PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS by Patricia McKissack

BIBLIOGRAPHY

McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS. Ill. by Andre Carrilho. New York: Swartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375836195

PLOT SUMMARY

In this anthology of literary tales, Patricia McKissack draws on the childhood stories heard on her grandparents’ porch as well as traditional African American folktales to create her own version of “porch lies.” McKissack populates her imaginary front porch with a cast of characters who are more than willing to share their favorite tale of a slickster or trickster.

The result is a colorful collection of ten stories each with their own memorable character including: Pete Bruce who tricks the Pie Lady into feeding him an entire coconut pie one taste at a time; Mingo Cass who pays all his debts without breaking his only one hundred dollar bill; Aunt Gran who tricks and slicks Jesse James into getting rid of the leader of “the worst gang of hate-filled Confederates ever there was”; and Montgomery Red who outsmarts the King of the Ghosts.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the Author’s Note that precedes the ten tales, McKissack recalls that her favorite childhood memories include summer evenings sitting on the front porch of her grandparents’ home and listening to the “porch lies.” According to McKissack, she drew on those tales as well as other elements of the African American oral tradition for this book. She invites the reader to settle in “to the front porch of your mind” and enjoy her versions of African American folktales, myths and legends.

McKissack starts each tale with an introduction of the fictitious narrator that provides a mental picture of the storyteller as well as sets the stage for the tale to follow. McKissack has the ability to make each character seem so real that each tale carries a hint of truth throughout its pages. On occasion, McKissack even challenges the reader to “decide if it is a porch lie or not.”

Even though each tale is set in Tennessee or another southern location, each story has the folktale air of long ago and far away. The effect is heightened by the black and white artwork of illustrator Andre Carrilho. Each character that McKissack presents as real is drawn as an exaggerated caricature which lends an additional quality of fantasy to each story.

Present in each of McKissack’s tales is a trickster/slickster persona such as Pete Bruce who is “nothing but an ol’ confidencer.” Clovis Reed finds, to his surprise, that the good he has done outweighs the bad “by the weight of a single feather.” Bukka Black, after pretending to be a famous blues guitarist, almost succumbs to the devil’s charms when he comes to collect his dues. The underlying theme across all the stories is that there is some good to be found in even the most outrageous trickster. Even Link Murphy who is tagged as a “sneasel” (part snake and part weasel) proves his worth by saving Mis’ Crickett from being buried alive.

Younger readers may have trouble reading this book independently, but it will be a favorite when read aloud at story time or on a summer evening sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “Great for sharing, on the porch and in the classroom.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS: “… these tales all lend themselves to telling or reading aloud, and carry the common theme that even the worst rascals have saving graces.”

HORN BOOK: “Grandly melodramatic black-and-white illustrations capture the stories' mood.”

CONNECTIONS

This book would be an excellent supplement to a unit on African American history.

Gather other collections of trickster tales such as:
San Souci, Robert D. SISTER TRICKSTERS : ROLLICKING TALES OF CLEVER FEMALES. ISBN 087483791X
DeSpain, Pleasant. TALES OF TRICKSTERS. ISBN 0874836441
Matthews, John and Caitlin. TRICK OF THE TALE : A COLLECTION OF TRICKSTER TALES. ISBN 0763636460

Read and discuss other books by Patricia McKissack:
McKissack, Patricia. THE DARK-THIRTY : SOUTHERN TALES OF THE SUPERNATURAL. ISBN 0679818634
McKissack, Patricia. MA DEAR'S APRONS. ISBN 0689810512
McKissack, Patricia. GOIN' SOMEPLACE SPECIAL. ISBN 0689818858

YEH SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA by Ai-Ling Louie

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Louie, Ai-Ling. 1996. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. Ill. by Ed Young. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0698113888

PLOT SUMMARY

After her father’s death, Yeh-Shen is left to live with her stepmother who is jealous of Yeh-Shen’s beauty because her own daughter is not as pretty. Forced to perform the most unpleasant household chores, Yeh-Shen’s only friend is a golden-eyed fish that she feeds from the scraps of food left for her to eat. When the stepmother kills the fish, Yeh-Shen is overcome with grief but an old man appears and tells her that the bones are filled with magic and can grant her heart’s desire.

