick-witted heroine. The rich language and delightful illustrations give this story plenty of Cajun spice! This is a lengthy three-part picture book with a challenging vocabulary. Older children will enjoy reading the book on their own and younger children will love hearing it read aloud. Highly recommended. 2003, Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $17.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 7, 2003; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Louisiana
ISBN: 0-374-30218-9
Annie Oakley, sharp shooter: A Retelling of the Classic Tall Tale
Eric Blair
Illustrated by Micah Chambers-Goldberg
After her father's death, five-year-old Annie Oakley wanted to do what she could to help support the family. She learned to shoot, and she used her skill to put food on the table. Some of what Annie shot was sold to chefs at local hotels and restaurants, and before too long, Annie earned enough to buy her mother a farm. But she did not stop there. At the age of sixteen, Annie started her career of exhibition shooting with a victory over Frank Butler, the man who would become her husband. Amazing Annie could shoot playing cards, dimes, and moving targets. She could shoot targets backwards, and she could target apples perched on her dog's head. A star of "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show," Annie Oakley quickly became a legend in her own time. Here, her story is a part of the "Read It! Readers" series for beginning readers. This lively story is complemented by vivid acrylic illustrations. What the story lacks in details it makes up for in enthusiasm, and young readers will enjoy learning to read with this book. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-0970-8
Apples to Oregon
Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Hold onto your hats and prepare for the "slightly true" story about how a very determined man had the "most daring adventure in the history of fruit." It was quite simple really; the narrator's daddy loved his fruit trees (especially the apples) so much that when it was decided that the family should travel to Oregon from their home in Iowa, he made plans to take hundred of his beloved trees with him. Thus it was that this extraordinary man and his family set off across the country with two covered wagons, one of which was filled with fruit trees. For the children it was a grand adventure, living like pioneers and sleeping under the stars. Of course, there was more than the usual number of problems to overcome. How, for example, was one to get the "nursery wagon" across the great Platte River? Daddy found a way, but it was his brave and generous children who made the feat possible. In fact daddy's family go through a great deal for those trees and one cannot help admiring them for their dedication to daddy's cause. A tall tale that is based on a true story, this book is sure to entertain the whole family. Fast paced and full of spirited oil paintings, it is perfect for reading aloud. In the back of the book, the author describes the real man who brought seven hundred plants and young fruit trees from Salem, Iowa to a farm just south of Portland, Oregon. 2004, Atheneum, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2004; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books , 2004; Cahners; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 30, 2004; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2004; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2004; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
The Golden Kite Award Winner 2004 Picture Book Text United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Picture Book; Maryland
North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Picture Book; North Carolina
ISBN: 0-689-84769-6
Avalanche Annie: A Not-so-Tall Tale
Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus
A half-pint girl shows an icy snow slide a thing or two in Avalanche Annie. In rollicking verse, Lisa Wheeler tells how an avalanche threatened the good folks of Yoohoo Valley till Annie and her pet moose lassoed the "icy beast" and rode it, bucking and mauling, to an earth-quaking standstill. Kurt Cyrus's lively snowscapes reinforce the rambunctious tall-tale tone of the text. Young readers will have a great time picking out all the ways the girl and her Yoohoo neighbors seek to tame the avalanche--and are sure to conclude that Annie is a hero for all seasons! 2003, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-216735-8
Calamity Jane
Retold by Larry Dane Brimner
Illustrated by Judy DuFour Love
