I can't say that I always understood the fables or the folklore, even with an explanation, but overall I enjoyed these stories and some of them absolutely came to life in my mind's eye. I've read many books of mythology or legends, and so I enjoyed this one thoroughly. ( )

398.2

This is a book of African American folktales about women collected by Virginia Hamilton. The folktales are illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Both the author and illustrators have won numerous awards for their work with children's books. The folktales presented started out as oral traditions often before the Civil War with elements from the period of slavery. They were collected from a variety of sources and regions, including the Creole in Louisiana, and the Gullah in Georgia. Different dialects and beliefs are included. Overall, the message is to present stories of strong women in African American culture, but also to inspire all women. Written in the 1990s, this book was made at the forefront of the multicultural literature movement. It was written to give African American children, used to "white" European stories, like Cinderella, a place in the genre of traditional literature.

The collection itself is varied, interesting and informative. And the illustrations are absolutely stunning! I feel blessed to have found a copy of this hardcover at Goodwill for under $1 -- I can't believe someone gave it away; their loss.

4.5 stars ( )