The bones give Yeh-Shen a beautiful gown and golden slippers so she can attend the festival, but she runs away when she is almost recognized by her stepsister. She loses one of the golden slippers while running home and is grief stricken when the bones no longer talk to her. The slipper is found and given to the king who determines to find the woman who could wear such a tiny and beautiful thing. The King finds Yeh-Shen, marries her and takes her away, but will not let her stepmother and stepsister come to the palace. They remain in their cave home and are eventually killed in a shower of stones.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this Chinese variant of the Cinderella story, a quote on the dedication page from Iona and Peter Opie’s THE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES dates the story of Yeh-Shen to the T’ang Dynasty of 618-907 AD. The earliest version the European Cinderella story dates to a 1634 Italian tale. This version, however, will be familiar to children as it includes all the elements of the Cinderella story: the beautiful orphan, the wicked stepmother, the festival and magic slippers. One key difference in this version is that the magical benefactor is a fish instead of a fairy godmother.

There are many elements of a traditional folktale present in this version of the Cinderella story. The customary theme of good being rewarded and bad punished is present in the story. The good and kindly Yeh-Shen is rewarded for her suffering by marrying the king and living in a palace, while the wicked stepmother and stepsister are “crushed to death in a shower of flying stones.”

The setting, as well as passing of time, in the story follows the folktale tradition. The tale takes place “in the dim past” of southern China, and the passing of time is indicated with phrases like “time went by” and “so the time passed.” Yeh-Shen growing “to girlhood in her stepmother’s home” and the fish “which grew to enormous size” are also phrases that signify time passing.

Common folktale motifs of magical objects and supernatural helpers are also present in the story. The old sage who told Yeh-Shen “of the wondrous powers” of her fish and then “rose to the sky”, and the magical bones that provided food as well as the clothing to wear to the festival are folktale devices used in this Cinderella story.

The tale incorporates themes such as elders, fish and tiny feet that are important in Chinese culture. The spirit that appears to Yeh-Shen after she discovers her fish had been killed is described as “a very old man” and as “the old sage”. Yeh-Shen also calls him “kind uncle” when speaking to him. The fish in Chinese culture is a symbol of prosperity and can also symbolize harmony, another valued quality. The story also makes repeated reference to Yeh-Shen’s tiny feet, a prized physical attribute in Chinese culture that was often accomplished through the practice of foot binding.

Illustrator, Ed Young, plays on the fish motif throughout the story by including either a whole fish or some part such as a tail, fin or scales in each drawing. Young even depicts the old sage as part man and part fish which plays on the magical qualities of the folktale. Throughout the book, Young’s watercolor illustrations are a subtle complement to this Chinese version of the Cinderella story.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Every library will be enriched by it.”

BOOKLIST: “Has a misty dreamlike air. A worthwhile addition to picture book collections.”

HORN BOOK: “The artist’s work… has been executed with chromatic splendor – a unique combination of brilliance and restraint.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used to supplement a lesson plan on different cultures.

Compare and contrast other versions of the Cinderella story such as:
Martin, Rafe. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL. ISBN 0698116267
San Souci, Robert D. CENDRILLON: A CARIBBEAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0689848889
Steptoe, John. MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS : AN AFRICAN TALE. ISBN 0688040454

Explore other Chinese folktales such as:
Hong, Lily Toy. TWO OF EVERYTHING : A CHINESE FOLKTALE. ISBN 0807581577
San Souci, Robert D. FA MULAN : THE STORY OF A WOMAN WARRIOR. ISBN 0786814217
Demi. LIANG AND THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. ISBN 0030562899

THE HIRED HAND by Robert D. San Souci

BIBLIOGRAPHY

San Souci, Robert D. 1997. THE HIRED HAND. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803712960

PLOT SUMMARY

Old Sam works hard at running his Virginia sawmill, but his son, Young Sam, is lazy and always on the lookout ways to make his life easier. When New Hand is hired to help at the sawmill he proves that he can do much more than saw and stack logs. Young Sam spies on New Hand while he uses a magic spell to restore an aging customer’s youth. Young Sam’s plan to make a profit from duplicating the spell, however, ends in tragedy. On trial for murder, Young Sam learns his lesson about acting “high-handed” and “biggity” and is saved from prison by New Hand.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the Author’s Note, San Souci wrote that he found the original version of THE HIRED HAND while reading GYPSY FOLK TALES by Francis Hindes Groome. Published in 1899, Groome’s book included a note that the Gypsy tale was similar to a folktale written down from a verbal retelling in 1871 Alabama by a servant who “had got it from his granny” in Virginia.