You have to love this book! When children think of the West, they often associate cowboys with all the excitement. But those who read this book are in for a wonderful surprise. Calamity Jane was one of the most colorful figures in the history of the West. The author is quick to let the reader know that over time, fact and fiction about her is intertwined and hard to separate. Yet, when reading about her, you just want to believe that every bit of it is true. What a wonderful hero! Some of her escapades can be held equal to those of Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, and any others you can think of. The colorful vocabulary the author uses makes the book entertaining to read and young girls will soon be calling their bothers varmints and ruffians. The colorful illustrations appear on every page and even the expressions on the horses make you smile. The author thoughtfully included a recipe for Honey-Mustard Barbeque Sandwiches and I can personally attest to how delicious they are. If you were looking for a gift for a granddaughter, niece, or you own daughter, this book would be perfect. It will bring hours of enjoyment. 2004, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0600-X
Captain Stormalong
Retold by Larry Dane Brimner
Illustrated by Chi Chung
The "Imagination Series-Tall Tales" spotlights fabled American heroes famed for their larger-than-life exploits. Stormalong, born with sea water in his veins, weighed four tons when he was only twelve. His adventures aboard sailing ships took him from the Antarctic (frozen in for a whole winter) to waters where he subdued a mighty white whale. While captaining the enormous vessel Courser, Stormy slid through the Straits of Dover only by coating the hull with soap, thereby turning the Black Cliffs white. These are just a few of the tales told of the legendary sea-farer, but a good selection for this beginning chapter book cum picture book. Although the salty language may be confusing for inexperienced sailors, there's a glossary to help, a map showing the cliffs, and a recipe for tasty tuna sandwiches (Stormy himself grew up on ostrich eggs and barrels of clam chowder). The text is jaunty, but simple enough to be read by some beginning readers, most confident ones, and enjoyed by even younger listeners. Illustrations aren't subtle, but they're big and full of movement (making them useful for a read-aloud), showing a determined Stormalong with wavy blond hair and bright blue eyes. The best one depicts the frozen sailing ship surrounded by icy mountains while a huge, mysterious eye peers through a hole in the ice. This tale could lead to further research on sea lore or make an attractive introduction to thematic units on tall tales, sailing ships, or storytelling. Index and bibliography are included. 2004, Compass Point, $22.60. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0601-8
Casey Jones
Retold by Larry Dane Brimner
Illustrated by Drew Rose
Casey Jones' legend has been around for over 100 years. It began with a simple ballad written by Wallace Saunders after the tragic train accident that killed Casey Jones. It was meant to honor the legendary trainman and it has grown over the years into the tall tale we are familiar with today. This book brings to life the tale of the man turned legend born John Luther Jones and now known as Casey Jones. Children will be delighted to learn in short form of Casey's childhood and early career as a railroad engineer or "hogger." They will marvel at his accomplishments and will likely also learn a lesson or two from the well-known motto of this tall tale trainman. Illustrations bring to life the energy and enthusiasm of the larger than life Casey Jones. Also included is a page devoted to the real Casey Jones, a recipe for Hobo Beans, a glossary, index and resource page. As part of the "Tall Tales Imagination" series, it would be a wonderful addition to a unit study. 2004, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7565-0602-6
Davy Crockett
Retold by Larry Dane Brimner
Illustrated by Donna Berger
In this engaging volume, Brimner retells the tall tales surrounding the life of Davy Crockett, the legendary frontiersman who served in Congress and died at the Alamo. Brimner's language is as colorful as Crockett's life, while remaining accessible to elementary school readers. Though the book is of picture book dimensions, and fully illustrated throughout, the text is divided into four short chapters. The end matter contains a section with the historical facts of Crockett's life, including a timeline, a map, a brief biography, a recipe for grits, a glossary, an index, and a section for further information, which includes the link to the publisher's website where up-to-date Crockett links are provided. The linked sites all appeared to be accurate, authoritative and age-appropriate for the book's audience. This title, part of a series on American legends, would be a good addition to elementary school libraries and appropriate for classroom use. 2004, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Anne Marie Pace (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0603-4
The Dirty Cowboy
Amy Timberlake
