3 Review(s)

This exhilarating book brings together some of the best classic stories told in the United States. Many of the tales were brought to the USA from Europe, and their origins can be traced in English, Scottish, Irish, French, Spanish or German tradition. But wherever they spring from, the tales are filtered through an American consciousness, and told in a rich American voice. These vivid stories, full of magic, humour, and wisdom have been minimally retold by the editor, whose introduction and notes set them securely in their folklore context. Aunt Lizbeth Fields' thoroughly American tale of `A Stepchild That Was Treated Mighty Bad,' for example, is identified as a version of the Grimms' `Snow White'. Read about Cold Feet and the Lonesome Queen, Lady Featherflight, The Gold in the Chimney, and The Cat That Went a-Traveling. These stories are ideal to read aloud or for older readers to enjoy discovering by themselves. Jacqueline Mair's delightful illustrations, based on American folk art, have the stitched and embroidered texture of a much-loved family quilt.