According to San Souci, Groome included the full text of the tale titled DE NEW HAN in an appendix. San Souci indicated that he tried to retain essence of the tale, but soften the heavy dialect that was typical of African American tales of the period. In THE HIRED HAND San Souci’s characters speak in more of a Southern dialect than the vernacular evidenced in Groome’s title. The occasional dropped consonant and colloquialisms such as “gonna” and “gotta” bring to mind the speech patterns of the American south.

According to the Artist’s Note, Jerry Pinkney modeled his illustrations on a 1700’s Quaker town in Virginia whose population included free African Americans. Pinkney achieves his “once upon a time” goal of depicting African Americans working and living in a place free from slavery.

Pinkney’s muted watercolor illustrations enhance the magical qualities of this retelling of an African American folktale. Even though the setting for the tale, as well as Pinkney’s inspiration, is in the very real state of Virginia, Pinkney’s illustrations add to the unreal aspect of “long ago and far away”.

San Souci’s treatment of the folktale is entertaining and the lessons of treating people fairly, not taking shortcuts and even forgiveness will not be lost on older readers. Before sentencing at his trial, Young Sam expresses his regret and cautions the onlookers to “Don’ be lazy an’ greedy and wood-headed.”

This story is suitable for both independent reading and sharing aloud during story time.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

THE HORN BOOK GUIDE: “Executed in pencil and watercolor, the illustrations set the plot in a particular time and place without sacrificing the sense of magic and wonder. Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration.”

BOOKLIST: “An obvious choice for primary story hours, this will also make a welcome addition to African American folklore and history units.”

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: “The story line is complicated and therefore recommended for older picturebook readers, but the unexpected twists and turns and appeal enhance an outstanding presentation.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be included to supplement a social studies lesson.

Gather other African American folktales such as:

Virginia Hamilton. WHEN BIRDS COULD TALK & BATS COULD SING : THE ADVENTURES OF BRUH SPARROW, SIS WREN, AND THEIR FRIENDS. ISBN 059047372
Virginia Hamilton. THE PEOPLE COULD FLY: THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 037582405
Kim L. Siegelson. IN THE TIME OF THE DRUMS. ISBN 0786823860

Read other folktales adapted or retold by Robert D. San Souci:
Robert D. San Souci. SISTER TRICKSTERS: ROLLICKING TALES OF CLEVER FEMALES. ISBN 087483791X
Robert D. San Souci. SONG OF SEDNA. ISBN 0385158661Robert D. San Souci. THE LEGEND OF SCARFACE : A BLACKFEET INDIAN TALE. ISBN 0440413583

TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume One) by Pat Cummings

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cummings, Pat. 1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume One). Compiled and edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455

PLOT SUMMARY

Cummings compiles conversations with thirteen artists who talk about their childhood and the important events that led them to a career as an illustrator. Artists interviewed include Victoria Chess, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. Cummings also includes a chapter on how she got her start as an illustrator. In addition to providing background information on how they got started, each artist answers 8 questions that range from “do you have any children or pets” to “what do you use to make your pictures”. Samples of artwork from childhood as well as published works are included.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The target audience of this book is children who have aspirations of becoming artists. Reading about the different paths taken by each of the artists to their current level of success can help a child understand that with talent and determination they can also succeed.

The discussions regarding the question, “What do you use to make your pictures?” were especially interesting. Victoria Chess discussed the differences in technical pens and felt tip pens, with an interesting note that technical inks won’t run when they are painted over. David Wiesner noted that he keeps his watercolor paper from getting “lumpy” by soaking it in the bathtub and then letting it dry while taped to a flat board.

While the target audience for this book may be artistically inclined children, it will be enjoyed by anyone who wants a better understanding of how favorite illustrators approach their work.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived…”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Unfortunately, the often poignant reminiscences and outstanding talent on display cannot overcome the book's unimaginative layout and distractingly pragmatic text.”