Pictures by Adam Rex
Never will you meet a grungier cowboy. For that matter, never are you likely to meet a mangier dog. This is a truly impressive dirty cowboy tale. Amy Timberlake's first book is based on family lore, and she launches into her story with enthusiasm. This is not your three-words-to-a-page picture book, but more on the order of a short story. Timberlake embellishes the simple plot (cowboy decides he needs bath; cowboy heads for the river; cowboy more or less successfully takes bath) with yucky fleas and smelly adjectives, and a few concise lines of dialogue. Adam Rex--also in his premiere book--takes over from there and gives us a truly raunchy picture of the doings. His cowboy looks like nothing so much as a loony clone of Mad Magazine's ineffable Alfred E. Neuman. And his lice are downright scarifying. On top of which Rex's dawg has to be the most intelligence-challenged canine in the history of children's books. All in all, it's a most curious enterprise between story and art that evolves into the finished work. Parents might have a few personal quibbles (and itches), but one suspects that kids are going to eat up this story. They might even be willing to take a bath. 2003, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
One day a cowboy decides that he really needs a bath. Accompanied by his faithful dog, he rides to the river with the necessary equipment. Leaving the dog to guard his clothes, he scrubs himself clean. But then, he doesn't smell like himself any more, so the dog won't let him put on his clothes no matter how hard he tries. Finally there is a knock-down drag-out fight, destroying most of his clothes, but with exertion bringing some of the familiar smell back to the cowboy. Clad only in his hat and boots, he can finally lead horse and dog home, hoping for better luck next year. The legend-like, tongue-in-cheek tale is told in a humorous drawl. The textured, naturalistic paintings create a scrawny young cowboy, a properly desolate landscape, and best of all a dog with an unforgettable personality. Because the cowboy is naked for a good part of the story and very active in large and small scenes and sequences, it is a real accomplishment to picture all the events without offending even the most modest sensibilities. Just lots of fun throughout. 2003, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Kids with bath-time issues (and their soap-wielding parents) will love diving into The Dirty Cowboy. Literally ripe for a washing, a stinky cowpoke sets his dog to guard his clothes and leaps "naked as a newborn pack rat" into a river. In this raucous tall tale with hilarious paintings, the fun begins when the dog refuses to give up the duds to the now-clean dude. This guy smells too sweet to be his cowboy, decides the critter. So man and beast commence to wrestle in the New Mexico dust till the clothes are ripped and the cowboy begrimed ... and the dog, getting a good whiff, finally recognizes his friend. Reconciled, the two mosey home, with the dirty cowboy, "naked as a nickel," planning next year's bath. This debut book for author Amy Timberlake and illustrator Adam Rex will make a big splash with kids. 2003, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2003; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, June 15, 2003; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 14, 2003; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Children's Book Award Notable Book 2004 Primary Fiction United States
The Golden Kite Award Winner 2003 Picture Book Text United States
Marion Vannett Ridgway Award Winner 2004 United States
Parent's Choice Award Gold 2003 Picture Book United States
SEBA Book Award Nominee 2004 United States
ISBN: 0-374-31791-7
The Foot-Stomping Adventures of Clementine Sweet
Kitty Griffin and Kathy Combs
Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Clementine Sweet loves to stomp people's feet. Clementine is the meanest, most ornery, pugnacious, pig-tail-wearing, pint-size person of Lovett, Texas. Her huge family forgot all about her on her birthday, and ever since then, she stomps feet even at the slightest slight. She has to make sure no one forgets her name, passes her over, or dares forget her birthday ever again! Clementine becomes so mean that visitors never come to town, and the town's businesses begin to suffer. One day, however, Kyle and His Large Band come to Lovett, and life for Clementine and the town changes. Thanks to the joy of music and dancing, Clementine ends up using her foot-stomping energy to save the town from a mighty twister. The book makes for a great read-aloud as the text features lots of alliteration and hyperbole. The full-color illustrations add to the humor of the story, bringing the kooky characters to life. The book has no big moral or lesson to learn and is just plain old fun. 2004, Clarion Books, $15.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Patricia Silverberg (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-618-24746-7
