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kidlitlove's review
5.0
I loved this tale tale. It made me think of the Southern version of Paul Bunyan tales. It is a rip-snorting good time. The language would be interesting to study with students while discussing dialects and regional differences.
toebean5's review
3.0
So one of my first reactions to this was, "Wait a minute- this isn't an original tall tale," which I thought quite snottily, before another part of me heaved a heavy sigh of exasperation at that other part of me. Because if we only read "original" anything, where would that leave us? Would we say, "This story of good and evil was totally already done in the Old Testament"? Like, don't bother ever writing anything because it's "already been done"? Moreover, what would that mean for girls and children of color- they should just be happy with the tall tales that only feature men or boys, or think of John Henry as the only hero they get? No way! So even though I don't like children's books where animals (especially those with speaking roles) die/are killed, and I wasn't super into the illustrations (not bad, just not my favorite style), I appreciate this for filling a void, which is that of a strong female heroine in a tall tale. I also think that if this were read by a Southerner or someone who could do an accent that wasn't terrible, it would be really fun to have read aloud.
sducharme's review
3.0
A tall tale about a woman with the strength to rival Paul Bunyan. Set in Tennessee. Zelinsky's folk art oil paintings suit the early 1800's time period.
mat_tobin's review
4.0
A beautifully illustrated picture book set in the beginning of the 1800s in Tennessee. Angelica Longrider is born differently from everyone else in terms of size. Known as the Swamp Angel after she saved a wagon train logged in the mire, this is an American tall tale which competes our giant hero against the great bear known only as Thundering Tarnation (great name).
When none of the men in the land can defeat this great foe, Angelica decides to ignore the cruel jibes of the local men 'Shouldn't you be home, mending a quilt?' and goes head to head again the mighty bear. A great battle takes place (stunning to look at) in which she not only manages to defeat the beast but take his pelt with her too.
I am sure that there are a lot of cultural connotations within the text that I am missing with regard to how the men and women of 19th century Tennessee interact with each other but you cannot miss the fact that Angelica makes for a great female hero. Her physical strength as well as her strength of mind serve her well and help her overcome the beast. Zelinsky's illustrations are gorgeous and finished in a style that gives a sense of the historical to it.
When none of the men in the land can defeat this great foe, Angelica decides to ignore the cruel jibes of the local men 'Shouldn't you be home, mending a quilt?' and goes head to head again the mighty bear. A great battle takes place (stunning to look at) in which she not only manages to defeat the beast but take his pelt with her too.
I am sure that there are a lot of cultural connotations within the text that I am missing with regard to how the men and women of 19th century Tennessee interact with each other but you cannot miss the fact that Angelica makes for a great female hero. Her physical strength as well as her strength of mind serve her well and help her overcome the beast. Zelinsky's illustrations are gorgeous and finished in a style that gives a sense of the historical to it.
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
Caldecott Honor and silly. But its a folktale so being silly is somewhat appropriate. Basically a new figure written into myth - basically a woman who's part Paul Bunyan and part Daniel Boone and definitely all of herself. With good enough writing and good enough art.
bluenicorn's review
3.0
So one of my first reactions to this was, "Wait a minute- this isn't an original tall tale," which I thought quite snottily, before another part of me heaved a heavy sigh of exasperation at that other part of me. Because if we only read "original" anything, where would that leave us? Would we say, "This story of good and evil was totally already done in the Old Testament"? Like, don't bother ever writing anything because it's "already been done"? Moreover, what would that mean for girls and children of color- they should just be happy with the tall tales that only feature men or boys, or think of John Henry as the only hero they get? No way! So even though I don't like children's books where animals (especially those with speaking roles) die/are killed, and I wasn't super into the illustrations (not bad, just not my favorite style), I appreciate this for filling a void, which is that of a strong female heroine in a tall tale. I also think that if this were read by a Southerner or someone who could do an accent that wasn't terrible, it would be really fun to have read aloud.