How Animals Saved the People: Animal Tales from the South

Southern Scribe
our culture of storytelling

Storytelling Review

How Animals Saved the People:
Animal Tales from the South
retold by J. J. Reneaux, illustrated by James Ransome
HarperCollins, 2001
$17.95 (64pp)
ISBN: 0-688-16253-3

How Animals Saved the People: Animal Tales from the South is a beautifully illustrated collection of southern folk tales for all ages. For this collection, Reneaux selected eight stories from those she performs as a storyteller. The animal tales reflect the diverse culture of the South (Appalachian, Native American, African-American, Creole, Cajun, and European).

The late J. J. Reneaux was a storyteller for storytellers, with her down-home Cajun style that hid the sophisticated message within the tale. She received two Parents' Choice Gold Awards for her recordings Cajun Ghost Stories and Wake Snake! Children's Stories and Songs of the South.

James Ransome has illustrated several picture books for children, including The Wagon, which was honored as a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children and a C. S. Lewis Silver Medal winner.

Joyce Dixon
Southern Scribe Reviews