Granite Baby
Lynne Bertrand
Pictures by Kevin Hawkes
Here is a rollicking original story with all the elements of a folktale delightfully written and boldly illustrated. Deep in the north woods of New Hampshire live five burly sisters each with a special talent. One sister can twist a river like a rag, one can whittle wood, one is handy with string, another is as strong as a bear and the last is the finest stonecutter in the Granite State. So fine is she, that she carves a real live baby from granite! The sisters name him Lil Fella and while they love him from the start none of them knows how to care for a tiny baby. Lil Fella's crying sets into motion a series of rib-tickling events as each sister does her awkward best to use her talent to soothe the baby. But the baby is not to be calmed by Em's giant rocking chair, or Golda's intricate string engine and seventy-two railroad cars, or Ruby's shaking out the White Mountain divide to give him some shade. It takes a young girl to show the super-size sisters just what a little cuddling and cooing can accomplish. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Bertrand has created loveable tall-tale characters in the mold of Paul Bunyan and Anne Isaac's Swamp Angel. The larger-than-life illustrations capture all the down-home charm of these mountain folk. 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 6 to 10. Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars , Apr. 1, 2005; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 1, 2005; United States
ISBN: 0-374-32761-0
Jess And The Stinky Cowboys
Janice Lee Smith
Pictures by Lisa Thiesing
All of the characters in this tall tale are anthropomorphic dogs. Dry Gulch has been left in the hands of deputy sheriff Jess. When a group of smelly cowboys and their herd arrive in town, the stench is almost too much to bear. The townspeople try to get them to clean up but the cowboys refuse to take baths. The townsfolk are outraged and a solution seems to elude everyone. Suddenly Jess gets an idea, and thanks to her resourcefulness, the cowboys and the town are cleaned up both literally and figuratively. There is plenty of humor in the story and even an added twist at the end. This early reader should appeal to boys and girls who like a good laugh. A Dial "Easy-To-Read" Level 2 book which features short sentences and simple dialogue. 2004, Dial/Penguin, $14.99. Ages 5 to 7. Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-8037-2641-4
John Henry
Retold by Bill Balcziak
Illustrated by Drew Rose
Balcziak immediately captivates the reader by starting this story with the competition between John Henry and the steam drill machine that John Henry calls a "big iron heap." The story returns to the beginning of John Henry's life and continues chronologically. The story of John Henry's life prior to and post-Civil War are explained in non-threatening language. In addition to retelling Henry's life, the story also explains how railroads were built and how the steam-drill machines worked. The right amount of text is used with these explanations, and does not take away from the story of John Henry. Rose's line illustrations enhance the text and show the emotions of the characters. He superbly displays John Henry as a man of strength. However, one picture includes John Henry with hair, while the other pictures display him as bald. "The Life of John Henry" section tells how the legend of John Henry started and may cause confusion because it states that John Henry might have been black, white, Asian, or Hispanic. However, this retelling of John Henry's story (being a slave) indicates that he was black. The book includes a glossary of terms, a "Fast Facts" section and advises how to get more information about John Henry. This book is a part of "The Imagination" series. 2003, Compass Point Books, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Kirby (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0457-0
John Henry: A Retelling of the Classic Tall Tale
Christianne C. Jones
Illustrated by Ben Peterson
This title, part of the "Read It! Readers" series, presents the legend of John Henry in a format designed to appeal to young readers. The story is simply written and the illustrations are bold as they show how this giant of a man was a giant of a baby as well. The legend has it that John Henry was born holding hammers and began banging and hammering as a tot in his crib, a crib barely able to hold the big boy. By age two, his parents had to look up to him and finally, he grew so tall he could no longer fit in the house. After his tenth birthday, he was sent to work on the railroads where he was happy to hammer steel all day long. John Henry was the best steel driver in the world. And then along came a new invention called the steam drill to challenge him. John Henry beat the machine, but he died the way he lived--with a hammer in each hand. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-1002-1
