The newest volume in the popular Read-Aloud series, this engaging collection features the best African-American short stories and excerpts to read to children in under ten minutes. The diverse tales, selected for their rich histories, spiritual writings and adventurous characters, offer the perfect bed-time--or any other time--activities for parents, grandparents, siblings or babysitters. The book includes 50 beautiful drawings that capture the spirit of these tales, legends, lore and fables. The narratives are faithful adaptations of the oral and written stories passed down through the centuries. They include Langston Hughes, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington and Paula Fox.
For the first time ever, the best African-American stories to read aloud to your children have been compiled in this unique volume. It's full of African legend and lore, traditional songs and poetry as well as current biographies of African-American heroes and haunting stories from the days of slavery.Each story, which can be read in about 10 minutes, will captivate and educate children of all ages and background. (Parents too!) As befits a culture with a special talent for storytelling, the classic myths and fables captivate a child's vivid imagination while teaching important life lessons. The fairy tales are filled with bracing heroes and intriguing adventures, while the biographies abound with stories of people whose real-life experiences are an inspiration to us all. The chapters on history and slavery contain important and essential moments in African-American culture. Classic and modern-day excerpts appear from favorites such as "Sounder, A Walk in Their Shoes" and "The Slave Dancer." The poetry and song chapter contains pieces such as "The Sweet and Sour Animal Book" by Langston Hughes, and many others rich in tradition and pride and familiar in their rhyme, rhythm and dignity. There may be no more rewarding family activity than reading stories aloud to your children--at bedtime or any other time. With this carefully prepared selection of literature, parents can introduce their children to the fun and magic, excitement and surprises of great storytelling and the great African-American traditions through history.