Joyce Carol Thomas

Gather around for lively tales from the rural South! These fast-paced stories capture the wit and wisdom of ordinary folks, featuring clever animals and hilarious situations that will keep you guessing. Skillfully adapted from the collections of an acclaimed folklorist who traveled the country gathering real stories, this picture book brings classic oral traditions right to your hands. Whether it is a quick-thinking fox or another mischievous character, every page is packed with energy and humor. Beautifully illustrated in full color, these engaging folktales are perfect for young readers who love a good laugh and a great adventure. It is a wonderful introduction to a rich cultural heritage that celebrates the joy of storytelling.

Do you dare to cross paths with an enchantress who can slip entirely out of her own skin? Spooky, chilling, and wonderfully fantastical, this collection of six scary tales is guaranteed to send shivers right up your spine. Drawn from a famous archive of folklore, these stories bring the soulful and fanciful imaginations of ordinary folks straight to your reading corner. You will meet a man who is rumored to be more evil than the devil himself, a pair of creepy feet that can walk completely on their own, and a sassy skull that actually talks back. Each tale is perfectly sized for a quick scare, blending eerie supernatural events with a whole lot of humor and clever tricks. The characters find themselves in bizarre situations that will keep you guessing and checking over your shoulder long after you turn the final page. Carefully adapted for younger readers, these classic folktales preserve the authentic rhythm and magic of the original storytelling. It is the perfect read for a dark night, inviting you into a world where the strange and the spectacular hide just around the bend.

Can you imagine a family so utterly foolish that it makes you want to pack your bags and leave town? When a young man discovers just how silly his fiancée and her parents can be, he decides he has finally had enough. He sets off on an unbelievable journey with a single, hilarious goal in mind: to find three people in the world who are even more foolish than his future in-laws! This classic African American folktale takes you on a humorous adventure full of ridiculous encounters and laughable moments. As the young man travels far and wide, you will get to meet a cast of characters who make the most absurd choices imaginable. Will he actually find anyone sillier than the family he left behind, or will he discover that foolishness is just a part of being human? Adapted from the brilliant mind of storyteller Zora Neale Hurston, this funny, engaging tale is sure to keep you laughing out loud while you guess what silly situation will happen next.

Some lies are so tall they touch the sky! While traveling through the Gulf States in the 1930s, one of America's greatest folklorists collected some real whoppers told by folks from all walks of life. These are not the kind of ordinary fibs about dogs eating your homework. These are tales so wild and far-fetched that you will never want to hear the truth again. Paired with bold, expressive illustrations, this spirited adaptation invites readers to dive into an incredibly fun world of exaggerated storytelling. It is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southern oral traditions, guaranteed to bring laughter and a whole lot of disbelief to anyone who turns the pages.