American Tall Tales

From the staff book exchange shelf at my school.

Title: American Tall Tales
Publisher: Scholastic
Date: 1991
Writer: Mary Pope Osborne
Artist: Michael McCurdy

Not a comic, but another interesting example of mixing story and illustration.

Collection of retellings of American folktales by Magic Tree House author Mary Pope Osborne.

These are very definitely the author's own take on the legends of 19th Century America, but she includes extensive notes on the origins of each of the iconic characters, many of which were actually the inventions of specific 19th Century authors, that only later made their way into the realm of folklore.

The stories are presented in a flamboyant style that captures the flavor of tales told around a campfire, and the personalities of the heroes and heroines shine bright as their larger-than-life deeds are recounted.

There is plenty of humor, but the Author's best work is bringing out the more serious side of the stories, particularly in the tales of steel-driver John Henry and New York City firefighter Mose.

The incorporation of song lyrics (as performed by Pete Seeger, and later Bruce Springsteen) into the John Henry story felt a bit like the author was trying too hard, but I do have to admit that I was singing the song in my head as I read the story.

Michael McCurdy's wood-engraving illustrations are simply spectacular and a huge part of the charm of this book.

Rating: 7/10