Johnny Appleseed
Retold by Bill Balcziak
Illustrated by Jason Millet
Johnny Appleseed, part legend and part history, was a real man who lived in the 1700s. Born in Massachusetts under the name of John Chapman, he became restless to see more and go beyond the territory that he knew. Therefore, he set out by himself on a journey west. Along the way, he grew to appreciate the apple tree and began planting it everywhere. Pretty soon, he became known as Johnny Appleseed by the many settlers he met who were heading west to make a claim on the free land that the government was offering. These same settlers began to tell stories about Johnny, many of which became tall tales, and it was not long before the lines between fact and fiction became blurred. In this retelling of the popular story, Bill Balcziak attempts to provide a picture of what is true about Johnny Appleseed and what is myth. In this addition to the "Tall Tale" series, he also captures a pivotal time in our nation's history and the part this explorer played in it. Packed with an apple muffin recipe, a glossary of terms, facts, Web sites, and a bibliography, this book provides an entertaining and educating look at this fascinating character. 2003, Compass Point Books, $16.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-7565-0458-9
Johnny Appleseed: A Retelling of the Classic Tall Tale
Eric Blair
Illustrated by Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt
Author Eric Blair tells the tale of the boy who grew into a man and sprinkled apple seeds on his travels from the East Coast to the West. Blair begins the story of Johnny Appleseed as a young boy picking apples from an apple tree because he loved apples and apple trees. The reader can almost smell and taste apples as Johnny smells and takes a bite out of a juicy apple. When Johnny grows older, he begins to travel around the country with a cooking pot on his head and a sack of apple seeds around his neck. Johnny's mission is to plant seeds in good places so everyone can enjoy apples. His trees grow big and strong. Johnny makes friends with animals and people as he travels around the country. He is a good story teller and has lots of tales to tell. The years pass by and Johnny Appleseed grows old, but he still travels to far-off places wearing his cooking pot hat and planting apple seeds so that others can enjoy the taste of a juicy, red apple. Johnny Appleseed is a thirty-two-page picture book illustrated with bright colorful pictures. The language is easy with only one, two, or three sentences per page. Author Blair has written an entertaining book for a beginning reader. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-0971-6
The Legend Of Daniel Boone: A Retelling of the Classic Tall Tale
Even as a baby, Daniel Boone's feats were outrageous. He could throw sharp objects with impressive precision, stalk silently through the woods, and trap wild animals with the greatest of ease. As he grew, Daniel added marksmanship to his list of skills. Later, he added trailblazing. After following the path made by buffalo and Indians to the west, Daniel gathered together a crew of men to clear a more formal path. Children just learning to read will enjoy Eric Blair's brief account of this wacky frontiersman's life. They are sure to thrill at Micah Chambers-Goldberg's gentle acrylic illustrations, especially one of Daniel wrestling a puzzled-looking grizzly bear. This title, as well as the others in the "Read-it! Readers" series, are sure to engage even the most resistant beginning readers. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-0974-0
Mose the Fireman
Eric Metaxas
Illustrated by Everett Peck
This truly American tall tale introduces us to Mose the Fireman, the bravest firefighter in all of New York City. Our narrator, a grizzled character, tells us about Mose, who was found in the remains of a great fire in 1809 and adopted by his firemen rescuers. Mose grows up to be the biggest and bravest of the NYC firefighters. However, his bravery does have limitations and Mose cannot bring himself to ask his ladylove, Lize, to the Fireman's Ball. Mose manages to extend the invitation while rescuing Lize from a burning building. At the Fireman's Ball, Mose (with a white dickey over his red-flannel fire shirt) is just about to pop the question to Lize when the fire alarm rings. The huge fire is out of control and will destroy the city. Mose thinks fast and digs a tunnel to the nearby Hudson River, providing the water to save the day. Proposal finally asked and accepted, Mose and Lize marry that very night. The tunnel to Jersey sits there for a while, until someone has the bright idea to put a train in it and creates the subway. This is a wonderful take on the tall tale with a very strong American bent. The story as delivered by the aforementioned narrator, is both compelling and tongue-in-cheek. Peck's pen and ink illustrations are the perfect companion to the story, with a lot of movement and wonderful facial expressions. This should be in all libraries' tall tale collections. 2005 (orig. 1995), Rabbit Ears Books, $25.65. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59197-766-5
