(2) K-3 Illustrated by Scott Cook. Lively paintings match the tone and style of this original tall tale that has plenty of appeal for storytellers and their audiences. When the Mississippi mysteriously dries up one day, Jean Laffite, a real historical personage, discovers a trapped whale plugging up the river. With ingenuity--and a packet of cayenne pepper--Jean secures the creature's release. The pace is fast, and the imagery appropriately homespun.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Scott Cook. Warm ivory pages, primarily illustrated with coppers, oranges, yellows, and rusts, radiate a south Louisiana heat. In three tales flavored with Creole metaphor and French expressions, Compère Lapin, literary cousin to Brer Rabbit, outsmarts the long-suffering Compère Bouki, relieving him of food, water, and a large portion of his self-respect. The elaborate narratives make the collection appropriate for older listeners. Glos.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2002

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Scott Cook. Kind farmer Ling Cho gives his three prideful friends wheat to sell in the marketplace in exchange for half of their earnings. Each man returns without Ling Cho's money, and the farmer tailors his reactions to suit each unique (and, twice, dubious) explanation. That the rhyming couplets occasionally stumble is excusable; enhanced by shimmering earth-toned illustrations, they tell this complex tale with verve and grace.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) 4-6 Van Laan's selections range from traditional tales (such as the Uncle Remus stories) to superstitions, rhymes, and riddles. The retellings are organized according to geographic region, and each section begins with an introduction to the history and culture of each region's storytelling tradition. Cook's caricature-like illustrations draw out the fun-loving humor with an affectionate wink-and-a-nod style. Source notes included.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.