Author: Julius Lester
Title: The Tales of Uncle Remus
Publisher: Dial Books Date: 1987
Age level: Elementary (3-4)
Summary:
This is a collection of African American folk tales presented in one succinct story. It follows the life and tales of Brer Rabbit and all of his friends- mainly his encounters with Brer Fox. It is a series of short tales interwoven into one entertaining story.
Strengths:
This book does a great job of catching children’s attention with a series of exciting and funny adventures. There are so many great tricks and endings to these stories that it is sure to keep their interest. The chapters (which are individual stories) are kept relatively short and are easy to read. Even if you have not read them all straight through, they would still be simple to understand and entertaining. There are some great lessons to be learned in these folk tales and some are really things children can relate to. Another great thing about this book is the personification of animals and how they come alive in a way most stories cannot accomplish.
Concerns:
Some of the language in this book relates to the old slave language of the 1800’s and may be slightly confusing for children. At most it is only a few words here and there, usually names, which may confuse them. As long as the teacher clarifies it, there should not be a problem. Also, there are many 10-20 pictures interspersed throughout the book, which I do not really like. It should have them more often if they are going to include them.
Classroom use/Other comments:
These are great little stories to read aloud to the class when there is lag time between classes and specials. They are also great stories to have the students illustrate! An idea that may be good for older students is to have them create their own story about Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox.
Title: The Tales of Uncle Remus
Publisher: Dial Books Date: 1987
Age level: Elementary (3-4)
Summary:
This is a collection of African American folk tales presented in one succinct story. It follows the life and tales of Brer Rabbit and all of his friends- mainly his encounters with Brer Fox. It is a series of short tales interwoven into one entertaining story.
Strengths:
This book does a great job of catching children’s attention with a series of exciting and funny adventures. There are so many great tricks and endings to these stories that it is sure to keep their interest. The chapters (which are individual stories) are kept relatively short and are easy to read. Even if you have not read them all straight through, they would still be simple to understand and entertaining. There are some great lessons to be learned in these folk tales and some are really things children can relate to. Another great thing about this book is the personification of animals and how they come alive in a way most stories cannot accomplish.
Concerns:
Some of the language in this book relates to the old slave language of the 1800’s and may be slightly confusing for children. At most it is only a few words here and there, usually names, which may confuse them. As long as the teacher clarifies it, there should not be a problem. Also, there are many 10-20 pictures interspersed throughout the book, which I do not really like. It should have them more often if they are going to include them.
Classroom use/Other comments:
These are great little stories to read aloud to the class when there is lag time between classes and specials. They are also great stories to have the students illustrate! An idea that may be good for older students is to have them create their own story about Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox.
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