Paul Bunyan
Retold by Bill Balcziak
Illustrated by Patrick Girouard
This is the well-known tall tale retold for younger children with illustrations that match. The colorful language has been stripped away, leaving a text that would be comfortable reading for a third grader. The pictures seem more appropriate for a kindergartner, even bordering on the "cutesy," but the story is too long and dry for that age. The narration is displayed in two columns, which is distracting. A glossary explains vocabulary (like amazement, rumble, muscles, and hornswoggled). Four additional facts are given, as are five book titles, three Web sites, a place to write for more information, and the address of the official "Paul Bunyan Logging Camp." In trying to be all things to all children, this book fails to be much of anything. It seems to be a compromise between an "easy reader" and a storybook, but sacrifices the better part of each. 2003, Compass Point Books, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Candace Deisley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0459-7
Paul Bunyan: A Retelling of the Classic Tall Tale
Eric Blair
Illustrated by Micah Chambers-Goldberg
The fantastic tale of Paul Bunyan is told in larger-than-life terms in this title in the "Read-it! Readers" series for beginning readers. Even as a baby, Paul was big. Six storks delivered him to his parents, and his baby carriage was a lumber cart pulled by oxen. Paul ate phenomenal amounts of food, and his mother had to stitch together blankets to make his clothes. However, in spite of his size and his strength, Paul was a goodhearted man and a dedicated worker. Living with his best friend, the enormous blue ox called Babe, Paul became the best lumberjack anywhere. New readers are sure to laugh at this unbelievable story. Eric Blair's text and Micah Chambers-Goldberg's illustrations are perfectly married and create a delightful piece for early readers to enjoy. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-0976-7
Pecos Bill
Retold by Bill Balcziak
Illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales
Bill is bumped off his parents' wagon while traveling west. He is found by coyotes and grows up not being able to speak, read and write. A cowboy finds him with the wolves and takes him to civilization. He learns to speak, read and write like other teens his age. Bill wants to be a cowboy, too. He learns to be the best and can do fantastic things like riding a mountain lion, lassoing a cyclone and breaking the meanest horses ever. He falls in love with Slue-Foot Sue who can ride a catfish the size of a cow and brand a bull. She wants to ride Widow-Maker, Pecos Bill's horse, and Bill lets her after she agrees to marry him. Widow-Maker bucks her into the sky, time after time, until Bill lassos her and they get married. That was the last that folks saw of them, but many tales circulated back. The extra information pages explain about cowboys' tales and the amazing characters in them. There is a glossary of unfamiliar words that are used in the story and information, suggestions for additional reading about Pecos Bill, an index and even a recipe for Cowboy Caviar. This book is part of the "Tall Tales: The Imagination Series." 2003, Compass Point Books, $16.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Naomi Butler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0460-0
Pecos Bill: A Retelling of the Classic Tall Tale
Eric Blair
Illustrated by Micah Chambers-Goldberg
Wonderfully expressive and exaggerated characters work perfectly to showcase this introduction to tall tales for the beginning reader. The absurd humor comes through clearly in the illustrations as Pecos Bill grows from a baby raised by coyotes into a larger-than-life cowboy performing impossible stunts. The colorful wacky pictures give clues to the text, and extra large print with plenty of white space and a minimum of lines to the page will encourage emerging readers to work to decode the words. Pecos makes friends with rattlesnakes, tames his famous horse, Widow-maker, and meets the love of his life, Slue-Foot-Sue. Boys, especially, will be drawn to Bill's action-packed adventures. One irresistible tableau has a herd of cows in nightcaps snoring away as Bill serenades them with his guitar. A helpful introduction to the different reading levels in the series is included in the beginning of the book. Combine with Steven Kellogg's delightful tall tale picture books for a fun taste of this distinctly American genre. Part of the "Read-it! Readers" series. 2005, Picture Window Books, $18.60. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Quinby Frank (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-0977-5
