Book details
Mountain Jack Tales
Description
Jack is the universal folk hero and adventurer. Tales of Jack's adventures are as timeless as bedrock but as fresh as dawn in the Appalachian hills. Whether Jack is outsmarting ogres, besting card sharks, wrestling with ornery witches, or even taking on Old Man Death himself, the plainspoken hero's common sense, goodness, and hill-country humor help him come out on top every time. Gail Haley is an author, award-winning illustrator, puppeteer, and storyteller. She has written and illustrated over forty books for children. She is the only North Carolinian to have won the Caldecott Medal and is the only person world-wide to have won both The Caldecott Medal and the Kate Greenway Medal. In addition, she won the Kadai Tosho Award in Japan. Parent's Choice Award for The Green Man and the Kerlan Award for Lifetime Achievement. She was a storyteller in residence at Appalachian State University for fifteen years and has lectured extensively in the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and South Africa.
Age
8-9
Text complexity
proficient
Length
131 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: 'Mountain Jack Tales' offers readers a chance to immerse themselves in the rich oral storytelling traditions of the Appalachian region, providing cultural insights and historical context that enrich one's understanding of American folklore.
- Award-Winning Author: Gail E. Haley is a celebrated author and illustrator, known for her previous work 'A Story a Story,' which won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. Reading her 'Mountain Jack Tales' allows one to experience the work of a skilled and recognized storyteller.
- Educational Value: The tales are not only entertaining but also serve as educational tools, teaching moral lessons and values through the adventures and experiences of the characters. This makes the book a valuable resource for both young readers and educators.
- Literary Appreciation: The book's collection of tales showcases the art of storytelling and the power of narrative. Readers who appreciate literature and storytelling can enjoy the craftsmanship that Gail E. Haley brings to the retelling of these traditional tales.