Starred HORN BOOK review: “An inspired concept, executed with class.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather volumes two and three of the TALKING WITH ARTISTS series:
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Two). ISBN 978-0689803109
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Three). ISBN 9780395891322

Review other compilations of discussions with artists about their work:
Carle, Eric. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. ISBN 9780399246005
Marcus, Leonard S. 2002. WAYS OF TELLING: CONVERSATIONS ON THE ART OF THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 9780525464907

PALE MALE: CITIZEN HAWK OF NEW YORK CITY by Janet Schulman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schulman, Janet. 2008. PALE MALE: CITIZEN HAWK OF NEW YORK CITY. Ill. by Meilo So. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375845581

PLOT SUMMARY

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of a red-tailed hawk that took up residence on an upscale New York apartment building. Even though the hawk, nicknamed Pale Male, had an enthusiastic following among New Yorkers, the residents of the Fifth Avenue apartment building were not happy with the debris that resulted from the hawk and his mate nesting on their building. The residents were overwhelmed with criticism and protests after removing the nest, but finally a solution was found that allowed Pale Male and his mate to not only rebuild their nest but flourish in the metropolitan environment.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though the book is nonfiction, Schulman’s storytelling style will engage older elementary-age and up readers. The drama of Pale Male’s adventures coupled with Meilo So’s artistry also makes this a good selection for reading aloud to beginning readers. So’s light and airy watercolor illustrations capture the graceful elegance of the hawk as well as the scary darkness of an attack by crows.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: “[Schulman's] language is sophisticated and wry . . . [and] the watercolor illustrations, by Meilo So, are luminous.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Beautiful contrasting views of the bird soaring above the wild park and the forest of the skyscrapers will ignite children's curiosity in both urban animals and the caring people who help protect them.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “From the eye-catching endpapers ... to the energetic city scenes, readers experience New Yorkers’ excitement about Pale Male ... and understand why his story has captured the interest of so many people.”

CONNECTIONS

This book provides an opportunity to discuss wildlife conservation with children and introduce other books about protecting animal habitats such as:
Hatkoff, Juliana. 2008. LOOKING FOR MIZA. ISBN 9780545085403
Cherry, Lynn. 1990. THE GREAT KAPOK TREE. ISBN 9780152005207

Gather other books illustrated by Meilo So and compare the style:
Flatharta, Antoine O. 2005. HURRY AND THE MONARCH. ISBN 9780385737197
Orgel, Doris. 2008. THE CAT’S TALE: WHY THE YEARS ARE NAMED FOR ANIMALS. ISBN 9781596432024

Explore other collaborative efforts by Schulman and So:
Schulman, Janet. 2003. A BUNNY FOR ALL SEASONS. ISBN 9780375822568
Schulman, Janet. 2002. COUNTDOWN TO SPRING. ISBN 9780375813641

THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW by Norton Juster

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439897505

PLOT SUMMARY

In this colorful picture book a young girl describes visits to her grandparents’ house. Each visit begins and ends with a peek in the kitchen window – the hello, goodbye window. The window provides opportunities for playing games, pretending, as well as observing the world outside the comfort of Nanna and Poppy’s kitchen.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book captures the love, warmth, and fun every child should experience while visiting grandparents. The comfortable kitchen as well as the rituals of breakfast, gardening, play time, and bedtime speaks to the reassurance a child finds in familiar places, people and routines.

The bright, colorful illustrations of Chris Raschka are detailed and engaging. The child-like quality of the illustrations suggests that the pictures could have been drawn by the child telling the story. Raschka was awarded the 2006 Caldecott Medal for the artwork in this book.

This book would be fun to share not only one on one between grandparent and grandchild, but also read aloud in a library or classroom setting.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Raschka's swirling lines, swaths, and dabs of fruity colors seem especially vibrant, particularly in the double-page spreads, which have ample room to capture both the tender moments between members of the interracial family and the exuberance of spending time in the pulsating outdoors, all flowers, grass, and sky.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used in a library or classroom setting to encourage sharing of experiences of visits to grandparents in celebration of Grandparents Day.

Gather other Caldecott Award winning books to compare Raschka’s style with other award winning illustrators.

Other books about grandparents and children in multiracial families:
Williams, Vera B. MORE, MORE, MORE SAID THE BABY. ISBN 9780688156343
Cheng, Andrea. GRANDFATHER COUNTS. ISBN 9781584301585

More than an assignment

I've started this blog as part of an assignment for a Children's and Young Adult Literature class as part of my Texas Woman's University Master of Library Science degree program. Although the initial purpose of the blog is to post reviews of books that are part of the assigned reading, I hope to maintain the blog long term and incorporate it into my school district's library program.