Roy Makes a Car
Mary E. Lyons based on a story collected by Zora Neale Hurston
Illustrated by Terry Widener
"Roy Tyle runs the garage down near Eatonville, Florida," hometown of Zora Neale Hurston and source of much of the folklore she gathered for books like Palmetto Country. Mary Lyons, who has also written a biography of Hurston called Sorrow's Kitchen, "souped-up" Hurston's two-paragraph story about Roy to give readers a "turbocharged, floating-ride, stabilated, lubricated, banjo-axled, wing-fendered, low-compression, noncollision car." The story is written as if it were being told by a favorite uncle to an admiring audience, so it is a perfect read-aloud: "Why, (Roy) can grease an axle faster than you can say 'carburetor' and he can clean spark plugs just by looking at them hard." And right there filling almost half a page is that spark plug. Terry Widener's large, bold illustrations have an art-deco style that recalls the period of Hurston's actual writing. The story is perfect to launch a discussion of tall tales and using imagination to build a story that leaves the reader wanting to know more. "T'aint no telling what (Roy'll) try next." 2005, Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, December 15, 2004; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Parent's Choice Award Gold 2005 Picture Books United States
ISBN: 0689846401
Sitka Rose
Shelley Gill
Illustrated by Shannon Cartwright
The appealing heroine of this tall tale from Alaska--no doubt inspired by Paul Bunyan stories--lassoes the sun to get more light for her growing vegetables and beats the salmon swimming upstream. Hearing that gold has been discovered, she heads to Nome, performs fabulous feats of strength, hitches a bear and wolverines to her sled, and keeps moving, finally up into the sky, where her legend lives on. The text's short rhymed lines receive considerable elaboration in the detailed watercolor illustrations. Emphasis is on Rose's unity with nature, so scenes are full of local animals and landscape as well. Cartwright avoids strong color contrasts; the overall emotional content is upbeat. Some scenes could serve as travel posters for Alaska. An included map of Alaska shows Rose's travels. 2005, Charlesbridge, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz (Children's Literature).
This tall tale is unevenly written, with verses that detract from a clever story of an Alaskan female folk hero. The choppy lines and forced rhyme result in vocabulary and figures of speech that are confusing; for example, "crowds near Nome made her itch" to justify Rose's "hopes of striking it rich." The infrequent meaning of "boar" as a male mammal is used for the grizzly bear that leads the sled of wolverines "to soar." Interspersing prose rather than telling the entire story in awkward poetry would have enhanced the clever illustrations of well-drawn, friendly animals and birds, including an eagle that provides continuity and supports Rose's adventures. Even the mean wolverines have a charm! 2005, Charlesbridge, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Bowman-Kruhm, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-57091-353-6
The tale of Urso Brunov: Little Father of All Bears
Brian Jacques
Illustrations by Alexi Natchev
As the author writes a tale about Urso, the Father of All Bears, and Urso's search for his four tiny bears, it is easy to wonder if the point was to create a new Just So Story. However, the telling is too self-conscious to meet the standard set by Rudyard Kipling. At times, there is too much telling, as when the author explains that Urso likes it when creatures say please and, therefore, use their good manners, or when he expounds upon his own virtues. As the world's self-proclaimed best "trudger," nut eater, pretender, as well as the "strongest, cleverest, bravest, fiercest bear that ever lived," (not to mention most modest) one begins to wonder if this bear is also a first-class narcissist. Many of the illustrations are vibrant and imaginative. Urso himself, with his fez, his red coat, and his bugle, is a cute thing, and it a pleasure to see him sailing along on a boat made of a wooden flute with a feather for a sail, or to watch large numbers of animals dance around on a page. However, it is surprising that, at the peak of the story and just as Urso frees the four tiny bears from captivity, there is no illustration to convey that they have been set free. Where are they? Several pages later, we do see three of the four riding home on the backs of geese, yet again, where is the fourth? The only time they appear together is on the final page of the book, so we know they are all accounted for. But still, something is missing. 2003, Philomel Books/Penguin Putnam, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Schott Karr (Children's Literature)
