The first comprehensive anthology of American black folklore selected especially for children includes 24 exquisitely crafted, individually developed tales: trickster tales, tall tales, ghost and devil tales and stories of liberation and freedom. The author's impressive use of Black English from several cultures and her accessible historical notes for each tale distinguish this unique work. The artists' 40 stunning stylized black and white illustrations accompanying the tales, and the harmony of all book design elements provide a handsome presentation of stories for families to share, scholars to study and individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. Hamilton handles information about the Joel Chandler Harris texts with dignity, placing those versions of traditional tales into historical and cultural contexts. This may be the most important book published in 1985. Winner, 1985 CCBC Newbery Discussion. (All ages)

"The well-known author retells 24 black American folk tales in sure storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this collection should be snapped up."--(starred) School Library Journal. 

This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards text Exemplar (Grade 6-8, Stories) in Appendix B.