Black Folktales

Twelve remarkable folktales, culled from the black experience in Africa and America, are freshly retold in the thoroughly original voice of Julius Lester. Arranged by topic -- Origins, Love, Heroes, and People -- the tales combine universal themes and uncanny wisdom. Though some of these stories have been around for centuries and many were passed down by slaves, Julius Lester's urban expressiveness and Tom Feeling's spirited illustrations give them continued resonance for today's audience.

How God made the butterflies -- Why apes look like people -- Why men have to work -- How the snake got his rattles -- The girl with the large eyes -- The son of Kim-ana-u-eze and the daughter of the sun and moon -- Jack and the devil's daughter -- High John the Conqueror -- Stagolee -- The old man who wouldn't take advice -- People who could fly -- Keep on stepping.