Summary: A collection of stories from the African-American oral tradition, presented as they have been told by professional black storytellers from Rhode Island to Oklahoma.

Personal reaction: Richard and Judy Young present an enticing and informal slate of stories that even reluctant readers will find entertaining and educational. Adults and children alike will experience Afro-American cultural mythology in an easy-to-read and relatable fashion. This novel can act as a cultural informant, or even a relaxing daily-read; both serving their respective purpose masterfully.

Classroom extension: Perhaps the most notable method for this book to be incorporated into a classroom would be for ethnic and cultural educational purpose. I would even encourage students to act out some of their favorite folktales in front of the class for those who may prefer visual learning. ( )

A collection of thirty-one folktales from the African-American tradition, edited by Richard Alan Young and Judy Dockrey Young, and taken from the work of storytellers and teachers around the country, this volume is divided into seven thematic sections: Young Heroes and Heroines; Animal Fables; Trickster Stories; Parables About People; Bigger Than Life; In the Park and in the Dark; and Brother Rabbit Today.

Here the reader will encounter tales that are little changed from their original African iterations, and tales that have been transformed by the experiences of African-Americans on this continent. Each selection includes a brief introduction explaining the specific origin and history of the tale, as well as specifying which storyteller (listed at the back) was responsible for its inclusion.

I particularly enjoyed: The Sizimweh, in which a young boy rescues a group of girls from a terrible monster by putting them in his drum, as it reminded me of Verna Aardema's picture book, Bimwili and the Zimwi, in which she tells a very similar tale. Also of note was Anansi and the Turtle, a clear parallel to Aesop's fable of The Fox and the Crane. I relished the Tall Tales (Bigger Than Life) and the Scary Stories (In the Park and In the Dark), which reminded me of the collections I used to read as a girl - books like Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark.

In short: an enjoyable introductory collection, suitable for young (or old) readers interested in exploring a very rich area of American folklore. My pleasure in reading was enhanced by the black and white illustrations of Kenneth Harris, who is, oddly enough, only credited on the colophon. ( )