American Tall Tales by Mary Pope Osborne, Michael McCurdy

From the Publisher

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of these collection of tales. There are among nine "tall" heroes featured in this exuberant collection of traditional American folk tales, including Paul Bunyan, JohnnyAppleseed, John Henry, and other American folk heroes.

Publishers Weekly

American folk heroes of the 19th century spring to life in these splendidly retold sagas. Osborne's reputation as a gifted raconteur ( Favorite Greek Myths ; Beauty and the Beast ) is reaffirmed in this compendium, which retells the legends of familiar figures (Davy Crockett, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill), as well as lesser known personalities, such as Crockett's fictional wife Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, a composite character shaped by tales of various real-life women. Also chronicled are heroes hailing from places other than the backwoods, including Stormalong, a giant sailor who as a baby was washed onto a Cape Cod beach by a tidal wave, and Mose, a New York City fireman immortalized in an 1848 Broadway play. As tantalizing as Osborne's storytelling are McCurdy's ( The Owl-Scatterer ) elaborate, full-color wood engravings, which in their robust stylization dramatically render the grandeur of these engrossing yarns. Ages 6-up. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

A host of old standbys are being reissued this winter. "American folk heroes of the 19th century spring to life in these splendidly retold sagas," said PW upon the 1991 publication of Mary Pope Osborne's American Tall Tales, illus. by Michael McCurdy. The gifted raconteur retells the legends of familiar figures (Davy Crockett, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill), as well as lesser-known personalities. McCurdy's elaborate full-color wood engravings, in their robust stylization, dramatically render the grandeur of the yarns. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

An artistic map of the United States appears at the beginning of the book and places these nine tall tale heroes (eight men and one woman) in their geographical locales. Since these tales are intrinsically connected to the 19th century expansion of the United States, it is fitting and proper to begin this way. In her introduction, Osborne states that she chose to emphasize the "humane side of the tall tale characters," while including accurate period detail. The resulting stories are thoroughly engaging. The exaggerated humor will have children eager to turn the pages for one more story. McCurdy's detailed wood engravings are perfectly suited to the rugged bravado of these larger than life heroes. There are familiar characters, such as Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Paul Bunyan as well as the lesser known Sally Ann Thunder, Ann Whirlwind, Stormalong, Mose, and Febold Feboldson. "Notes on the Story" precedes the retelling and provides an introduction to the character and his/her deeds. The "Bibliography" provides the primary resources and other books and articles that Osborne found useful in creating her retellings. Perfect for units about tall tales, but also a great resource for discussions about 19th century Americans and their impact on our lives today.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-- This strikingly handsome, oversized volume presents nine all-American figures whose overblown exploits take them from coast to coast and through all manner of occupations and preoccupations. Osborne has chosen familiar fictitious characters--Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Febold Feboldson--and actual people, such as Johnny Appleseed and Davy Crockett, and relates episodes that stress the individuals' human weaknesses as well as strengths. She has melded several legendary characters into a single heroine, Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, who more than holds her own in such grand company. The rip-roaring action, broad humor, and colorful language of the convention are all here, but the violence is kept to a minimum and the laughs aren't at anyone's expense, except perhaps the subjects, who feel rather foolish on occasion. McCurdy's intricate wood engravings tinted with watercolor equal their tall task. He sets these larger-than-life folk on majestic landscapes brimming with energy, rich with wildlife and local color. The author's thoughtful introduction and notes round out this superlative offering. It's ``the whole steamboat!'' --Luann Toth, School Library Journal

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6- Mary Pope Osborne's retelling of tales about America's folk heroes (Random, 1991) includes an introduction to each tale which tells where and when the stories were first published, and often explains other variations of the tales. The tales include Davy Crockett, Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, Johnny Appleseed, Stormalong, Mose, Febold Feboldson, Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Paul Bunyan. Most of the characters covered are white males, but there is some diversity with the inclusion of Sally Ann and John Henry. Each story is separated by folk music featuring harmonicas or fiddles. The narrator, actor Scott Snively, uses a matter-of-fact voice to present the historical information, and a very expressive voice for the stories. His different accents are appropriate and often amusing. A few appropriate sound effects are used. A good choice for school and public libraries.-Linda Gray, Lon Morris College, Jacksonville, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Details from Seller

• ISBN: 0679800891
• Publisher: Random House Children's Books
• Pub. Date: September 1991
• Condition:

Comments from the Seller: 1991 Hardcover VG/VG.