Urso is the wisest and the strongest of creatures, even though the Brunov Bears are only thumb-ize. When the bears have gone into their winter sleep, Ursov discovers that four of them have set off for the southern sun, and he must bring them safely back. The lengthy text vividly describes Urso's adventures in prose and occasional verse as he encounters many creatures in his search. He rescues the bears from the wicked Lord of All Sands with the help of the animals he has freed form captivity. The mystical tall tale is told with tongue-in-cheek humor paying homage to the traditional fairy-tale structure. Natchev's detailed watercolor illustrations, vignettes and full page, focus on the animals. He treats us to portraits with personality, naturalistic but far from slavishly anatomically correct. The camel is weepy, the double-page peacock a splendid fowl indeed. Our tiny bear in his red coat and Russian fur hat is a convincing, if a bit boastful hero. Flip the pages and make a small drawing of him in a corner dance for added fun. 2003, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-23762-3
Tales from Gizzard's Grill
Jeanne Steig
Illustrated by Sandy Turner
Get ready to laugh! This charming book contains three Western stories all written in light verse. First, a lonesome cowboy arrives in town and saves the day by knowing just where the thief is hiding. Then, Miss Lou-Lou finds water for a town stricken with the drought. However, the best story is tucked at the end. Little Myrna thinks she has the worst smelling feet until The Stranger arrives in town with his smelly feet. The two feet duel and the end will be a surprise! The verse is playful and fun. However, at times the use of abbreviated words makes the reader stumble. A fun to book to read aloud, but younger readers should be cautioned due to the use of words such as ain't and other abbreviated slang words. 2004, Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-000959-4
ISBN: 0-06-000960-8
Thunder Rose
Jerdine Nolen
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
An uplifting tale for Black History Month is Thunder Rose by Maryland author Jerdine Nolen. Born the night of a fearsome storm, baby Rose amazes her parents with powerful snores that rival the "booming thunder." No shrinking violet, the newborn soon grows into a youngun' capable of putting up fences, subduing stampedes and inventing barbed wire. Why, Rose even tames a tornado and brings a soothing rain to her parched homeland. In her author's note, Nolen mentions her desire to write a black folktale that extols the "bold, brave, and adventurous spirits" that settled the Old West following the Civil War and freedom from slavery. With watercolors and pencil, Kadir Nelson captures this same can-do spirit in Rose as she strides the plains with her thunderous song. 2003, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
This original tale of a larger-than-life cowgirl heroine was constructed by the author to create a black folk tale of the Old West not "out of sorrow" as some from the past, but "out of love and joy." Born on a night of thunder and lightning, Thunder Rose soon shows that she can perform amazing feats of strength, bending metal to make her own thunderbolt, herding cattle, taming a gang of desperadoes. When drought threatens and she is challenged by a storm, she uses her power of song to "touch the heart of the clouds." Told with humor and a Western twang, Thunder Rose's story puts her up with Paul Bunyan and other legendary heroes. Nelson depicts her as a sassy, energetic youngster in oil, watercolor and pencil naturalistic illustrations, often seen from ground level to add stature to her adventures. Both people and cows are treated with respect; the "special effects" of the twister add real excitement. Perhaps we can expect further adventures in the future from this newly created folk heroine with genuine eye appeal. 2003, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2003; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Coretta Scott King Awards Honor Book 2004 Illustrator United States
Emphasis on Reading Winner 2004-2005 Grades 2-3 Alabama
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Emphasis on Reading, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 2-3; Alabama
Emphasis on Reading Program, 2004-2005; Book List; Grades 2-3; Alabama
Georgia Children's Picture Storybook Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Georgia
Treasure State Award, 2005; Nominee; Montana
ISBN: 0-15-216472-3
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Updated 7/11/05
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