American Tall Tales

by Mary Pope Osborne

Book Overview

The perfect addition to every family's home library and just right for sharing aloud, American Tall Tales introduces readers to America's first folk heroes in nine wildly exaggerated and downright funny stories. Here are Paul Bunyan, that king-sized lumberjack who could fell "ten white pines with a single swing"; John Henry, with his mighty hammer; Mose, old New York's biggest, bravest fireman; Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, who could "outgrin,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679800891
• ISBN13: 9780679800897
• Release Date: September 1991
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.3" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

American cultural mythology

I remember coming across the book American Tall Tales in sixth grade, my sixth grade teacher Miss Ardell was the first to introduce me and my class mates to mythology. In it you and children learn of America's folk heroes, from such as the larger then life Paul Bunyan the original logger, Davey Crockett the congressman from Tennessee who died at the Alamo who was larger then life. The love of his life Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind and her stalker the high functioning alcoholic river rat Mike Fink, (I live in Western Pa. and he is well known in the river communities for his high alcohol tolerance and disorderly conduct and public intoxication.) About the lesser known heroes like Mose Humphreys of New York City who was said to be the greatest firefighter the city ever knew. Each one burning with color, showing children and adults the pioneer spirit that has been a guiding light for Americans since the dawn of our inception. Buy this to share with your children or grandchildren or even just for yourself it makes you think of American apple pie's taste with each story and turn of the page.

cultural mythology

I bought this book for a grandchild. I grew up with the stories and want to share them and the characters with him. Who hasn't heard of at least one of the characters in the book: Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett? The writing style will be easily understood by children in early elementary. The really exceptional part of this book is the Foreward. It easily and clearly explains how the stories in the book have become part of our US cultural heritage without needing to be an educator to understand it. I highly recommend it to anyone considering this type of book.

Excellent Collection...

This is an excellent collection of american folktales which both I and my siblings have enjoyed. It is well written and very enjoyable on the whole.

Great Folktale Collection

I had to buy this book for an education class i am taking, and I very much enjoyed it. It is a wonderfully told collection of American Folk Tales which both me and my siblings have enjoyed.