How Animals Saved the People

Reneaux, J. J.

ISBN 10: 0688162541 ISBN 13: 9780688162542

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2001

Synopsis

A collection of eight folktales from people in the Deep South includes tales with Cajun, Creole, Native American, and African American descent, as well as English and Scotch-Irish-German traditions.

About this title

Reviews

Gr 2-5-This collection of eight tales retold by the late storyteller J. J. Reneaux spans the culture of her native South. Cajun, Creole, African American, Appalachian, and Choctaw are among the cultures represented. All of the stories are presented in a rollicking, reverent style, perfect for reading aloud. Each one is illustrated with spot or full-page watercolors in a brilliant palette. Ransome imbues his animals with as much detail and character as his humans. Some of his depictions, however, are curious. In "How the Bear People Lost Fire," a Native American story from Alabama, Old Woman Bear is described as carrying a basket, which Ransome has painted as a picnic basket laid with a pink cloth (Hunter Bear wears a "traditional" quiver). In "How Animals Saved the People," he depicts Choctaw men and women bathing (nude) together. A glossary at the end of the volume explains colloquialisms, and a short note on each story lists sources. Lists of animal stories in book and audio formats, and an introduction explaining the importance of these stories in each culture, lend depth and context to this anthology. A fine choice for storytellers or for sharing one-on-one.-Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688162541
• ISBN 13: 9780688162542
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Ransome James
• Number of pages: 64